Plant Type

Shrub

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Pink, White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Green, Dark Green, Red

 

Bark Color

Brown, Red

 

Fruit Color

Black, Red

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Butterflies

Purpleleaf sandcherry is a deciduous shrub valued for its reddish-purple foliage, fragrant white and pink spring flowers, and purple-black fruit. It grows about 7 to 10 feet tall and 5 to 8 feet wide, with an upright, vase shape. It is sometimes sold as a single-stem tree, but will require maintenance to maintain this form. Bark is a dark brown to red, and is a nice contrast in the winter garden. Branches are nice in vases.

Tolerates many soils, as long as it is well drained, and full sun to light shade to maintain foliage color; in too much shade the leaves become a muddy green. Hardy to USDA Zone 3. Pruning usually isn't necessary, unless you are trying to maintain a tree-like form. If you need to prune the shrub, it is best to either prune selectively or to renovate (see Guides). Hardy to -30F