Purple-leaf sand cherry is a large shrub grown for its intensely purple foliage. The leaves are small, ovate and toothed and maintain their color throughout the season. Pale pink flowers appear in small clusters in late April. It is best grown in moist, organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates part shade, but best flowering and leaf color generally occur in full sun. It tolerates urban conditions, however, it is susceptible to many diseases and insect damage and may be short-lived. Good soil drainage is essential; one of its parents, Prunus pumila, a Midwest native, grows in sandy soils.