How to Grow Pissardii Plum
Pissardii Plum
Prunus cerasifera 'Pissardii'
treePissardii plum is a ornamental cherry plum cultivar prized for its deep purple foliage and small, edible red plums. It grows as a small to medium deciduous tree, typically 20-30 feet tall, and serves dual purposes as both a landscape specimen and fruit producer. The striking dark foliage and spring blossoms make it popular in ornamental plantings.
When should you plant Pissardii Plum in your zone?
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Example Pissardii Plum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Pissardii 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 Pissardii 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 fruit production in zones 5-8
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Get my Pissardii Plum timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First year after plantingYoung tree with developing root system and initial branch framework formation
Water regularly (1-2 inches per week), stake if necessary for wind support, apply 2-3 inch mulch layer, avoid heavy pruning
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-3Rapid branch and canopy development; foliage deepens to dark purple color
Establish strong scaffold branches through selective pruning, maintain consistent moisture, apply balanced fertilizer in spring, thin branches to improve air circulation
Flowering
2-3 weeks in early springDelicate pink to white flowers appear on branches before leaves fully emerge in early spring
Protect flowers from late frosts if in zone 4-5, do not prune during flowering, ensure adequate moisture for flower formation, monitor for pests
Fruiting
60-90 days from flowering to harvestSmall, dark red plums develop from flowers; fruit ripens to deep purple-red in early to mid-summer
Thin fruit to 4-6 inches apart for larger plums, increase watering during fruit development, apply balanced fertilizer, monitor for fruit flies and other pests
Dormancy
November to March (varies by zone)Tree drops leaves in fall, displaying outstanding dark red to purple fall color; bare branches reveal structure
Prune during dormancy to shape tree and remove dead/diseased wood, apply dormant oil spray if needed for pest control, avoid fertilizing in late summer
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Handpick early morning, use Japanese beetle traps away from tree, apply neem oil or spinosad
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Remove fallen fruit promptly, thin fruit to improve air circulation, use fermenting fruit traps
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap, encourage natural predators like ladybugs
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Apply kaolin clay starting at petal fall, collect fallen fruit, use spinosad if severe
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Remove infected fruit and twigs, improve air circulation through pruning, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur fungicide in warm weather
Uses
Fresh eating and jam-making
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, Pissardii plums are edible and can be eaten fresh off the tree or processed into jam, compote, or preserves. The fruit is tart to mildly sweet depending on ripeness and growing conditions. [source]
Ornamental landscape specimen
HouseholdThe striking deep purple foliage, spring pink blossoms, and small red fruits make Pissardii plum an exceptional year-round ornamental for gardens, parks, and streetscapes. Its medium size suits residential landscapes well. [source]
Pollinator and wildlife support
WildlifeEarly spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Ripening fruit provides food for birds and small mammals throughout early summer. [source]
Traditional fruit remedy
MedicinalPlums have been used in traditional medicine for digestive support and contain beneficial compounds. Fresh plums contain fiber and antioxidants beneficial for general health. [source]
Decorative branches and prunings
CraftSpring flowering branches can be cut for indoor arrangements. Hardwood is suitable for small woodworking projects and crafts. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Plums ripen in early to mid-summer (June-July depending on zone). Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. Plums can be picked slightly underripe and ripened indoors. Some varieties benefit from thinning during fruit stage to increase individual fruit size. Taste-test to determine peak sweetness—better eaten fresh than most ornamental plum varieties.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Pissardii plum was named after Mr. Pissard, a Persian gardener, and was first introduced to European cultivation in the 1880s from Persia (modern-day Iran).
- 🌱 The dark purple foliage of Pissardii plum is due to elevated anthocyanin content, the same antioxidant compound that makes berries blue and red.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental fruits, Pissardii plums are self-fertile, so you need only one tree to produce fruit—though cross-pollination with other Prunus species improves set.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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