Other Names:  Cistena Plum, Purple Leaved Sandcherry

Brand:  J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Description:

A sturdy, intermediate sized variety with an upright and spreading habit; stunning white-pink flowers in spring followed by dark purple foliage that stands out all season long; needs full sun and well-drained soil; adds lasting color to a garden

Ornamental Features

Big Cis® Plum has attractive deep purple foliage with hints of dark red which emerges burgundy in spring on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The pointy leaves are highly ornamental and turn an outstanding red in the fall. It features delicate fragrant pink flowers with white overtones along the branches from early to mid spring before the leaves. The smooth bark and dark red branches add an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Big Cis® Plum is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Big Cis® Plum is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Big Cis® Plum will grow to be about 14 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.