Prunus subhirtella 'AUTUMNALIS' higan cherry
size/type
small tree,small tree
usual height
3-6m
usual width
3-6m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
March-April
location
full to partial sun
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
The prunus genus contains over 400 species which are useful and beautiful at the same time. There are cherries, plums, peaches or sloes, as well as flowering Japanese cherries, cherry laurels etc. Higan cherry is believed to be a natural hybrid between prunus pendula and prunus incisa. It is a profusely flowering species of Japanese origin.
Description of the plant:
Autumnalis is a popular variety of Higan cherry. It received its name for the season in which it can re-bloom if the weather is sunny and warm. Be it early late autumn, early or mid winter this tree will open its pinkish buds once the temperature remains high above zero for more than just a few days. Still the main flowering season is April when numerous small, white to pale pink, single or semi-double flowers appear to show off for 3-4 weeks. They are not fragrant. Deciduous leaves are narrowly elliptic, smaller than cherry leaves – about 6-8 cm long, medium green in spring and summer, changing to golden yellow, and possibly a bit of orange and red in acid soil. Give this beautiful tree time to form a decent canopy. It is somewhat flattened, spreading to sides with its thin, slightly arching twigs. Pruning is possible after flowering but is not recommended to often in order to avoid infections common for cherry trees.
Higan cherry is not too picky about soil type but hates compacted, water-logged ground. It will thrive in evenly moist, medium fertile, preferably acidic soil in full sun. It is more tolerant to frost and summer heat than most other cherry trees. It will cope down to -34°C (USDA zone 4).
Last update: 10-02-2006; 17-07-2016
