Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' Tree

Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is a striking ornamental Cherry Plum tree favoured for its rich, deep purple foliage and stems which can appear almost black. In March-April, 'Nigra' erupts in a mass of single pink flowers which are popular with bees and contrast beautifully with the emerging bronze leaves. The foliage colours to a blackish purple and then in autumn it takes on shades of red and orange.

This Black Cherry Plum tree has a rounded form and will grow to an estimated height and spread of 5 x 3 metres in 20 years. Preferring soil with good drainage, it is tolerant of most soil types and also pollution.

A beautiful flowering Cherry Plum, Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is ideal for limited spaces and after flowering it creates a wonderful foliage foil for other plants.

AKA Black Cherry Plum tree, Purple Leaved Plum, Flowering Cherry Blossom

• Common name: Purple Leaved Plum tree
• Awards: RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Height and spread in 20 years: 5 x 3 metres
• Seasons of interest: Spring, Summer, Autumn
• Flowers: 5 petaled pink blossom in spring
• Foliage: Bronze new leaves mature to black-purple, orange-red in autumn
• Soil: Suited to all but very wet or extremes

Planting Advice for Prunus cerasifera Nigra Trees

Pot grown 'Nigra' Purple Plum trees can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots can be planted November-March. Choose a location away from strong winds to protect the blossom, then remove weeds and grass within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide. Sprinkle root grow in the hole.

Remove the pot, gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost. Fill in the hole and firm around gently, taking care not to bank soil up around the collar of the tree.

We recommend planting Purple Leaf Plum trees with a stake and tie kit to help anchor the roots - instructions are in the planting guide. Finish by watering generously around the base.

After Care Advice for Prunus Nigra Trees

Water Black Cherry Plum trees well and regularly through the first spring and summer, increasing in periods of hot or dry weather. In autumn, you may only need to water a little. Our irrigation kits aid establishment.

Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons. If your area is prone to rabbits, use a rabbit guard.

Pruning Prunus cerasifera Nigra Trees

Although you can leave Ornamental Cherry Plum trees to their own devices, if you prune them for the first few years they will create a more balanced branch framework and healthier trees in the long run. After two to three years, you will only need to remove any damaged or unwanted branches.

Carry out pruning after flowering i.e. after the petals have dropped but before the new shoot growth appears.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.