Black-leaved Plum

Prunus cerasifera Nigra

• Position: full sun
• Soil: moist, well-drained fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: March to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  A spectacular, deciduous tree, with dark purple, oval leaves. Masses of bowl shaped, pink flowers smother its bare branches in early to mid-spring and are occasionally followed by plum-like red or yellow fruits. A superbsmall tree that is easy to grow and will suit any garden.
  
  
• Garden care: When planting incorporate lots of well-rotted garden compost in the planting hole and stake firmly. Lightly prune in summer to retain the shape and cut back any dead, diseased or branches which cross to healthy wood.