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Prunus x subhirtella (Higan Cherry)

Higan Cherry, Winter-Flowering Cherry, Spring Cherry, Rosebud Cherry

Prunus x subhirtella, Higan Cherry, Winter-Flowering Cherry, Spring Cherry, Rosebud Cherry, Spring flowers, White flowers, Pink flowers, fragrant flowers
Higan Cherry, Cherry Blossom, Cherry Tree, Prunus subhirtella

A remarkable flowering cherry tree, Higan cherry, Prunus x subhirtella, is a landscape tree with multi-season interest.

What is Higan Cherry?

Prunus x subhirtella, commonly known as the Higan cherry, Spring cherry or Rosebud cherry, is a hybrid species of flowering cherry tree native to Japan.

Habit and Size: Depending on the cultivar, it exhibits a graceful upright branching, broad and spreading habit, or a rounded or weeping habit. The tree typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet (6-9 meters) and 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters) in spread at maturity. Fast-growing, this flowering cherry is longer-lived than other ornamental cherry trees.

Foliage: The foliage of ovate, serrated, dark green leaves in summer creates a fresh summer canopy. It turns attractive shades of bronze, red, and golden-yellow in fall before shedding to the ground.

Flowers: The most captivating feature of this tree, however, is its beautiful spring blossoms. Depending on the variety, it blooms with delicate single or double flowers ranging from white to pink. Pea-sized blackish fruits follow them in late summer.

Blooming Season: The blooms often appear before the leaves in early spring and can persist for up to two weeks, creating a stunning floral display. Higan cherry is also noted for its sporadic blooms in fall during warm days – a rare treat!

Bark: The trunk is covered with shiny, reddish-brown bark and prominent lenticels. Some trunks may display curly, peeling bark.

Hardiness: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 8.

Uses: The Higan cherry’s attractive bark, fall color, and spring blossoms make it an excellent choice for ornamental plantings, as a specimen tree or in groupings in parks, lawns, or public spaces. The weeping forms of Prunus x subhirtella, such as Prunus x subhirtella ‘Pendula’, are especially prized for their elegant shape and profusion of spring flowers.

Deer and Rabbit: Deer and rabbits generally do not bother this tree.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Plant Type Trees
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 15' - 30'
(4.6m - 9.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Higan Cherry Trees

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.

Recommended Companion Plants

Cyclamen coum (Persian Violet)
Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)
Tulips
Narcissi (Daffodils)
Crocus vernus (Dutch Crocus)
Galanthus (Snowdrop)
Compare All Prunus (Cherry Tree)
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Prunus (Cherry Tree)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 8
Heat Zones 6 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Plant Type Trees
Genus Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Fall
Winter
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 15' - 30'
(4.6m - 9.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Bees
Landscaping Ideas Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Traditional Garden
Compare All Prunus (Cherry Tree)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Prunus (Cherry Tree)

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