Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis'
Higan cherry, Spring cherry, Winter flowering cherry, Rosebud cherry
Also known as Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis White'
- Height × spread
- 8m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Spring, Summer & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This lovely tree which will start to flower in November. The blossoms are tiny, and haze the branches with great delicacy, like the tiniest of white fairy lights. The flowers come from small pink buds and fade to pink, and then usually fall as the weather gets cold. It starts to flower again in early spring. The whole, set against the black of the twigs, has a striking appearance. The branches can be cut to open indoors. This tree deserves a specimen position, preferably against a dark background, so its subtle beauty is thrown into relief. There is yellow autumn colour before leaf fall. Out of season it is a soft looking, attractively shaped tree. Give this a sunny site that is not too exposed in fertile soil that is well drained. The tree should reach around 8m (27ft) in both height and spread.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Yellow
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Round
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Scented garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Found in
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