Habitat

• hybrid between P. pumila and P. cerasifera 'Autropurpurea'
• hardy in zone 4, and warmer parts of 3

Habit and Form

• a small deciduous tree
• 7' to 10' tall
• no more than 5' wide
• fine texture
• fast growth rate

Summer Foliage

• simple, deciduous leaves
• alternate leaf arrangement
• foliage has a reddish-purple color
• leaves have a serrated leaf margin
• thick leathery texture
• approx. 2" long
• elliptical leaf shape
• high quality foliage

Autumn Foliage

• leaves remain red

Flowers

• single flowers
• pink-purple in color
• flowers are fragrant
• flowers emerge after leaf set in spring
• blooms in May
• attractive

Fruit

• blackish purple fruit

Bark

• reddish brown bark

Culture

• full sun
• easily transplanted from bare root, B&B, or containers
• soil adaptable
• prefers a well-drained soil
• prune after flowering in spring

Landscape Use

• specimen
• patio plant
• small groupings
• for flowering effect
• for purple foliage
• foundation plant

Liabilities

• short-lived
• many insect and disease problems

ID Features

• a deciduous small tree
• alternate leaf arrangement
• reddish-purple, high quality foliage
• simple, elliptic, serrated leaves
• single, pink flowers
• fragrant flowers
• blackish, purple fruit

Propagation

• by softwood cuttings

Cultivars/Varieties

'Big Cis' - This selection is notable for its more vigorous growth, as the plant grows larger to form a small rounded tree to 14' tall. The purple leaves are also larger, but the flowers are as per the species.

'Minnesota Red' (also known as 'Minnesota Purpleleaf') - Selected for its deeper purple leaves, this cultivar maintains the color well into fall. It is a good choice in cold climates, where the number of purple-leaved plants is limited.