Prunus × subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Higan Cherry)

Elegant in all seasons, Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Rosebud Cherry) is a small, spreading deciduous tree with many ornamental qualities. Blooming in flushes over an incredibly long season from late fall to early spring, this Cherry Tree produces masses of delicate and charming clusters of semi-double, pale pink to white flowers, 1/2 in. wide (1.5 cm). They are followed by a profusion of pea-sized black fruits, which ripen in late summer and attract hungry birds. Bronze-tinted as they emerge in spring, the lanceolate, sharply toothed, green leaves form a light canopy that casts light shade below. In fall, they turn orange and yellow before shedding to the ground.

Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is a graceful ornamental tree with an upright-spreading to rounded habit, which is longer-lived than many Japanese ornamental cherries.

• Typically reaches 20-30 ft. in height and spread (6-9 m).
• Performs best in full sun in moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates summer heat and winter cold better than most flowering cherries.
• Perfect choice as a single specimen plant, mixed borders, lawns.
• Prune in midsummer if silver leaf is a problem
• Watch for caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bullfinches, silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt.
• Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful.