Prunus x cistena is an oval shaped tree with purple foliage which is actually a large shrub and it is grown in full to part sun. Prunus x cistena, the Purple leaf sand cherry is a cross between Prunus pumila and Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’. The tree makes the garden or the place extremely exotic and beautiful for its purple spattering impact. Prunus x cistena also produces small candied fruits that attract many birds on it. Prunus x cistena is also grown in many nurseries for its drought resistant nature. The leaves of this phenomenal tree are reddish-purple, 2″ long, and elliptical in shape. In fall, they will turn a bronze-green. The flowers of Prunus x cistena are pink or white, and appear in April.

Although Prunus x cistena the Purple leaf sand cherry can bear the harsh climatic conditions yet it need some care and pruning after the blooming of flowers in the Spring season. The good cultivators prefer the well drained soil to grow Prunus x cistena.