Oakville Crimson Spire / Ornamental Plum / Purple Leaf Plum
Botanical Name: Prunus cerasifera 'Oakville Crimson Spire'
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Southeastern Europe to Western Asia (cultivar selection)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree (narrow, columnar habit)
Overview
A slimline purple-leaf plum tailor-made for Adelaide and South Australian blocks where space is tight but impact matters. ‘Oakville Crimson Spire’ shoots up with a tidy, upright form, splashing early pale-pink blossom in late winter before holding rich burgundy foliage through the warm months. It’s heat-tough, low-maintenance once established, and perfect for statement avenues and narrow screens.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 5–7 m H × 2–3 m W (naturally columnar)
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Growth Rate: 30-50 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Deep burgundy to black-purple spring–summer; red-bronze tints in autumn
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Flowers: Single pale-pink blossoms late winter to early spring (Aug–Sept in SA); may set small cherry-plum fruit
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Seasonal Interest: Late-winter blossom → bold purple summer canopy → glowing red-bronze autumn → neat winter framework
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Wildlife Value: Attracts Bees; Good for Pollinators; Attracts Birds (seasonal fruit)
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Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant; Drought-Tolerant once established; Frost Hardy; Wind-Tolerant; Clay-Tolerant if drainage is good; Coastal-Tolerant in sheltered inland coastal sites
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Planting Density: Avenue/specimen: 1 tree per 6–9 m² (2–3 m apart). Narrow screen/row: 1.5–2 m apart
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Pet Friendly: Use caution. Fruit pits and wilted leaves contain cyanogenic compounds (toxic if chewed); fruit flesh is edible
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun for richest foliage colour and best flowering
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Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; improve heavier clay for drainage
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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
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Maintenance: Light prune after flowering or in late winter to shape; avoid heavy summer cuts; mulch in spring; balanced feed in early spring
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Lifespan: 20-40 years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including urban and coastal Adelaide (with shelter)
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Soil pH: Slightly Acid to Neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline with good drainage)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Tight avenue or driveway rhythm where lateral space is limited but height and colour are desired
- Narrow privacy screen along fences or between windows—formal look without bulky width
- Feature pair flanking entries, gates or courtyards for four-season structure and colour
Why You Will Love It
A slender footprint with big colour pay-off—ideal for modern, space-conscious Adelaide gardens. You’ll enjoy romantic spring blossom, a designer-look purple canopy all summer, and autumn glow with almost no fuss.
