Pruning Purple Leaf Sand Cherry 【How and when to prune】

Purple leaf sand cherry is a popular ornamental shrub known for its beautiful purple foliage and white spring flowers. These plants can add a pop of color to any garden and are relatively easy to care for. However, pruning is an important part of maintaining the health and shape of your purple leaf sand cherry. In this post, we’ll cover the general care of these plants, the necessary pruning tools, how to care for and clean those tools, and the proper techniques for pruning your purple leaf sand cherry.

It’s important to note that purple leaf sand cherry can vary in size and growth habit depending on the specific cultivar. Be sure to research the needs of your particular plant and consider consulting with a local nursery or gardening expert for specific pruning guidance.

1. General Care of Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

To ensure that your purple leaf sand cherry grows strong and healthy, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

• Planting location: Purple leaf sand cherry prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Avoid planting in areas with standing water or heavy clay soil.
• Watering: These plants have moderate watering needs and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize your purple leaf sand cherry in the spring with a balanced fertilize, such as 10-10-10. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

2. Necessary Pruning Tools

Having the right tools is crucial for successful and safe pruning. Some essential tools for pruning purple leaf sand cherry include:

• Pruning shears: Also known as hand pruners, these are used for cutting stems up to about 1/2 inch in diameter. Look for a pair with sharp, clean blades and a comfortable grip.
• Loppers: These are similar to pruning shears but have longer handles and are designed for cutting stems up to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Loppers with ratcheting mechanisms can make larger cuts easier.
• Pruning saw: A pruning saw is useful for cutting through thicker stems that cannot be easily cut with hand pruners or loppers. Choose a saw with a curved blade for easier use.
• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from thorns and to get a better grip on the branches you’re pruning.

2.1 Caring for and Cleaning Pruning Tools

Properly caring for your pruning tools will ensure that they last longer and work more effectively. Here’s how to care for and clean your pruning tools:

1. After each use, wipe the blades of your pruning tools with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will help prevent the spread of plant diseases and make it easier to
2. If the blades of your pruning tools are particularly dirty or have sap on them, you may need to use a mild soap and water to clean them. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as these can damage the blades.
3. After cleaning, be sure to dry the blades thoroughly to prevent rusting. You can also apply a light coat of oil to the blades to help protect them from rust and sap.
4. If you notice any nicks or burrs on the blades of your pruning tools, you can use a fine-grit sandpaper or file to smooth them out. This will help the blades cut more cleanly and reduce the risk of damaging plants.
5. Store your pruning tools in a dry place when not in use. This will help prevent rust and ensure that they are ready to use when you need them.

3. Pruning Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

Pruning is an important part of maintaining the health and appearance of your purple leaf sand cherry. Regular pruning can help stimulate new growth, remove diseased or damaged branches, and shape the plant to your desired form. However, if not done properly, pruning can harm or even kill your plant, so it’s important to follow the proper techniques.

3.1 When to Prune Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

The best time to prune purple leaf sand cherry depends on the specific cultivar and your climate. In general, it’s best to prune these plants in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This will give the plant time to recover before the growing season begins. If you live in a warmer climate, you may be able to prune in late fall or early winter. Avoid pruning during the hot summer months, as this can stress the plant and lead to reduced flower production.

It’s also important to consider the flowering habits of your purple leaf sand cherry when planning your pruning. Some cultivars produce flowers on the previous year’s growth, while others produce flowers on new growth. If your plant produces flowers on new growth, you can prune it more heavily without sacrificing flower production. If your plant produces flowers on old growth, you’ll want to be more selective in your pruning to avoid removing potential flower buds.

3.2 How to Prune Purple Leaf Sand Cherry

To prune your purple leaf sand cherry, follow these steps:

1. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These branches should be cut all the way back to the base of the plant. This will help to improve the overall health and appearance of the plant.
2. Next, prune out any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. These can cause wounds that may lead to disease or insect infestations. Prune these branches back to the base or to a lateral branch.
3. If your purple leaf sand cherry is overgrown or has an undesirable shape, you can prune to reduce its size or reshape it. Make sure to prune evenly to maintain a balanced look. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant’s canopy at a time, as this can stress the plant.
4. After pruning, clean up any debris from the ground around the base of the plant. This will help to prevent pests and diseases
5. If your purple leaf sand cherry is a dwarf cultivar, you may want to pinch off the tips of new growth to encourage a fuller, more compact plant. Pinching off the tips of the new growth will stimulate the plant to produce lateral branches, which will create a denser canopy.
6. Finally, check your plant for any remaining unneeded or excessively long branches and prune as necessary. Remember to always use clean, sharp pruning tools and make clean cuts at a slight angle just above a leaf or lateral branch.

4. Conclusion

Purple leaf sand cherry is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for ornamental shrub that adds a pop of color to any garden. Proper pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health and appearance of these plants. By following the proper techniques and using the right tools, you can keep your purple leaf sand cherry looking its best for years to come.

More information

• Prunus x cistena – plantfacts.osu.edu.

• Western Sandcherry – ag.ndsu.edu.

• Purpleleaf Sand Cherry – Uaex.uada.edu