Overview
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is an ornmental, small and compact purple-leaved cherry with petite, pink flowers..
Description
This cultivar, a form of the Cherry plum, makes an attractive small tree with a rounded crown. The Cherry plum has been a very popular tree for urban plantings in recent decades. The cultivar ‘Nigra’ has small, dark foliage which retains its colour throughout the growing season, often turning red prior to leaf fall. The small compound leaves appear after the flowers although the flowers are still present as the leaves emerge. The flowers themselves are a deep pink. New shoots appear blackish purple adding to the overall hue of the tree. This cultivar does produce fruit, although not reliably, which are small and red in colour. The bark of the tree is dark brown, complementing the overall colour scheme. The tree can be expected to reach 7-12m in height at maturity. The crown of the tree is usually compact and dense allowing for little light penetration.
Planting Position
The Cherry plum and other cultivars tolerate most soil types but do prefer moist but well drained soil. This would make an excellent specimen for a parkland or wide verge. It could also be considered for a medium sized garden however, due to is dark form and dense canopy may seem oppressive in a small garden space.
Attributes
The tree offers something a little different by way of aesthetics for a cherry tree however, its unusual and dark colouring makes an interesting feature, particularly when situated with contrasting tree forms and colourings. Birds and many flying insects will be attracted to the tree.
Container options are available here
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' | Black Cherry Plum Tree | Bare Root
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Whilst smaller trees are often cheaper, easier to handle and more forgiving in terms of their level of care required, a more mature tree can provide a fantastic instant impact if you are able to care for it over the first few years.
- Standard or Feathered?
Standard trees - have a clear stem up to a minimum of 1.8m and a well-formed head of branches.
Feathered trees - Usually has an upright central leader and side brancehs that emerge down the main stem.
- Which Girth Size Should I Choose?
Our most common sizes we offer are relatively easy to ship and plant. The measurement is the circumference of the trunk at 1m above the roots.
6-8cm girth - 2.50m to 2.75m in height
8-10cm girth - 2.75m to 3.00m in height
- Standard or Feathered?
