Scientific name: Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’
Family: ROSACEAE
Common names: “Purple leafed plum” “Pissard plum”
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Conditions:
Zone: 6-8
Light: Full sun best, dappled shade ok
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
Soil: Average soil fertility
Moisture: Moist well-drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 50′ W 50′
Leaf and Stem shape: Deep blackish-purple twigs and leaves
Flower: Pale pink-white, solitary flowers, blooms in March before leaves
Pruning: Summer prune only! Can make into a 20′ tree or even a short 2′ shrub
Maintenance: Regular pruning
Landscape use: Orchards, hedges, screening
Propagate: By cuttings
Pests & Disease: Cherry bark tortrix are killing these trees, caterpillars nibble on the leaves
Comments: Dark edible plums, named after Jean Pissard, most commonly planted plum tree in Victoria
Cultivars: P.c. ‘Nigra’ – “black cherry plum”, has darker flowers, leaves and twig cambium ~AGM winner
