Cherry, Prunus cerasifera Nigra

Pick up Only due to Size

The Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' (Black Cherry Plum) is a stunning ornamental tree renowned for its year-round dark foliage and early spring bloom. 

• Foliage: The main attraction is the intense dark blackish-purple foliage that holds its color well throughout summer, emerging a brighter ruby-red/bronze in spring. It provides a striking contrast in the landscape. 

• Flowers: Abundant, fragrant, single, pale pink blossoms that open from deep pink buds. They appear very early in spring (often late winter/early spring) before the leaves fully emerge, creating a spectacular display on bare, dark branches. 🌸

  Form: A small to medium-sized tree with an upright, vase-shaped habit when young, maturing to a rounded or oval crown.

  Fruit: Occasionally produces small, edible (but often sour), dark red/purple cherry plums (drupes) in late summer. 🍒

  Size: Typically grows to 5–8 meters (15–25 feet) tall and wide.

Growing Information 🌱

• Sunlight: Requires full sun ☀️ to maintain the deepest, most vibrant purple leaf color. Foliage may turn greener in partial shade.

• Soil: Highly adaptable to a variety of soils (including clay and chalk) but prefers moist, well-drained loams.

• Hardiness: Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. It tolerates frost, urban pollution, and a range of soil pH.

• Maintenance: Low maintenance once established. Prune only if necessary to shape or remove dead wood, and always do so immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds and to minimise the risk of disease.