"John" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

Just lost a flowering plum tree thanks to hurricane Isabel in north
central Maryland. I would like to replace it with a small tree that
has purple or red foliage throughout the year until it drops its
leaves in fall or when it goes dormant.

In the very little research I've done, the Crimson King (King Crimson)
maple tree has the right color but is too large and would overwhelm
the area as it matures. A red Japanese maple (dwarf) might be an
alternative, but I understand it too has relatively shallow roots and
grows slowly, and is not very wind tolerant.

Granted, hurricanes are not prevalent in central Maryland, but my area
gets strong winds during summer thunderstorms, etc.

Any suggestions?

How about Canada Red Chokecherry: Prunis virginiana 'Canada Red'

http://www.countrygardensgreenhouse.com/TREE%20LIST.htm

or

Redbud Forest Pansy

http://plantsdatabase.com/showpicture/16148/

Both have spring flowers and beautiful foliage although Forest Pansy's
foliage begins to turn a greenish bronze if it gets too much sun. It's
comparable to a red Japanese maple in that respect, which is another
suggestion.

John