How do you prune a purple-leaf sand cherry?

To prune a purple-leaf sand cherry, cut a third off of the oldest branches after the plant has flowered. Ideally, pruning should be done yearly to prevent diseases and pests.

The purple-leaf sand cherry is also known as Prunus x cistena and is a deciduous shrub that is hardy in the USDA Hardiness Zones of two through eight. Its red-purple leaves turn a fall color of greenish bronze. They are a short-lived plant, growing only for about 10 to 15 years. Prune any broken branches and diseased portions early. Pruning a purple-leaf sand cherry keeps the form dense and the plant attractive.