What are the pruning methods for purple-leaf plum?

Purple-leaf plum is a deciduous small tree of the genus Prunus in the rose family, and both its leaves and fruit are purplish-red, so what are the pruning methods for purple-leaf plum?

1. Growth habits of purple-leaf plum

Purple-leaf plum likes sunlight and a warm, humid climate, and has a certain drought resistance. It is highly adaptable to soil, is not tolerant of drought, and is relatively tolerant of waterlogging, but it grows well in fertile, deep, well-drained clayey neutral and acidic soil, and is not tolerant of alkali. Gravelly soil is best, and it can also grow in clayey soil; its root system is relatively shallow, and its sprouting ability is relatively strong.

It is native to Xinjiang, growing in mountain forests or on rocky gravel slopes and beside water in ravines, at an altitude of 800-2000 m.[1] It is also distributed in Central Asia, the Tianshan Mountains, Iran, Asia Minor, and the Balkan Peninsula.

2. Pruning methods for purple-leaf plum

1. After purple-leaf plum is planted, cut it back at 1 m, and also pinch back the growing tips during the growing season, which can promote trunk differentiation and branch growth.

Generally, the first sprouting branch below the cut grows most vigorously and serves as the central leader extension branch; below it, select and keep three relatively thick new shoots as main branches, requiring the three main branches to be evenly distributed on the central leader and extend obliquely upward at a 45° angle. During the growing season, if uneven vigor develops among the main branches, various techniques such as propping, pulling, the direction of the bud left at the cut, and inner bud with outward push can be used for adjustment.

2. In winter, after purple-leaf plum enters dormancy or semi-dormancy, it is necessary to cut off weak, pest-damaged, dead, and overly dense branches, and also to pinch back or thin out appropriately according to the growth of the purple-leaf plum.

In addition, attention should also be paid to the prevention and control of pests and diseases. The main pests and diseases include red spider mites, stinging moths, and bagworms. If they occur, a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate can be sprayed to kill them.