Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' – A Stunning Purple-Leaved Cherry with Early Spring Blossoms
Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea', commonly known as the Purple Leaf Plum, is a striking ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant purple foliage, early spring blossoms, and graceful form. This small deciduous tree brings year-round interest to any garden or landscape with its colourful leaves, delicate flowers, and compact growth habit. It’s perfect for adding colour and texture to smaller spaces, urban gardens, and mixed borders.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
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Spring: In early spring, Prunus 'Atropurpurea' is one of the first trees to bloom, producing an abundance of small, fragrant, pink to white flowers that cover the tree in a delicate floral display. These blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, adding ecological value to your garden. The flowers appear before the leaves, creating a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the tree’s dark purple foliage.
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Summer: As the tree leafs out, it features deep purple, almost burgundy leaves that provide rich colour throughout the summer months. The leaves create a dramatic contrast against other plants and enhance the overall aesthetic of the landscape. The tree’s dense, rounded canopy provides shade, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or areas that need some respite from the sun.
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Autumn: In autumn, Prunus 'Atropurpurea' continues to shine, as its purple leaves transition to reddish tones before falling. This late-season display further extends the tree's seasonal appeal and adds depth to autumn landscapes.
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Winter: While dormant in winter, the tree’s dark branches create a stark, beautiful contrast against snowy landscapes, providing structure and visual interest throughout the colder months.
Structure & Form
Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' is a small to medium-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 4–6m (13–20ft) with a spread of 4–5m (13–16ft). Its rounded, bushy form and compact size make it an excellent choice for small gardens, urban environments, and mixed borders. The tree has a graceful branching structure that adds elegance and dimension to the landscape, while its purple leaves provide continuous colour throughout the growing season.
Ideal for Various Landscapes
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Small Gardens & Urban Spaces: Due to its compact size, 'Atropurpurea' is ideal for smaller gardens, patios, or urban environments where space is limited but a visually impactful tree is needed.
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Specimen Tree: The vibrant purple foliage and delicate spring blossoms make it a perfect specimen tree for drawing attention in smaller spaces.
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Pollinator Gardens: The early spring flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making 'Atropurpurea' an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.
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Mixed Borders & Hedgerows: 'Atropurpurea' can add a bold colour contrast when planted alongside other shrubs and flowering plants in mixed borders or informal hedgerows.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best leaf colour and flowering, plant in a sunny spot, although it can tolerate some light shade.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy, clay, or sandy soils.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy, Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' is well-suited to temperate climates and can withstand cold winters, making it ideal for a wide range of regions.
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Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune lightly to remove dead or damaged wood and to maintain shape. The tree has good resistance to pests and diseases, making it relatively trouble-free in the garden. Regular watering during dry spells, especially in the early years, will help the tree establish itself.
Why Choose Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea'?
Prunus 'Atropurpurea' is a beautiful, multi-season tree that provides vibrant purple foliage, delicate spring blossoms, and a graceful form. Its compact size and striking appearance make it an excellent choice for small gardens, urban spaces, and landscapes that require a unique touch of colour and elegance. With minimal care required and maximum seasonal appeal, it’s a perfect tree for anyone looking to add beauty, structure, and interest to their garden.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Other Ornamental Trees – Pair with Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) or Malus (Crabapple) for contrasting flower colours and foliage.
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Flowering Shrubs – Combine with Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) or Forsythia for a range of complementary spring blooms.
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Perennials & Grasses – Underplant with Hostas, Lavender, or Astilbe for contrasting textures and colour palettes.
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Spring Bulbs – Complement with Crocus, Daffodils (Narcissus), or Tulips for a vibrant early-season display when the tree blooms.
Prunus cerasifera 'Atropurpurea' is a striking and graceful ornamental tree that offers vibrant seasonal colour and interest throughout the year. With its stunning purple leaves, early spring flowers, and compact form, it is perfect for adding bold colour and texture to smaller gardens, urban spaces, and mixed planting schemes. Whether used as a specimen tree or as part of a larger planting design, 'Atropurpurea' will surely captivate with its beauty and charm.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
