Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Title: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L 500L

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

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 mustconfirm 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.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 6 meters

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

Root Ball Dimensions

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

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

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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

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About Your New Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', the Purple-Leaf Plum, is a much-loved deciduous feature tree grown for its deep purple-black foliage and soft pink spring blossom. The rich leaf colour holds through the entire growing season, giving a striking contrast against green plantings.

Purple-Leaf Plum grows to 4-6 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a graceful rounded canopy. The compact, well-structured form and manageable size make it an ideal feature tree for gardens, streetscapes, and small yards, where it offers strong architectural appeal. Masses of soft pink blossoms appear in early spring, often before the new foliage emerges.

Purple-Leaf Plum is highly adaptable and thrives across most Australian climates, tolerating heat, frost, and a wide range of soils once established. It performs best in full sun, which encourages the richest leaf colour, and needs only minimal pruning to maintain its shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum

How tall does Prunus 'Nigra' grow?

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', the Purple-Leaf Plum, grows to 4-6 metres tall and 3-4 metres wide with a rounded canopy.

How fast does Purple-Leaf Plum grow?

Purple-Leaf Plum is moderately fast-growing, adding 40-60cm per year once established.

What colour is the foliage?

'Nigra' has deep purple-black foliage that holds its rich colour through the entire growing season, providing strong contrast against green plantings.

When does Purple-Leaf Plum flower?

'Nigra' produces masses of soft pink blossoms in early spring, typically August to September across Australia, often appearing before the new foliage.

Is Purple-Leaf Plum deciduous?

Yes. 'Nigra' is fully deciduous, dropping its purple foliage in winter and producing fresh purple leaves in spring after flowering.

Is Purple-Leaf Plum suitable for street planting?

Yes. The compact size, pink spring flowers, and year-round purple foliage make 'Nigra' a popular street, feature, and small-garden tree.

Where does Purple-Leaf Plum grow best in Australia?

'Nigra' is highly adaptable and thrives across most Australian climates, tolerating heat, frost, and a wide range of soils once established.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Features and Benefits

Organically certified product
Improves aeration for roots
A rich blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, Gypsum, composted coarse bark and wetting agent
Excellent to mix with heavy clay soils, an organic mixture with added gypsum which is perfect for exotic plants
Revitalises tired soils, adds nutrient and organic matter, no chemical additives, weed free
Assists in retaining moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering

Directions For Use

Water plant well at least several hours prior to planting.
Dig a hole at least twice the width of the pot and 7cm deeper than the pot.
Mix Grow Better Enriched Planting Mix with the soil that has been dug out of the hole, adding about 1/3 planting mix.
Spread a 7cm layer of improved soil in the hole and remove plant from the pot. Tease roots gently if the root ball is very firm and place plant in the planting hole. Check that pot soil is level with the surrounding soil surface level, not higher or lower.
Fill in the hole with improved soil mixture, firm down soil and water well adding Grow Better Plant Starter to final watering.

View full details

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Feature Tree
Street Tree
Avenue Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum 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' Purple-Leaf Plum Evergreen or Deciduous?

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 5m - 8m Approximately

Mature Width: 3 – 6 meters

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

Growth Rate of Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum 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' Purple-Leaf Plum

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum frost tolerant?

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

Does Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum 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' Purple-Leaf Plum flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Clustered

Flower Colour:

Pink

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum an Australian Native Tree?

No

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum 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' Purple-Leaf Plum ?

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' Purple-Leaf Plum need?

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum 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' Purple-Leaf Plum Drought Tolerant?

Is Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum 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' Purple-Leaf Plum

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' Purple-Leaf Plum

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' Purple-Leaf Plum is expected to grow Approx. 30 cm – 60 cm per year.

Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum

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.

Planting Your Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Purple-Leaf Plum in Different Soil

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Well-Drained Loamy Soil – Provides optimal growth, color, and flowering. No amendments needed.
Clay Soil – Benefits from improved drainage; mix with organic matter to prevent waterlogging.
Sandy Soil – Retains less moisture; regular watering and mulch help sustain growth.
Urban & Compacted Soil – Thrives in city environments but performs best with deep watering in the early years.

Tip: No matter the soil type, ensure consistent watering during establishment for strong roots and long-term resilience.

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.