Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Title: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 500L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.4m – 1.6m Approx.
100L: 2.5m – 3m Approx.
500L: Enquire within for height guide information.

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.

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

About Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

Prunus x blireana (Purple-Leaf Plum) is perfect for adding striking color contrast and seasonal interest in mixed plantings. Its deep purple to burgundy foliage provides a beautiful backdrop throughout the growing season, while fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring create an elegant floral display.

This tree typically grows 4–8 meters tall with a graceful, rounded canopy spreading 3–6 meters wide, making it an ideal feature tree for gardens, landscapes, streetscapes, and small yards. Its upright, well-structured form offers strong architectural appeal, and its manageable size suits urban environments.

They look excellent when planted in full sun to partial shade—full sun encourages the richest leaf color. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it requires only minimal pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches. It prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for a variety of settings.

Distinguishing Features

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is a great option for you if you:

Want Low Maintenance
Want Fast Growing
Want Autumn Colour
Want Your Tree To Grow Tall
Want Shade
Want To Avenue Plant
Want To Add Impact With A Feature Tree
Want A Flowering Tree
Want to Attract Birds And Bees
Need Frost Tolerance

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 6 meters

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is expected to grow Approx. 30 cm – 60 cm per year.

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

There is no charge to calculate your freight.

VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically at Checkout

About Your New Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

Prunus x blireana (Purple-Leaf Plum) is perfect for adding striking color contrast and seasonal interest in mixed plantings. Its deep purple to burgundy foliage provides a beautiful backdrop throughout the growing season, while fragrant pink or white blossoms in early spring create an elegant floral display.

This tree typically grows 4–8 meters tall with a graceful, rounded canopy spreading 3–6 meters wide, making it an ideal feature tree for gardens, landscapes, streetscapes, and small yards. Its upright, well-structured form offers strong architectural appeal, and its manageable size suits urban environments.

They look excellent when planted in full sun to partial shade—full sun encourages the richest leaf color. Low-maintenance and adaptable, it requires only minimal pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches. It prefers consistent moisture but is drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient choice for a variety of settings.

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This cultivar grows upright to 2–4 meters tall and 1.5–2.5 meters wide, fitting well in gardens of varying sizes, borders, or containers. It prefers partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter. Moderate drought tolerance develops once established, but consistent moisture enhances performance.

They look excellent as a winter focal point, especially when paired with other acid-loving plants. Maintenance is low, requiring only light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage denser growth.

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
Cottage Garden – romantic mix of flowers, colour, and texture.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Evergreen or Deciduous?

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 6 meters

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is expected to grow Approx. 30 cm – 60 cm per year.

Growth Rate of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is expected to grow Approx. 30 cm – 60 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' frost tolerant?

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

Does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Flower?

Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ bursts into masses of single pale pink to soft white blossoms in late winter to early spring. The delicate flowers appear along bare dark branches, creating a striking contrast before the deep purple foliage emerges for the season.

Does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Pink

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' an Australian Native Tree?

No

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is Native to Derived from Prunus cerasifera, native to southeast Europe and western Asia. ‘Nigra’ is a popular ornamental cultivar selected for its dark foliage and reliable blossom.

What is the Wildlife Value of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' ?

Its early-season blossoms attract bees and pollinating insects when few other flowers are available. The small summer fruits provide food for birds, while the branching canopy offers shelter and nesting opportunities, adding biodiversity value to ornamental gardens and streetscapes.

How much Sunlight does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' need?

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay or poorly drained areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support vibrant foliage colour, consistent flowering and strong seasonal growth.

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Drought Tolerant?

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Nigra’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs well in warm, dry and urban conditions, maintaining healthy foliage colour with deep, occasional watering during extended dry periods.

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How To Plant Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

How to Plant:

Choose a location with well-draining soil and exposure to full sun or partial shade.
Dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and at least twice as wide.
Place the tree in the hole at the correct depth.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and add mulch to conserve moisture.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

Feature Planting: Space 3 – 5 m apart for broad canopy development

Hedging & Screening: Not typically used for dense hedging

Avenue Planting: Space 4 – 6 m apart for symmetrical rows and seasonal contrast

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is expected to grow Approx. 30 cm – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'

Caring for Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra':

Prune sparingly to maintain the desired shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Water regularly during the establishment phase and dry periods to ensure healthy growth and to support the tree's moisture requirements.
Enjoy the year-round beauty of the distinctive purple foliage and delicate spring blossoms that make Purple-Leaf Plum a standout in gardens and landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the significance of the purple foliage of Purple-Leaf Plum?
The deep purple to burgundy foliage of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' creates a striking contrast in the landscape and adds ornamental value throughout the growing season.
Is this tree suitable for urban environments?
Yes, Purple-Leaf Plum's manageable size and ornamental qualities make it an excellent choice for urban landscapes, adding character and beauty.
Does it attract wildlife?
While not primarily grown for wildlife attraction, the tree's spring blossoms may provide nectar for pollinators.