Autumnalis Higan Cherry
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'
Height: 30 feet
Spread: 20 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 5
Other Names: Spring Cherry, Rosebud Cherry
Description:
A truly beautiful accent tree, with clouds of showy double light pink flowers in spring before the leaves, colorful bark, good fall color and an artistic upright habit; needs full sun and well-drained soil, but quite adaptable for a cherry
Ornamental Features
Autumnalis Higan Cherry is clothed in stunning clusters of fragrant shell pink flowers along the branches in early spring, which emerge from distinctive pink flower buds before the leaves. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn yellow in fall. The fruits are showy black drupes displayed in early fall. The smooth dark red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Autumnalis Higan Cherry is a deciduous tree with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Autumnalis Higan Cherry is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Shade
Planting & Growing
Autumnalis Higan Cherry will grow to be about 30 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 4 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 60 years or more.
This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
