Cistena Plum Trees for Sale (Prunus × Cistena)
The Cistena Plum Trees are glorious, fruit-bearing tree that shine in every season. It is also known as the red leaf plum or purple leaf cherry tree, because of its purple and red coloring in the leaves and bark. The fruits are drupes - a fleshy fruit with thin skin and a stone pit, and are somewhere between the size of a plum and a cherry.
These fruits are a favorite of birds and small mammals, so they are a perfect choice for a wildlife lover's garden. The delicate pink and white flowers against the purple-red branches make for a warm, vibrant centerpiece for your garden space.
Cistena Plum Plant Details
Family: Rosaceae
Light Requirement: Full sun
Water Needs: Moderate
Height: 5-8 ft
Spread: 5-8 ft
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained, clay, loam, sand
Season of Interest: Spring, Summer
Flower Color: Pink, White
Fruit: Purple-red drupes
Wildlife Value: Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Notable Characteristics of Cistena Plum Trees
This purple-red tree is often considered a shrub because of its woody, twiggy appearance. The Cistena Plum grows in an upright pattern but spreads out as it matures, stretching its branches horizontally. It can be left to grow naturally, should you enjoy the sprawl, but can also easily be pruned to a more manageable shape.
This unique growth pattern purple leaf sand cherry requires some forethought before planting, to ensure no other plants get crowded out. This tree flowers in the spring, sprouting among small pink and white blooms that resemble cherry blossoms amidst its leaves. The foliage is a true purple-red color - no green in sight. The bark even has such hues, making the whole bush harmonious in spring, summer and fall.
Landscape and Maintenance of Cistena Plum Trees
The Cistena Plum, while gorgeous, can be quite a handful. It is toxic to animals like cats, dogs and horses so take care when planting in an area frequented by your furry friends. It is also highly prone to diseases such as leaf spot, dieback, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, honey fungus and fire blight.
The tree is prone to damage by many insects as well, such as spider mites, japanese beetles, leafhoppers, caterpillars and aphids. The wood may see damage from borers and trunk cankers caused by fungi or bacteria. Due to all its vulnerabilities, it only has a lifespan of around 10 years, but is sure to be a true beauty and wonderful addition to your garden for every one of them.
Customer Reviews
The Cistena Plum tree I bought from TN Nursery arrived with a healthy root system and beautiful structure. It has added amazing curb appeal with its rich-colored foliage and easy growth. TN Nursery’s website made ordering easy, and their customer service was top-notch. I’ll definitely be back for more ornamental trees.
I was looking for a hardy, beautiful ornamental tree, and the Cistena Plum from TN Nursery was exactly what I needed. It arrived healthy and acclimated quickly. The vivid foliage and compact size make it perfect for borders and decorative landscaping. TN Nursery truly offers quality you can trust.
After shopping around, I found that TN Nursery had the best price and highest-rated Cistena Plum trees. Mine arrived in excellent condition and is already leafing out with bold purple hues. I appreciated their detailed planting instructions and the eco-friendly packaging. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend TN Nursery for any tree purchase.
This tree adds year-round color and beauty to my yard. I ordered my Cistena Plum from TN Nursery and was thrilled with how healthy and vibrant it looked even before planting. It's a low-maintenance, high-impact ornamental tree that every homeowner should consider. TN Nursery's trees are second to none in quality and care.
The Cistena Plum tree I received from TN Nursery was a great addition to my front yard. It’s thriving already and has quickly become the focal point of my landscape. Their trees are healthy, easy to plant, and competitively priced. I’m impressed by their native and ornamental tree collection and will be ordering again soon.
How tall do cistena plums get?
Cistena Plum trees typically grow 6 to 10 feet tall with a similar spread. They form a compact, rounded shape covered in pink spring blooms and deep purple foliage. Their manageable size makes them perfect for borders, small yards, or accent plantings.
Are cistena plums edible?
Yes, Cistena Plums are edible and have a sweet-tart flavor. The small fruits can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and desserts. They’re both ornamental and practical, adding beauty and usefulness to the garden.
Are plum trees high maintenance?
Plum trees are generally low-maintenance and easy to grow. With full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional pruning, they stay healthy and productive. Their beautiful blooms and delicious fruit make them a rewarding addition to any yard.
Exposure
The Cistena Plum thrives in full sun to partial shade. It should acquire at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant foliage. In shaded areas, it may not flower as profusely.
Height at Maturity
Over 25 Feet
Usage
Fruit
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
2-8
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees
Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.
