Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and it's easy to see why. This incredibly beautiful and striking ornamental tree is coveted for its intense purple-black foliage and stems, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the Black Cherry Plum Tree.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' bears a profusion of single, pink, five-petalled flowers in spring which are accompanied by the newly emerging bronze-tinged foliage, creating an attractive contrast and aesthetic. The blossom is a wildife magent for pollinating insects and particularly popular with bees. Once the foliage matures it becomes a deep purple-black until it changes to take on red and orange autumnal tones.
If you're looking for a stunning feature tree for a limited space, Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' will not disappoint and once it has flowered, the deep colours of the foliage beautifully offset other garden planting to great visual appeal.
This small but striking flowering plum cherry has a rounded crown and will grow to a height and spread of up to 4 x 3 m in 10 years. It suits most locations, exposed or sheltered but is best grown in a sunny position to achieve good colour. It is also tolerant of pollution and thereore happy in urban environments.
Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' will grow in all soil types as long as it is moist and well-drained.
Planting Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra'' We recommend sprinkling
Rootgrow when planting to enhance the growth quality. If possible plant in a location away from strong winds to preserve the blossom display for the optimal length of time.
When planting:1. Dig a square hole as deep as your root mass and approximately 2x as wide
2. Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost
3. Place the tree into the hole, fill it with your soil mix and firm around gently (avoid banking the collar of the tree)
Aftercare1. Remove weeds and grass around the area for the first couple years of the growing season.
2. Use a
rabbit guard if prone to rabbits in the area
PruningCarry out formative pruning on your cherry tree for the first few years to create a healthier and more balanced branch framework. Remove any damaged, diseased or unwanted branches to maintain a balanced shape.
Pruning time: After flowering season
Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:
| Packaging Type | Standard Delivery Charge | Minimum Order Values (incl VAT) for FREE Delivery |
|---|
| All Boxes (Bare roots and pots up to and incl. 7.5L) | £7.99 delivery charge (orders up to £60incl VAT) | Orders of £60 and over - FREE |
| Pallets (Root balls, large pots (10L+), trees etc) | £60.00 delivery charge (orders up to £350 incl VAT) | Orders of £350 and over - FREE |
| Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | £450.00 delivery charge (orders up to £1500 incl VAT) | Orders of £1500 and over - FREE |
There are some exceptions to the standard delivery pricing structure, which relate to deliveries to more remote areas, overseas, or extremely tall or large plants requiring specialist delivery - for more information see the Delivery Information Page. (Please note that due to new Brexit rules, we are currently unable to export to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.).
Delivery Time - Please note that delivery times are currently 2-7 days excluding bank holidays. *Some troughs, trees and premium products may take up to 14 days delivery. We are working through existing orders as quickly as possible to deliver new orders within this timescale.
It's Convenient - no need to wait in all day to sign, we don't need a signature (the odd, larger order may require a signature but will be delivered at a mutually agreeable time).
It's Tried & Tested - we use only couriers who have shown consistency in their efficiency & care.
* Please note that delivery costs are based on the final order amount in your cart after any discounts have been applied.
Hedges Direct 12 Month Plant Guarantee
Our plants are guaranteed for 12 months after delivery subject to specific criteria. Visit our Hedges Direct Plant Guarantee Page for full details.
Nominated Day Delivery
Choose a delivery day that suits you with our new Nominated Day Delivery option at checkout. Whilst our standard no signature delivery means you don't need to take time away from other committments to receive your order, we understand that there are times our customers want to make sure they are present to accept delivery, either to plant straight away or to store somewhere safe and out of the way until you're ready to plant.
For an additional fee, you can make sure that your order arrives on the exact day you want it. Please note that this is additional charge to all qualifying orders, including those above the free delivery threshold for Standard Delivery.
Our Nominated Day Delivery is available year-round on the weekdays Tuesdays to Fridays, excluding the day after any bank holiday.
Some products are sent direct from our suppliers and as such are not available for Nominated Day Delivery. These include:- Cell Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Trough Grown Hedging Plants- Instant Hedging Screens- Premium Root Balls (250cm and above in height)- Turf
To book your Nominated Day Delivery for farther ahead than the delivery window available online, please contact our Sales & Advice team to discuss your options.
