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Prunus x cistena


 

Prunus x cistena
Purpleleaf sand cherry

Culture: The Purpleleaf sandcherry is a short-lived shrub that needs to be located in full sun for best foliage color. It may require pruning to remove dead wood, especially in the colder regions.

Borers are a common problem resulting in a short life span. Keeping the plant vigorous and supplying irrigation in a drought will help reduce borer incidence.

Usage: Because of its prominent dark maroon-purple foliage, this selection tends to be used as a specimen plant or in small masses. I have also seen it used nicely as a lightly sheared hedge in the Netherlands. The cultivar 'Minnesota Red' has more intensely colored foliage and the trademarked, Big Cis, is a taller and more vigorous form.

 
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