When can you prune a purple leaf sand cherry?

The best time to prune a purple leaf sand cherry is after flowering in late spring or early summer. This allows the plant to bloom fully and avoids removing flower buds that would be present in a winter or early spring pruning.

Here's a breakdown of when not to prune:

* Winter: Pruning in winter can expose the plant to harsh conditions and leave it vulnerable to disease.

* Early spring: Pruning before flowering removes the flower buds, resulting in no blooms for that season.

* Late summer or fall: Pruning too late in the season can stimulate new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter, making it more susceptible to damage.

Note: You can prune off dead or damaged branches at any time of year, but avoid major pruning during the dormant season.