How to Grow Burgundy Plum
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Burgundy Plum
Prunus cerasifera 'Burgundy'
treeBurgundy Plum is a small ornamental and edible plum tree known for its deep purple-red foliage and small, dark purple fruits. It serves dual purposes as a decorative landscape tree and a fruit producer, reaching 20-30 feet in height. The tree produces fragrant pink blossoms in spring before the distinctive burgundy leaves emerge.
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Example Burgundy Plum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Plum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Burgundy Plum
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best production in zones 5-8
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Get my Burgundy Plum timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
1-2 yearsYoung tree with thin trunk and developing branch structure; foliage starts as bronze-burgundy
Stake for support in first 1-2 years. Water regularly and deeply. Remove competing weeds. Prune only to remove dead/crossing branches.
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsTree extends height and branch framework; deep burgundy foliage becomes more prominent; no flowers yet
Continue staking if needed. Train branch angles for open center or vase shape. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in spring. Thin competing stems.
Flowering
2-3 weeksClusters of fragrant pink or pale flowers appear on bare branches or emerging foliage in early spring before full leaf out
Avoid pruning during flowering. Protect flowers from late frosts if possible. Monitor for pests attracted to blooms. Do not fertilize with high nitrogen.
Fruiting
8-10 weeksSmall marble-sized fruits develop from flowers; initially green, gradually darkening to deep purple-black. Burgundy foliage fully developed.
Thin fruits to 4-6 inches apart if desired for larger individual fruits. Water consistently during fruit swell. Reduce nitrogen fertilization. Monitor for pest damage.
Harvest & Dormancy
4-6 weeks (harvest phase); 4-6 months (dormancy)Fruits mature to full dark purple color in mid to late summer. Foliage may deepen further. Tree enters dormancy in fall.
Harvest ripe fruits. Remove any diseased or pest-damaged fruit. Prune dead branches in late winter. Clean up fallen fruit to prevent disease carryover.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infested fruits immediately. Apply spinosad or neem oil at petal fall and 2 weeks later. Pick up fallen fruit daily.
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Hand-pick in early morning. Use pheromone traps or row covers. Apply neem oil for heavy infestations.
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Prune for air circulation. Thin fruit. Remove mummified fruit. Apply sulfur or copper fungicide in bloom and pre-harvest.
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Strong water spray to dislodge. Insecticidal soap if populations are heavy. Encourage natural predators.
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Prune out infected branches 6 inches below knots. Destroy pruned material. Improve tree vigor and air circulation.
Uses
Fresh eating and preserves
CulinaryBurgundy plum fruits are edible with a sweet-tart flavor, suitable for eating fresh, jams, jellies, and sauces. The small fruits are excellent for making compotes and are sometimes used in specialty cooking. [source]
Landscape focal point
OrnamentalThe distinctive deep burgundy foliage provides year-round color interest in the garden, offering visual contrast to green-leafed plants. Spring flowers and summer fruits add seasonal appeal. [source]
Wildlife food source
WildlifeThe flowers provide early spring nectar for pollinators, while fruits attract birds and other wildlife in summer and fall. The tree supports beneficial insects and provides habitat structure. [source]
Traditional herbal uses
MedicinalPlums in traditional medicine have been used for digestive support and as a natural laxative due to their fiber and sorbitol content. The leaves and bark have mild medicinal applications in some herbal traditions. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fruits in mid to late summer when they yield slightly to gentle pressure and have deep dark purple coloring. Pick ripe fruit every 2-3 days to encourage continued production. Fruit does not continue to ripen after harvest, so wait until fully mature. Handle gently to avoid bruising.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burgundy Plum trees are ornamental and productive hybrids, combining the foliage color of cherry plums (Prunus cerasifera) with edible fruit production, making them one of the few tree-form plants that provides both aesthetic and culinary value.
- 🌱 The distinctive burgundy foliage emerges bronzy-red in spring and often deepens even further in color as temperatures cool in fall, creating a dynamic color display throughout the growing season.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental trees, Burgundy Plum requires cross-pollination with a compatible plum or cherry plum variety for reliable fruit set, though some sources suggest partial self-fertility; planting multiple trees dramatically increases yields.
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