With its colorful fruits, the blood plum is a decorative eye-catcher. The easy-care ornamental tree delights in every season. From flowering to harvest, gardeners benefit from the resilient fruit tree. This profile offers you an informative foretaste.
What is the blood plum and how does it grow?
The blood plum (Prunus cerasifera) is a hardy, robust ornamental tree with dark brown to black-red leaves, snow-white flowers in spring and vitamin-rich, yellow to dark red fruits in autumn. It prefers sunny to semi-shady locations and reaches a height of 100-1500 cm.
An enjoyable climax
The blood plum feels very comfortable in a sunny to partially shaded spot. Its elliptical leaves are dark brown to black-red during the growing season. The hardy pome fruit can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius. For this reason it is popularly grown throughout Germany.
In early spring, the Prunus cerasifera enchants the garden with snow-white flowers. A warm summer has a very positive effect on fruit production. In September it delights with small, vitamin-rich fruits. These are colored yellow to dark red. The juicy pulp delights gourmets of every generation.
Blood plum as a shrub or standard tree
Prunus cerasifera comes in different varieties. With good care, it reaches a height of between 100 and 1500 centimeters. The blood plum grows 20 to 50 centimeters per year. This tree-like shrub is suitable in the front garden, in the orchard or as a pot plant for the terrace. When choosing a variety, pay attention to the available garden size so that the plant can thrive.
Tip:
- Shrub: Prunus x cistena, Hessei
- High stem: Prunus cerasifera Nigra, Trailblazer
Brilliant resilience
In addition, hobby gardeners like to plant this tree because of its robust character. It is very resistant to pests and diseases. In addition, the right location and regular cutting can prevent various fungal diseases.
If the tree does become ill, simple measures and natural remedies (e.g. horsetail extract) can provide prompt relief.
Tips & Tricks
The fruits can be made into wonderful jams or desserts. They can also be stored for several weeks.
