Pruning Leggy Purple Leaf Plum Shrub in Chicago

Timing and Technique

Purple leaf plum (Prunus × cistena) in Chicago is 4-5 feet, leggy, with bare branches. Prune in two stages:

1. Now: Remove all dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
2. After flowering (late spring): Cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to the ground. Shorten remaining stems to shape.

Don't Fear Hard Pruning

These shrubs are tough. They'll rebound with dense, colorful growth. Fertilize lightly after spring pruning.