Thanks guys I know, it's a disaster. How did things go downhill so fast?? I'm quite disappointed but trying to think positive. It did drop all its leaves last year after I potted it up then. The dieback is new though. I'm obviously still a newbie train wreck! Here are the other 3 that I potted up at the same time, they are loving it I think. Within a day all 3 of these guys had their leaves at full attention after repotting and even some new growth already. Calamondin, key lime and variegated lemon. Thanks Mike that is exactly the kind of stuff I need to know. Of course it makes sense not to overstress them when they are still getting used to outside. Hindsight I guess. I think I was just worrying all winter knowing they were in a bad mix after hearing all the horror stories so I was super anxious to get it swapped out. I have since repotted another 6!!! They seem to be fine though so I hope that trend continues. I have them back in my grow room getting used to the mix and will transition them back out on Monday I think. I still have at least 5 I would like to do but I will take your advice and hold off. I will provide updates.

I also had another one that is a long seedling and I tie that one to the next one and it is doing well. This happen a couple of months ago. Not sure why but I feel that you can always try to fix it before you need to cut it. Barb p.s. You can see where it bend but it has healed over.

Joan, Have you thought of publishing a book of your photos with the captions you write? I'm sure it would be of great interest to many people. You have a true gift for photography, and humor!

Yes, remove it. It is not a valuable tree - it's basically a throwaway in the nursery industry. All prunus are susceptible, some significantly more than others. You can treat with a fungicide and a lot of pruning, but I wouldn't bother with a purple leaf plum. If you're looking for a spring flowering tree, consider service berry (amelanchier)