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Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Most loved for its deep purple foliage that provides strong colour contrast through the growing season, followed by subtle seasonal change in autumn.

Regular price $330.00
Sale price $330.00 Regular price
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Size: 40cm/45L
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40cm/45L

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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.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$330.00

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.

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About Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’

Prunus virginiana 'Purple Jewel' is a deciduous chokecherry grown for foliage colour. New leaves open green and deepen to a rich blackish purple within a few weeks, then hold that tone until autumn. Short white flower spikes appear in spring, followed by small dark fruit. The habit is upright then rounded, on a well branched framework.

Full sun brings out the strongest leaf colour, and in shade the purple stays muted and dull. It accepts a wide range of well drained soils, tolerates wind and handles hard frost, which makes it a cool temperate and inland tree rather than a coastal or subtropical one. Growth is moderate at 30 to 50 centimetres a year.

Use it as a feature tree where dark foliage will read against green, or in avenue planting for a consistent line of colour. It suits cold climate gardens, rural entries and council work where something tough and distinctive is wanted. Watch for root suckers and remove them early if you want a single clean trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Purple Jewel Chokecherry

What is Prunus virginiana 'Purple Jewel'?

It is a selected form of the North American chokecherry, a deciduous small tree in the rose family grown for deep purple summer foliage rather than for fruit. It carries short spikes of small white flowers in spring and dark astringent berries afterwards. The name chokecherry comes from the sharp taste of the wild fruit.

How big does Purple Jewel Chokecherry grow?

Allow around 4 to 6 metres in height and 3 to 4 metres in width at maturity, which places it among the smaller feature trees. It starts upright and fills into a rounded crown as it ages. Spaced 3 to 4 metres apart the canopies knit into a continuous line, which is what you want for avenue work.

Do the leaves stay purple all season?

The new spring growth emerges green and darkens to purple over a few weeks, so the tree looks two toned early in the season while fresh shoots are still extending. From early summer the canopy holds an even deep purple through to autumn leaf fall. Colour is strongest in full sun and in districts with cool nights.

Does it need full sun?

Full sun is what you plant it for. Shade produces a muddy green purple instead of the clean dark tone, and the canopy opens up as the tree reaches for light. A position with sun for most of the day, ideally with something green behind it for contrast, gets the most out of the foliage colour.

Is it frost tolerant?

Yes, and comfortably so. It handles light to moderate frost once established and copes with the hard winter frosts of the tablelands, inland Victoria and Tasmania without damage. It also stands up to wind and short dry periods. What it does not enjoy is humid coastal heat, where foliage disease is more likely.

Does it sucker or have invasive roots?

Chokecherries do sucker from the roots, and this cultivar is no exception, particularly where the root zone is disturbed by cultivation or mowing. The roots themselves are not aggressive enough to threaten paving or pipes, but suckers will appear around the base. Cut them off at ground level as they appear and the tree stays as a single trunk.

How do I care for it?

Water through the first two summers to establish a deep root system, then it needs very little. Mulch the root zone, prune lightly in late summer to keep the structure balanced and remove any damaged wood. Take suckers off promptly. Note that the leaves and seeds are toxic to livestock, so avoid planting it in grazing paddocks.

Foliage

Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

Position
  • Full Sun
Form
  • Upright
  • Rounded
Use
  • Feature Tree
  • Avenue Planting

Planting Information

How To Plant Your Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

  • Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry in Different Soil

Prunus virginiana performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Uses in my Garden

Uses in my Garden

  • Feature Tree
  • Avenue Planting

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry works in an:

  • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
  • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
  • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
  • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.

Is Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry Evergreen or Deciduous?

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 12m to 15m

Mature Width: 4m to 6m

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

Growth Rate of Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry is expected to grow 30cm to 50cm per year (moderate).

They are considered to have a:

  • Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry

Is Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry frost tolerant?

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

Does Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry Flower?

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ produces clusters of small white flowers in spring. While relatively subtle, the blooms create a soft seasonal display and are followed by dark purple-black berries that contrast attractively with the tree’s rich purple foliage.

Does Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry flower?

  • Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

  • Spring

Flower Type:

  • Clustered

Flower Colour:

White

Is Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry an Australian Native Tree?

No

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry is Native to North America, where Prunus virginiana grows naturally across temperate woodlands, river margins, and open landscapes.

What is the Wildlife Value of Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry ?

Its spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, while the dense branching habit offers shelter for small birds. The dark berries that follow are also an important food source for birdlife, making this tree a valuable contributor to local biodiversity.

How much Sunlight does Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry need?

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry will thrive best in:

  • Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It will tolerate lighter sandy soils if improved with organic matter to support moisture retention. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground unless significantly improved, as poor drainage can stress the roots and reduce overall performance. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the tree matures.

Is Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry Drought Tolerant?

Is Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it benefits from regular watering to establish well. Once established, ‘Purple Jewel’ shows good drought tolerance, performing reliably through warm, dry periods when planted in well-drained soil, with only occasional supplementary watering required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ hold its foliage colour well?
A: Yes, it is selected for consistent purple foliage throughout the growing season.

Q: How fast does it grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically growing around 30–50cm per year.

Q: Is it suitable for cold climates?
A: Yes, it is frost tolerant and performs reliably in cool temperate and inland regions.

Q: Does it require regular pruning?
A: Minimal pruning is required, usually limited to shaping and removing damaged branches.

Compare sizes

40cm/45L

Enquire for current heights

Photographs are not to scale. Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ is loved for its deep purple foliage that provides strong colour contrast through the growing season, followed by subtle seasonal change in autumn.

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.

Plant Your Prunus virginiana ‘Purple Jewel’ – Purple Jewel Chokecherry With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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