Prunus Cerasifera 'Nigra'

Black Cherry Plum / Purple Leaf Plum / Flowering Plum, / Ornamental Plum

Botanical Name: Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Southeastern Europe to Western Asia
Plant Type: Deciduous tree

Overview

A classic feature tree for Adelaide and South Australian gardens, valued for its early spring blossom and dramatic purple foliage. ‘Nigra’ bursts into soft pale pink flowers in late winter–early spring, then holds deep black-purple leaves right through summer before warming to red-bronze in autumn. Tough, heat-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, it’s superb for streets, verges and statement planting.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 5–7 m H × 4–5 m W (upright, rounded canopy)
• Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Deep claret to black-purple spring–summer; coppery red/bronze tones in autumn
• Flowers: Single pale pink blossoms late winter to early spring (Aug–Sept in SA); may set small maroon cherry plums
  
• Seasonal Interest: Late-winter blossom → purple summer canopy → red-bronze autumn → sculptural winter form—colour and contrast all year
• Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees; Good for Pollinators; Attracts Birds (seasonal fruit)
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant, Drought-Tolerant once established, Frost Hardy, Wind-Tolerant; Coastal-Tolerant in sheltered inland coastal sites; Clay-Tolerant if drainage is good
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 16–25 m² (4–5 m apart) depending on canopy
• Pet Friendly: Use caution. Fruit pits and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic compounds (toxic if chewed); fruit flesh is edible

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for richest foliage colour and best flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; tolerates light clay if improved
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Light prune after flowering or in late winter to shape; avoid heavy summer pruning; mulch in spring; balanced feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 20-40 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including urban and coastal Adelaide (with some shelter)
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Statement feature tree for front gardens and verges—purple foliage contrasts beautifully with light façades
• Avenues/driveways at 4–5 m spacing for a cohesive seasonal display
• Colour-contrast planting with silver/grey shrubs (westringia, rosemary) and ornamental grasses

Why You Will Love It

‘Nigra’ gives you romantic spring blossom followed by bold, purple foliage that looks designer-level with zero fuss. It thrives in South Australian heat, adds instant contrast, and lifts streetscapes and courtyards alike.