How do you prune a Cistena plum?
Prune the oldest stems first, removing at least one-third of growth down to within a few inches (8 cm.) from the base. Additionally, cut damaged or dead growth at the base of the shrub. The branches will be sturdy, so be sure your cutting tool is sharp.
How tall does Cistena plum get?
6-8 ft.
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| Description | Oval leaves emerge red and turn purplish-red as they mature. Erect stems are sprinkled with small pale pink flowers in mid spring. Forms an upright rounded shrub. Excellent for color contrast. Hardy to -50°F Maximum Elevation: 8,500 ft. |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Mature Height | 6-8 ft. |
| Mature Width | 4-6 ft. |
How fast does a Cistena plum tree grow?
It produces fragrant, five-petaled pale pink to white flowers in the spring that are roughly an inch across, which then turn to small edible fruits. The leaves can range in color from purple to green. This tree has a moderate growth rate and gains about 1 to 2 feet per year.
When and how do you prune a plum tree?
Prune when the buds are just bursting, or when the tree is just beginning to flower. Established plum trees that are more than three years old can be pruned in summer, from mid-June onwards. Again, the aim is to keep the tree a manageable size and shape, while allowing the fruit to ripen.
Should plum trees be pruned every year?
Pruning established plum trees Prune every year in early spring (April), before bud break. Remove any suckers growing from the rootstock. Rub out any buds growing on the lower trunk. Cut out any dead, damaged or diseased wood, and dispose of it as appropriate, removing it from the garden.
How do you prune a plum tree in the spring?
Plum trees are best pruned in a vase format to get a short trunk with three or four major branches to come off of the trunk at a 45-degree angle. This allows plenty of light and air into the tree. Always use sterilized and sharp pruning shears when you trim.
Can you over prune a plum tree?
If your plum tree is unproductive or is only producing fruit every two years (known as biennial bearing), the cause may be lack of moisture at the roots, or a late frost affecting the flowers in spring. Heavy pruning can also affect cropping, as fruits are produced on one- or two-year-old shoots.
Should you prune cistena plums?
However, you may want to prune this dense-growing shrub to maintain a manageable shape. It is a versatile shrub, and you can train it into a small tree form. Wherever you chose, this plant makes an excellent piece for any space in your landscape. The Cistena plum works well in a mixed foundation planting.
How do you prune a plum tree for beginners?
Cut the whorls closer to the top of the tree back to 1 bud, and leave the whorls closer to the bottom 2 buds. The plum tree should take on a vase or Christmas-tree shape, which allows sunlight to filter through and encourage healthy growth. 5 Keep pruning the trunk.
How to prune a plum tree to avoid silver leaf disease?
To avoid silver leaf disease, prune plum trees in June when they are growing strongly, do not prune in the winter. Try to make the pruning cuts as cleanly as possible, and avoid crushing the wood.
What kind of plum tree has purple leaves?
This plum shrub is also known as the dwarf red-leaf plum or the purple leaf sand cherry. It is a hybrid of a Prunus cerasifera and Prunus pumil. In the early spring, the Cistena’s three-inch leaves dazzle you with a reddish-purple color. That color stays vivid throughout the summer. The plant’s young bark also features a purplish hue.
