Prunus cistena aka Dwarf Red Leaf Plum

Taxonomy

Prunus × cistena, also known as the purple leaf sand cherry or dwarf red-leaf plum, is a hybrid species resulting from a cross between Prunus cerasifera and Prunus pumila. This leggy bush or shrubby tree typically grows to a height of 1.5–2.5 meters and has a lifespan of 10–20 years. The fruits of Prunus × cistena are edible, although they have a strong taste and it is not recommended to eat the pits. Some people use the fruits to make jams or preserves. Purple leaf sand cherries are frost-tolerant and can be cultivated in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. They are often grafted to a rootstock from other species, which influences their growth form and final height. There is a limited selection of cultivars available. This plant was developed by Niels Ebbesen Hansen in 1910 and was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993. This medium-sized deciduous shrub has an upright, bushy growth habit and produces small, pinkish-white flowers. Its leaves are initially red-purple, deepening in color during the summer and becoming brighter in autumn. In addition to its outdoor cultivation, the purple leaf sand cherry can also be grown as a rare houseplant. When grown indoors, it requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light. Placing it less than 1 foot away from a window is ideal. The plant prefers soil that retains moisture well, and if repotted each time it doubles in size, it should not require additional fertilizers.

Common names

Dwarf Red Leaf Plum, Purple Leaf Sand Cherry, Red Leaf Sand Cherry, Cistena Plum

How to care for Dwarf Red Leaf Plum

Water

Dwarf Red Leaf Plum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dwarf Red Leaf Plum requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Red Leaf Sand Cherry, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Dwarf Red Leaf Plum will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dwarf Red Leaf Plum prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Dwarf Red Leaf Plum is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Dwarf Red Leaf Plum’s native range is A hybrid of garden origin, P. 'Pissardii' x P. pumila or P. besseyi.


More info:
Wikipedia