Prunus Pissardii Nigra (cerasifera 'Nigra') – Purple Leaved Plum
Origin and characteristics
Derived from Prunus cerasifera, this ornamental cultivar, also known as the purple leaved plum, originates from Western Asia and is naturalised in Europe. ‘Nigra’ is prized for its early purple foliage, abundant bloom before leaf-out, and good cold hardiness.
Description and special features
Prunus Pissardii 'Nigra' has a rounded to oval shape, becoming slightly spreading with age. From late March, before the leaves appear, it is covered with numerous single pink flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. The foliage starts bright red, then darkens to a glossy deep purple or almost black, creating a striking contrast in the garden. It produces small, dark red plums – non-toxic but rarely consumed.
- Height at maturity: 5 to 8 m
- Width: 3 to 6 m
- Shape: Rounded, slightly spreading
- Foliage: Deciduous, dark purple to black, decorative all season
- Flowering: March to April
- Fruit: Small ornamental dark red plums in July
- Hardiness: Very good (down to -25 °C)
- Growth: Moderate to fast
Flowering and fruiting
- Flowers: Single, light to deep pink, 2–3 cm, very abundant
- Period: Late March to mid-April depending on climate
- Scent: Light fragrance
- Fruit: Small edible red plums, low ornamental taste value
- Pollinator-friendly: Attracts bees and bumblebees
Exposure and soil
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (stronger foliage colour in sun)
- Soil: Any well-drained soil
- Tolerates lime, light drought or fresh soil
- Prefers rich, deep, slightly humus-rich soils
Planting
Best planted in autumn or spring in an open, sunny spot.
- Loosen soil and add compost or planting mix
- Minimum spacing: 3 to 4 m from other trees
- Mulch recommended to retain moisture and reduce weeds
Watering
- Regular watering for the first two years
- Later, tolerates moderate drought well
- In pots: frequent watering in hot periods
Pruning
- No regular pruning required
- Light pruning after flowering to control shape
- Avoid repeated hard pruning (Prunus has poor healing ability)
Propagation
- By grafting onto Prunus cerasifera or Myrobalan rootstock
- Seedlings do not retain purple foliage (not true to type)
Garden uses
The purple flowering plum is ideal as:
- Decorative standalone specimen
- Free flowering and colourful hedge
- Ornamental tree grouping
- Accent at entrance, along paths or lawns
- Combine with:
- Catalpa bignonioides
- Liquidambar styraciflua
- Acer platanoides ‘Drummondii’
- Cornus alba (golden or variegated foliage)
Disease resistance
- Generally robust, but monitor for:
- Aphids (spring)
- Leaf spot or monilia in humid conditions
- Prevention: keep canopy airy, avoid excess moisture, use ventilated mulch
Tips for healthy growth
- Sunny location = deeper foliage colour
- Moist but well-drained soil, add surface compost each spring
- Don't let soil dry out completely in summer for young trees
- Prefer light formative pruning to hard cutting
Prunus Pissardii 'Nigra', or Purple Leaved Flowering Plum, is a spectacular ornamental tree with double appeal: early, nectar-rich blossoms and deep purple foliage lasting through autumn. Hardy, decorative and easy to grow – perfect for classic or contemporary small gardens.
The Prunus Pissardii Nigra is ideal for standalone planting, mixed groups or informal hedging. For colour contrast, combine with trees with striking foliage like Catalpa bignonioides or Liquidambar styraciflua.
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