What soil does Purple-leaf sand cherry grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Is Purple-leaf sand cherry hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Purple-leaf sand cherry be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Purple-leaf sand cherry flower?

Flowering: April–May, pink, white.

How much water does Purple-leaf sand cherry need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Purple-leaf sand cherry

Prunus × cistena

Purple-leaf sand cherry (Prunus × cistena) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €17.

Illustration of Purple-leaf sand cherry — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A small ornamental shrub with upright branches whose glossy reddish purple leaves keep their colour all summer, with pale pink, fragrant flowers in spring. It is sold both as a bush and as a small tree grafted on a stem, and makes a good splash of colour in a small garden, front garden or tub. Plant it in sun and well-drained soil, because the leaves turn green in shade, and expect it to be short-lived: it often needs replacing after about ten years.

Watch out for

It is a short-lived shrub attacked by many pests and diseases, so it often lives less than ten years. Trunk cankers and wood-boring insect larvae do the most harm. It also gets the diseases of stone fruit: bacterial canker, blossom wilt (Monilia), leaf curl, silver leaf, leaf spot, powdery mildew and root rot. Aphids, scale insects, caterpillars and spider mites feed on it too. Cut dead and diseased growth back to healthy wood after flowering.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2.2 m × 1.8 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D April–May, pink, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	2.2 m × 1.8 m
Ultimate size	1.8–3 m × 1.5–2.4 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	April–May, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €17

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €17

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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