Troubleshooting
Ornamental Plum 'Nigra' problems — and how to fix them
Ornamental Plum 'Nigra' (Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Foliage greening in shade
Insufficient sun causes the purple leaves to revert toward green and reduces flowering. Site in full sun.
Silver leaf and bacterial canker
Prunus are prone to these; prune only in summer (not winter) when spores are inactive and remove dead or cankered wood promptly.
Aphids and leaf-curling
Spring aphid colonies distort new leaves and produce sticky honeydew; tolerate light infestations or wash off, as predators usually catch up.
Suckering
Trees on vigorous rootstocks can throw suckers from the base or roots; pull or cut these out at the source rather than just trimming.
Prevent ornamental plum 'nigra' problems before they start
Most ornamental plum 'nigra' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for ornamental plum 'nigra' in general rather than its problems? Read the full ornamental plum 'nigra' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Ornamental Plum 'Nigra' problems — FAQ
Why is my ornamental plum 'nigra' foliage greening in shade?
Insufficient sun causes the purple leaves to revert toward green and reduces flowering. Site in full sun.
Why is my ornamental plum 'nigra' silver leaf and bacterial canker?
Prunus are prone to these; prune only in summer (not winter) when spores are inactive and remove dead or cankered wood promptly.
Why is my ornamental plum 'nigra' aphids and leaf-curling?
Spring aphid colonies distort new leaves and produce sticky honeydew; tolerate light infestations or wash off, as predators usually catch up.
Why is my ornamental plum 'nigra' suckering?
Trees on vigorous rootstocks can throw suckers from the base or roots; pull or cut these out at the source rather than just trimming.