Prunus cerasifera Nigra 20 Litre Pot 180cm Stem Standard

Black Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra') – Striking Ornamental Tree with Rich Purple Foliage and Early Spring Blossom

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra', commonly known as the Black Cherry Plum, is one of the most dramatically coloured of all ornamental trees. Its deep, rich purple-black foliage makes an immediate and lasting statement in any garden setting, providing a bold contrast against green-leaved neighbours and lending a sense of theatre and depth to borders, avenues, and open lawns alike. From a distance, the tree appears almost luminously dark — an effect that is extraordinary in full leaf.

Before the leaves emerge in spring, the bare branches are smothered in a cloud of pale pink blossom, one of the earliest floral displays of the season and a vital early nectar source for pollinators. As the flowers fade, the distinctive dark foliage unfurls, deepening in colour as summer progresses. Occasionally, small red-purple fruits develop in late summer, adding further ornamental interest. Compact, upright, and well-suited to a wide range of garden styles, 'Nigra' is equally at home as a bold focal point, a colourful boundary tree, or a key element in mixed planting schemes.

Key Features

• Outstanding deep purple-black foliage — one of the darkest and most dramatic of any hardy ornamental tree

• Profuse pale pink blossom in late winter to early spring, before leaves emerge

• Compact, upright habit — suitable for smaller gardens and restricted spaces

• Excellent as a specimen tree, avenue planting, or bold contrast within mixed borders

• Valuable early nectar source for bees and pollinators

Growing Conditions

Position: Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' performs best in full sun, which is essential for the development of its characteristic deep purple foliage — plants grown in shade will produce noticeably greener, less richly coloured leaves. It tolerates a range of exposed positions and is well suited to urban and suburban gardens, showing good tolerance of pollution and wind once established.

Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils, including clay, loam, chalk, and sandy ground. It prefers a moderately fertile, moisture-retentive growing medium but will establish reliably in a wide variety of conditions. Avoid permanently waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which can cause root stress and reduce vigour.

Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating hard winter frosts without significant damage. An reliable performer in all but the most exposed or frost-pocket locations.

Habit & Appearance

Foliage: The leaves are oval, pointed, and a deep, lustrous purple-black — emerging bronze-red in spring and intensifying to their characteristic dark hue as the season progresses. The colour holds well through summer before transitioning in autumn, and the overall effect throughout the growing season is one of rich, moody drama unmatched by most other hardy trees.

Flowers & Fruit: In late winter to early spring — often as early as February or March — the bare branches produce a generous flush of small, delicate pale pink flowers, providing one of the earliest ornamental displays in the garden calendar. These give way to the unfolding foliage. In warmer seasons, small round, red-purple fruits may develop by late summer, providing a modest but attractive crop and a food source for birds.

Ultimate Size: 'Nigra' forms a medium-sized, upright to broadly rounded tree, typically reaching 6–8m in height with a spread of 4–6m at maturity. Growth rates are moderate, making it manageable in a range of garden settings without becoming overwhelmingly large.

Care & Pruning

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment. Once settled, 'Nigra' is reasonably drought-tolerant and self-sufficient in typical UK conditions, though prolonged dry periods in the first year or two may benefit from supplementary irrigation.

Feeding: Apply a balanced general-purpose fertiliser in early spring to support healthy growth, particularly in leaner soils. An annual mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil condition over time.

Pruning: Pruning is best carried out in mid to late summer when the tree is in active growth — this timing reduces the risk of silver leaf disease, a fungal condition to which Prunus species can be susceptible if pruned during the dormant season. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a clean, open framework. 'Nigra' does not require regular heavy pruning; light formative work to maintain a well-balanced crown is generally all that is needed. Avoid large cuts wherever possible, and always use clean, sharp tools.

Pests & Disease: Generally a healthy and robust tree when grown in suitable conditions. As with all Prunus species, it can occasionally be affected by silver leaf disease or bacterial canker — both of which are best managed by pruning at the correct time of year and removing any affected wood promptly. Aphids may appear on new spring growth but are rarely troublesome on an established tree