Prunus x subhirtella (Higan Cherry)

Garden Design with a Higan Cherry Tree

Higan cherry trees make an excellent addition to the garden due to their striking beauty and versatility. Here are some suggestions for incorporating a Higan cherry into your garden design:

• Specimen Tree: Due to its beautiful blooms and year-round interest, the Higan cherry makes a fantastic specimen tree. Position it in a central location where it can be easily seen and enjoyed.
• Along a Walkway or Driveway: Higan cherries are often planted along walkways or driveways to create a stunning floral canopy during bloom season. Their upright growth habit makes them suitable for this kind of placement.
• Mixed Borders: Combine the Higan cherry with shrubs, perennials, and bulbs that bloom at different times of the year to extend the color and interest in your garden. Consider plants that complement the cherry’s flowers and foliage, such as spring-flowering bulbs, ferns, or shade-loving perennials.
• Garden Accent: The weeping varieties of Higan cherry can create an impressive accent in a garden when positioned next to a pond, patio, or seating area. Their weeping form and springtime blossoms can add drama and elegance.
• Wildlife Garden: These trees produce small cherries that are popular with birds, making them a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
• Asian-Themed Gardens: If you’re creating a Japanese garden or any Asian-inspired design, the Higan cherry is an excellent choice. It’s traditionally found in many Japanese gardens due to its beautiful form and delicate blossoms.

Remember to account for the tree’s mature size when designing your garden. It needs space to grow and doesn’t do well in compacted or poorly drained soil. Regular watering and feeding will help it to establish and thrive.

Growing Tips

Growing a Higan cherry tree requires some attention to its particular needs. Here are some tips to help you successfully cultivate one:

• Choose the Right Location: Higan cherry trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They do best in well-draining soil and need a location that offers enough space for their mature size. Keep in mind, the size can vary significantly depending on the variety, so ensure you check this before planting.
• Planting: The best time to plant Higan cherry trees is in the spring or fall. Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, firming it gently around the base of the tree.
• Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting, and continue to water regularly, especially during dry spells. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
• Mulching: Mulching around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. However, make sure the mulch does not touch the trunk of the tree as this can encourage rot.
• Pruning: Prune the Higan cherry tree during its dormant season, generally in late winter or early spring. Remove any diseased, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s shape and overall health.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package.
• Disease and Pests: Higan cherry trees can be susceptible to pests such as aphids and diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Regular inspections of your tree can help catch these issues early. If you notice anything unusual, consult with a local extension service or nursery for treatment options.

Remember, patience is key when growing trees. It may take a few years for your Higan cherry tree to establish and begin blooming profusely. But once it does, the spectacular display is well worth the wait.