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red leaf cherry tree

A red leaf cherry tree is a stunning addition to any garden, prized for its vivid foliage, graceful shape, and seasonal interest. With its deep red to burgundy leaves, this tree stands out as a statement specimen or a vibrant accent in mixed plantings. If you’ve been seeking a way to add dramatic colour and year-round appeal to your New Zealand landscape, the red leaf cherry tree may well be the perfect answer.

leptospermum-red-damask--1

Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

5 from 1 customers

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring and summer, this hardy manuka variety creates a bold display of colour while providing year round structure and texture in NZ gardens. Its compact growth habit makes it ideal for hedging, borders, feature planting, and coastal gardens. Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is easy to grow, low maintenance, and highly effective for adding vibrant colour and native character to outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
leptospermum-red-falls--3

Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

5 from 2 customers

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and summer. This attractive manuka variety adds bold colour, texture, and movement to NZ gardens while providing year round evergreen structure. Its spreading form makes it ideal for banks, retaining walls, containers, and mixed shrub plantings where a softer natural appearance is desired. Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is hardy, low maintenance, and highly effective for adding native character and dramatic seasonal colour to outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
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Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buddleia, Cherry, and Escallonia, or related Categories - Cherry Trees, Perennials, and Deciduous Shrubs.

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Why Choose a Red Leaf Cherry Tree?

The red leaf cherry tree, commonly referred to as Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' or Purple Leaf Plum, brings unrivalled colour to the garden with its colourful leaves from spring through autumn. In early spring, delicate pale pink to white blossoms adorn the branches before the tree unfurls its trademark red foliage. The unique leaf colour persists throughout the warm months, offering a beautiful contrast to traditional green-leaved trees and complementing other colourful plants.

Gardeners love the red leaf cherry tree both for its beauty and its adaptability. It performs well in a variety of New Zealand climates, tolerates urban conditions, and suits gardens of all sizes, from compact courtyards to sprawling rural blocks.

Ideal Uses for the Red Leaf Cherry Tree

The red leaf cherry tree’s showy foliage makes it a favourite for feature planting. Position it as a stand-alone specimen or pair it with shrubs that accentuate its ruby tones. For example, companion plants like Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red add textural contrast and echo the rich hues, while silver-tinged options such as Hebe Red Edge (Hebe albicans Red Edge) provide a stunning foil.

Red leaf cherry trees are also fantastic for creating informal screens or colourful avenues. Their medium size means they won’t overpower other garden elements, but they’re robust enough to stand alone. If you’re a fan of edible gardens, consider combining your red leaf cherry tree with fruiting options like Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry) for year-round interest and harvest.

How to Grow and Care for a Red Leaf Cherry Tree

Red leaf cherry trees thrive in full sun, where they develop their richest leaf colour. They prefer well-drained soil but are adaptable to a range of sites. When planting, dig a generous hole, loosen the soil, and mix in compost for best results. Although established trees are reasonably drought-tolerant, they’ll perform best with regular watering during dry spells.

Annual mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while a light prune after flowering will encourage a neat shape and healthy new growth. The red leaf cherry tree is relatively low maintenance and rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Keep an eye out for aphids in spring, and treat if necessary.

Combine with Complementary Plants

A well-designed garden layers colour and texture for lasting impact. For accentuating your red leaf cherry tree’s dramatic foliage, consider additions such as Cordyline Red Star with strappy red leaves or the massed floral display of Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'. Grouping two or more of these colour-rich plants can transform your garden into a vibrant, eye-catching oasis.

Ready to introduce a red leaf cherry tree to your landscape? Browse our recommended companion plants to create your ideal colourful retreat.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

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