Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus × cistena)

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is a hardy ornamental shrub valued for its rich purple foliage and early spring blooms. This hybrid, Prunus × cistena, is widely used in landscapes for its consistent colour and adaptability to a range of growing conditions.

This deciduous shrub forms an upright to rounded habit with striking burgundy-purple leaves that hold their colour throughout the growing season. In early spring, it produces small, pale pink to white fragrant flowers before or as the foliage emerges, adding seasonal interest. Small dark fruits may follow, though they are typically ornamental rather than a primary feature.

Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is commonly used in hedging, borders, and mass plantings where foliage colour and contrast are desired. It performs well as a feature shrub or as part of a mixed landscape design, providing visual interest across multiple seasons.