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Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

Deciduous · Full Sun

Mature size: 5m high × 3m wide

  • Deciduous
  • Full Sun
  • Mature height5m
  • Mature width3m
  • Frost Hardy
  • Flowers

The narrow columnar version of the purple-leaf flowering plum. Same deep purple foliage and white spring blossom as 'Nigra', but at 3 metres wide instead of 4 or 5, so it fits a side boundary or a narrow bed where the spreading form would crowd.

Regular price $650.00
Sale price $650.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 100L
Current height guide
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Pot size
100L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$650.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata'

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' is the upright form of the purple-leaf flowering plum. It carries the same deep purple-crimson foliage as the familiar 'Nigra', but in a narrow columnar frame rather than a spreading one.

    In early spring, pale pink buds open to a profusion of single white blossom along the bare stems, before the purple foliage flushes through behind it. That sequence is the whole appeal: white blossom against dark branches, then a solid column of purple that holds all summer and turns bronze in autumn.

    It reaches around 5 metres tall by 3 metres wide. That narrow habit is the reason to choose it over the standard 'Nigra', which spreads to 4 or 5 metres. It fits a side boundary, a narrow bed or a tight driveway where the spreading form would crowd, and a row of them screens a neighbour without taking the garden.

    Full sun gives the strongest foliage colour and the heaviest flowering. It wants free-draining soil and shelter from strong wind. Otherwise it is a hardy, undemanding deciduous tree.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Upright Flowering Plum

    What is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata'?

    It is the fastigiate, or upright columnar, form of the purple-leaf flowering plum. Same deep purple foliage and early white blossom as the well-known 'Nigra', but held in a narrow upright frame instead of a spreading canopy. It is also sold as Upright Purple Leaf Cherry Plum or Upright Black Ornamental Plum.

    How big does it grow?

    Around 5 metres tall by 3 metres wide. The narrow width is the point of the tree, and it is what separates it from standard 'Nigra' at 4 to 5 metres across.

    How is it different to Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'?

    Shape only. The foliage, flowering and hardiness are the same. 'Nigra' forms a rounded spreading canopy to 4 or 5 metres wide, while 'Nigra Fastigiata' stays columnar at around 3 metres. Choose the fastigiate form where width is the constraint, such as a side boundary, a narrow bed or a driveway.

    When does it flower, and what colour?

    Early spring, before the leaves. Pale pink buds open to single white blossom carried the length of the bare stems. The purple foliage follows behind the flowers, so you get white blossom on dark branches first, then the colour.

    Does the foliage hold its colour all season?

    Yes. The deep purple-crimson holds right through summer rather than fading to green, then turns bronze before leaf drop in autumn. Full sun gives the strongest colour, and it will dull noticeably in shade.

    Can I use it for screening?

    Yes, and it is one of the better options for a narrow site. Plant 2 to 2.5 metres apart for a screening row. Bear in mind it is deciduous, so the screen drops away over winter, which suits a garden where you want winter sun and summer privacy.

    Where does it grow best?

    Full sun in free-draining soil, sheltered from strong wind. It is hardy and tolerates most conditions across temperate and cool-climate Australia, from Melbourne and the Victorian districts through the NSW tablelands to Adelaide and Tasmania.

    How do I care for it?

    Water deeply through the first two summers, then only in extended dry spells. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Prune in late winter while dormant, removing any branch that breaks the upright line. Watch for aphids on soft new growth and for leaf curl in wet springs.

    Key growing information
    Mature height5m (approx.)
    Mature width3m (approx.)
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.)
    FrostFrost Hardy
    FoliageDeciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)
    FormColumnar · Upright · Narrow
    UsesFeature Tree · Screening or Privacy · Driveway Border · Avenue Planting · Street Tree · Council or Civic Landscapes
    Foliage

    Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Columnar
    • Upright
    • Narrow
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Driveway Border
    • Avenue Planting
    • Street Tree
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    Mature height
    5m (approx.)
    Mature width
    3m (approx.)
    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Site: Full sun in free-draining soil, sheltered from strong wind. Sun drives both the foliage colour and the flowering.

    Hole: Dig twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Set level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in and water deeply. Stake for the first two years, as the narrow upright frame catches wind.

    Mulch: A 50 to 70 mm layer of organic mulch over the root zone, kept clear of the trunk.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Screening row: 2 to 2.5 metres apart for a continuous narrow screen.

    Avenue or driveway: 3 metres apart, which suits the 3 metre mature width.

    Feature tree: Standalone, allowing 3 to 4 metres of clear space.

