Sand Cherry (Prunus cistena) worth the effort?

[BrianBay9]

Previous owner tried and failed to take out purple leaf sand cherry out of his landscaping. Looks like he just used a dull ax and left a mangled stump. A drunken beaver would have done a better job. I'll take a pic this afternoon to post.

I can pull it and toss it, or take some more care removing it next spring and put it in a pot. Anyone have experience with these? Opinions? There are a few pics of sand cherry bonsai but most are just sticks, not really good examples. That suggests to me that they must be problematic.

Brian

 

[GrimLore]

I'll take a pic this afternoon to post.

Cool - Arbor Day has a decent description and to me I would see no reason not to try it - https://www.arborday.org/Trees/TreeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=816

Grimmy

 

[Cypress187]

It's looks good on google, you should always put it in a pot instead of tossing it.

 

[sorce]

@ColinFraser got one.

Its not problematic until you decide that in your microclimate!

Sorce

 

[BrianBay9]

Pics of said cherry....

 

[ColinFraser]

@ColinFraser got one.

Mine's a purple plum, Prunus cerasifera. I don't have any experience with this species.

 

[BrianBay9]

Further reading reveals two potential challenges - short lifespan (15 - 20 yrs), and susceptible to pest and diseases, including: Asian beetles, peachtree borer, scale, fall webworm, aphids, mealy bugs, tent caterpillars, honey fungus, verticillium wilt, black knot, cankers, powdery mildew, leaf spot, bacterial leaf scorch, and frost cracks. I would guess these two problems are related.

 

[sorce]

Sorry Colin.

I'd till dig it for the sake of education.

Better it than something better!

Sorce

 

[ColinFraser]

short lifespan . . . and susceptible to pest and diseases . . . I would guess these two problems are related.

Haha, no kidding - that's quite a list! The latter may certainly be contributing to the former.

@sorce - no problem. I agree; not much harm in trying.

 

[Arcto]

Trees in the landscapes here sucker like crazy. Maybe a good thing if the original trunk craps out. Not sure how well the leaves reduce.

 

[Mitty]

I have 2 potential sand cherry bonsai. However I am having trouble growing them. I have used a good general soil with lava, akadama , fine gravel , humus , ba withrk ,pumice and orchid bark.
I am feeding them gently and including vitamins and minerals . Watering most days unless rain. However the trees look rough with dry white patches. I am a bit of a loss ?