How to Grow an Ornamental Plum Tree (Prunus)

The ornamental plum (Prunus cerisifera) is one of the most popular trees due to its colorful flowers and foliage. There are many varieties but the ornamental plums with their dark foliage and cheerful flowers offer the opportunity to add color contrast into the landscape design. These trees are small-growing so they fit in most gardens and are usually not difficult to grow. Here is some information on how to grow an ornamental plum tree.

Instructions

1. 

   The ornamental plum, sometimes called the purple leafed plum, comes in a variety of dark colored leaves and pink or white flowers. It requires little trimming or other care. Give this Prunus full sun and regular water. On the whole this tree is not fussy about soil so long as it is well drained.

2. Grow the purple leafed plum in zones 4 through 10 in full sun. Water it occasionally so that the water seeps deeply into the soil rather than giving it multiple surface waterings. It can be moderately drought tolerant.

3. 

   The leaves of the ornamental plum are colorful. Some, like the Prunus cerisifera 'Hollywood' are green above but red beneath. The flowers of the 'Hollywood' variety are white to pink and the fruit is actually edible and tasty. Others like the 'Thundercloud' can grow larger to 25' tall with dark burgundy leaves and pink flowers. A few varieties can reach 40' tall.

4. Although many ornamental plums are assumed to be fruitless, some will produce a full crop of edible fruits, some have will small, underdeveloped fruit and yet others will not fruit at all. Because fruit is heavily pigmented, avoid planting trees with fruit - even small fruit - over patios or walkways or any other area where the fruits can stain where they fall.

5. An easy tree to grow, use the ornamental plum to add a dark accent to your landscape, for a small shade tree, or as a focal point in a garden planter or in the front of a house.

Resources

• Landscape design and gardening information