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Watering: Deep watering through the first two summers. After that, only in extended dry spells.

    Pruning: Prune in late winter while dormant. Remove any branch breaking the upright line, plus crossing or damaged wood. Little else is needed, as the columnar habit is natural rather than trained.

    Fertilising: A slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

    Pest and disease: Watch for aphids on soft new growth in spring, and for leaf curl in wet springs. Both are manageable and neither is usually serious on an established tree.

    Planting Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum in Different Soil

    Loam soils: Ideal, giving steady growth and the strongest foliage colour.

    Sandy soils: Suitable when improved with compost and mulched to hold moisture.

    Clay soils: Tolerated once drainage is addressed. Work gypsum and compost through before planting, or plant on a raised mound.

    pH preference: Slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Driveway Border
    • Avenue Planting
    • Street Tree
    • Council or Civic Landscapes

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum works in an:

    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
    • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.

    Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 5m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 3m (approx.)

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm per year (moderate) (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum frost tolerant?

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum Flower?

    Pale pink buds open to single white blossom in early spring, carried the length of the bare stems before the foliage appears. The purple leaves flush through behind the flowers, so the display runs from white blossom on dark branches into a solid column of purple.

    Does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum is Native to The parent species Prunus cerasifera, the cherry plum, comes from south-east Europe and western Asia. 'Nigra Fastigiata' is a selected cultivar, chosen for the combination of deep purple foliage and a narrow upright habit rather than the spreading canopy of the standard purple-leaf plum.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum ?

    The early spring blossom of 'Nigra Fastigiata' is a useful nectar and pollen source for bees at a point in the season when little else has opened. Small dark plums may follow the flowering and are taken by birds.

    How much Sunlight does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum need?

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    'Nigra Fastigiata' grows in most soils provided drainage is free, and does best in a loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Heavy clay needs gypsum and compost worked through before planting, or a raised mound. Shelter from strong wind matters as much as soil, since the narrow upright frame catches it.

    Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum Drought Tolerant?

    Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum Drought tolerant?

    Water deeply through the first two summers to establish the root system. Once away it copes with moderate dry periods, though it is not a drought tree. In hot inland districts it holds foliage colour better with occasional deep summer watering and mulch over the root zone.

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata'?

    It is the fastigiate, or upright columnar, form of the purple-leaf flowering plum. Same deep purple foliage and early white blossom as the well-known 'Nigra', but held in a narrow upright frame instead of a spreading canopy. It is also sold as Upright Purple Leaf Cherry Plum or Upright Black Ornamental Plum.

    How big does it grow?

    Around 5 metres tall by 3 metres wide. The narrow width is the point of the tree, and it is what separates it from standard 'Nigra' at 4 to 5 metres across.

    How is it different to Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'?

    Shape only. The foliage, flowering and hardiness are the same. 'Nigra' forms a rounded spreading canopy to 4 or 5 metres wide, while 'Nigra Fastigiata' stays columnar at around 3 metres. Choose the fastigiate form where width is the constraint, such as a side boundary, a narrow bed or a driveway.

    When does it flower, and what colour?

    Early spring, before the leaves. Pale pink buds open to single white blossom carried the length of the bare stems. The purple foliage follows behind the flowers, so you get white blossom on dark branches first, then the colour.

    Does the foliage hold its colour all season?

    Yes. The deep purple-crimson holds right through summer rather than fading to green, then turns bronze before leaf drop in autumn. Full sun gives the strongest colour, and it will dull noticeably in shade.

    Can I use it for screening?

    Yes, and it is one of the better options for a narrow site. Plant 2 to 2.5 metres apart for a screening row. Bear in mind it is deciduous, so the screen drops away over winter, which suits a garden where you want winter sun and summer privacy.

    Where does it grow best?

    Full sun in free-draining soil, sheltered from strong wind. It is hardy and tolerates most conditions across temperate and cool-climate Australia, from Melbourne and the Victorian districts through the NSW tablelands to Adelaide and Tasmania.

    How do I care for it?

    Water deeply through the first two summers, then only in extended dry spells. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Prune in late winter while dormant, removing any branch that breaks the upright line. Watch for aphids on soft new growth and for leaf curl in wet springs.

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' – Upright Flowering Plum

    Compare sizes side by side

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra Fastigiata' is loved for its The narrow columnar version of the purple-leaf flowering plum. Same deep purple foliage and white spring blossom as 'Nigra', but at 3 metres wide instead of 4 or 5, so it fits a side boundary or a narrow bed where the spreading form would crowd.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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