Bulk discount!
Black cherry plum
The Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', commonly known as the black cherry plum, is a dramatic ornamental shrub that captivates onlookers with its unique foliage and blossoms. This variety of Prunus is known for its alluring pink flowers that herald the arrival of spring, followed by its distinctive foliage that transitions from red to dark purple, and sometimes almost black, as the season progresses.
The black cherry plum is an ideal selection for those desiring to add a touch of elegance to their landscape. It serves well as a border plant or as a solitary statement piece.
The Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' boasts a number of distinctive characteristics:
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Shrubs. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Shrubs for a long time.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' flourishes best in locations that receive full sun to partial shade. Adequate sunlight is vital for the development of the deep foliage colors and the full display of vibrant pink blossoms in spring. While this variety is adaptable to a range of soil types, ensuring well-drained conditions is crucial for its health and vigor. Planting in a spot that grants the roots ample space to expand without waterlogging will promote a robust growth habit and maintain the aesthetic appeal of its upright to bushy form.
For successful establishment, the Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' should be planted in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, ensuring the soil is well-drained to accommodate its average water needs. Being pot-rooted allows for versatile planting times outside of frost conditions. When situating this shrub in the landscape, provide ample space for it to reach its mature height of 6 meters and to accommodate its upright to bushy growth habit. After planting, regular watering will encourage a strong root system, though once established, the plant will become more resilient and require less frequent care.
Pruning for Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is minimal, focusing on maintaining its natural upright to bushy growth habit. It is advisable to prune immediately after the flowering period in late spring to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches. This species responds well to pruning, encouraging new growth that enhances its stunning foliage coloration in subsequent seasons. Regular thinning out of older branches will ensure ample light penetration and air circulation, which contributes to the overall health and aesthetic of the plant.
The Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' thrives with an average amount of water, ensuring the soil remains well-drained yet consistently moist. During the growing season, especially when the weather is dry, it's crucial to maintain regular watering to support the development of its stunning foliage and spring blooms. It's important to avoid overwatering, as this species does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage a strong root system, particularly beneficial for young plants establishing themselves. In periods of extended dryness, additional irrigation may be necessary to keep this upright to bushy shrub healthy.
To ensure the Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' thrives, a balanced approach to fertilization is key. This species benefits from the application of a general-purpose fertilizer early in the spring to support the initial flush of growth and the development of its striking pink blooms. As the foliage shifts to its summer hues of black and purple, a second application in mid-summer can help sustain its vibrant coloration and robust form.
When fertilizing, distribute the product evenly around the base of the plant, taking care to keep it away from the trunk to prevent any potential damage. A slow-release formula is preferred, as it provides a steady supply of nutrients over an extended period, aligning with the plant's needs without the risk of overfeeding. Regular feeding will contribute to an upright and bushy growth habit, ensuring that the Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' remains a captivating feature in any landscape.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is an exceptional choice for adding a splash of color to any landscape, with its deep purple leaves that maintain their lustrous hue throughout the growing season. While renowned for its decorative appeal, this species is also valued for its small, yet edible fruit, which can be a delightful surprise for those unfamiliar with its dual-purpose nature. When potted, ensure adequate space for root expansion to support its growth and seasonal transformations.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' can attain a height of 6 meters at full maturity, making it a striking addition to any landscape.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage will promote the healthy growth and development of this plant.
The ideal location for Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is a place where it can receive ample sunlight as well as partial shade. This plant thrives best when it is situated in an area that allows for a balance of direct sunlight and some shade.
The blossoms of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' display a lovely pink hue, adding a touch of delicate charm to this particular variety.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' exhibits winter hardiness, able to tolerate temperatures ranging from -20.6°C to -15.0°C. This places it within the USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. As a result, Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is well-suited to withstand winter conditions in regions falling within these zones.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is not an evergreen plant. It is deciduous, shedding its leaves in the autumn and regrowing them in the spring.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is characterized by a slow and steady growth, as it typically takes between 20 and 50 years to reach its ultimate height. This indicates that the tree progresses gradually, demonstrating its development and stature over an extended period of time.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
Learn more
If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', with its stunning dark purple leaves and beautiful pale pink blossoms, offers a dramatic color contrast for any garden. This robust plant not only adds visual interest but is also known for its ease of care, making it an exemplary choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
