Autumn Cherry Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Autumn Cherry has a graceful and spreading appearance, featuring a branching pattern that provides visual interest. It is widely admired for its seasonal display of blooms, which is somewhat unique among cherry trees. The Autumn Cherry is renowned for blossoming not only during the spring but also sporadically in the autumn, a trait hinted at by its name. The blossoms themselves are delicate with a pale pink hue that can sometimes appear almost white. Each individual flower is composed of five petals, and they come together in small clusters that add a soft, textured look to the branches. The Autumn Cherry has a fine array of foliage as well. Its leaves are simple and ovate with a pointed tip and a serrated edge, typical of many in its family. Although green for most of the year, the leaves adopt shades of yellow or orange as they change with the seasons before falling. When it is not in bloom, the tree's bark also contributes to its ornamental value. The bark is dark and may develop a pattern of fissures and scaly textures as the plant matures, adding to the overall rustic charm of the tree. The Autumn Cherry is thus a plant that provides year-round interest, whether it is through the understated elegance of its flowers, the changing colors of its leaves, or the rugged beauty of its bark.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Autumn Cherry, Winter Flowering Cherry, Higan Cherry
Common names
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Higan cherry, like other members of the Prunus genus, contains cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in the seeds, leaves, and stems. These compounds can release cyanide when ingested and metabolized. However, poisoning from consuming parts of the Higan cherry is rare and typically occurs only if significant quantities of the seeds are ingested and well-chewed, which releases the cyanide. The flesh of the fruit is generally considered safe to eat in moderation.
To pets
The Higan cherry is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. As with humans, the toxicity is due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in the seeds, leaves, and stems which can release cyanide when ingested. Pets are unlikely to consume large amounts of these plant parts; however, if they do, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may occur.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Produces delicate pink to white flowers that bloom intermittently from fall to spring, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens during times when few other plants flower.
- Wildlife Attraction: Offers nectar and pollen to pollinating insects such as bees during its flowering periods, providing food resources when they are scarce.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, has a good tolerance for drought conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Compact Size: Grows to a moderate size, making it suitable for small gardens, urban landscapes, or as a specimen tree in larger gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides year-round interest with its blooming habit, attractive bark, and sometimes colorful autumn foliage.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes and banks to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its root structure.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Autumn Cherry's wood is sometimes used in the crafting of musical instruments, particularly Japanese traditional instruments, due to its resonant quality.
- Autumn Cherry can be used in bonsai cultivation, offering a miniature display of its delicate blooms and seasonal color changes.
- The bark of the Autumn Cherry tree may be utilized in small-scale art projects, such as making natural textures in paintings or as a canvas itself.
- Saplings and trimmings of Autumn Cherry can be fashioned into rustic walking sticks or canes with ornamental value.
- Leaves of the Autumn Cherry can be pressed and dried for inclusion in scrapbooking or in nature craft projects such as leaf collages.
- Branches from the Autumn Cherry are used in floral arrangements, particularly in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, for their winter flowers.
- In woodworking, the Autumn Cherry's wood could be incorporated into fine boxes or small cabinets where its grain can add aesthetic appeal.
- The Autumn Cherry's fallen petals can be collected to create natural confetti for celebrations or to add a romantic touch to weddings.
- Dried branches of the Autumn Cherry can serve as organic kindling for fires in outdoor fire pits or indoor fireplaces, given their relatively small size and good burning properties.
- Creative gardeners might use the Autumn Cherry tree for creating living fences or privacy screens that bloom beautifully during the appropriate seasons.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAutumnalis Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAutumnalis Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal and Hope: As Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis', commonly known as Autumn Cherry, has the unusual trait of flowering during cooler months, often in mild winters, it symbolizes new beginnings and the hope that springs from the renewal of life.
- Impermanence of Life: Similarly to other cherry blossoms, the Autumn Cherry's fleeting beauty is often associated with the transient nature of life, reflecting the Japanese concept of mono no aware—the awareness of the impermanence of things.
- Beauty and Life Cycle: The blossoms of the Autumn Cherry are celebrated for their beauty and delicate appearance, symbolizing the fullness of life and the beauty inherent in all of its stages.
- Overcoming Adversity: Because it flowers at an unusual time for cherry trees, which typically bloom in spring, the Autumn Cherry represents the ability to thrive and triumph even in less than ideal conditions. It's a symbol of resilience and overcoming challenges.
WaterThe Higan cherry should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, which typically means applying enough water to soak the first 12 to 18 inches of soil. During the growing season, watering once a week is generally sufficient, but during periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week. In the winter months, reduce watering frequency to every two weeks or when the soil is dry to touch due to the plant's reduced water needs. When watering, aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons per square foot of soil area to ensure adequate moisture reaches the root zone.
LightThe Higan cherry thrives in full sun to light shade conditions. For optimal growth and flowering, plant it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Adequate light is important to ensure a profuse bloom and healthy foliage, so avoid deeply shaded areas that could limit light exposure.
TemperatureThe Higan cherry is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from winter lows around -20°F to summer highs that can exceed 90°F. For ideal growth, maintain a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F. Extremes outside of these temperatures may cause stress to the tree, but it will generally survive within the mentioned hardiness range.
PruningThe Higan cherry should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove any dead or diseased branches, and promote good air circulation within the canopy. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light pruning can be done annually, but a more thorough pruning should occur every two to three years to keep the tree healthy and manage its size.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHigan cherry trees prefer well-draining soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix for Higan cherry would be loamy soil enriched with organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to ensure nutrients and proper drainage.
RepottingHigan cherry trees planted in the ground do not require repotting, but young or potted trees should be checked annually for root crowding and repotted as necessary in the springtime.
Humidity & MistingHigan cherry trees are adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefer moderate humidity and can tolerate the varying conditions typically found outdoors within its hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Higan cherry cannot be grown indoors effectively due to space and light needs.
Outdoor
Plant Higan cherry in well-drained soil, full sun, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis', commonly known as Autumn Cherry, begins with seed germination in spring when temperatures rise and moisture is adequate. After germination, saplings emerge and grow into young trees through the vegetative stage, marked by the elongation of the shoot and the development of leaves. The mature tree stage is reached after several years, at which point the Autumn Cherry displays its characteristic off-season blooming, with pale pink to white flowers appearing intermittently during mild spells in winter and early spring. Following pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small fruit (drupes), which contain seeds for dispersal. Once the fruit ripens and falls to the ground or is transported by animals, the seeds may lie dormant until the next appropriate season for germination. This cycle continues as the tree ages, with flowering and fruiting typically being annual events until the tree's eventual senescence and death.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating the Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis', commonly known as the Autumn Cherry, is through grafting. This process involves taking a scion, or piece of a stem with bud, from a mature Autumn Cherry tree and attaching it to a rootstock of another cherry species that is known for its hardiness and disease resistance. The best time to graft is in late winter or early spring before the sap starts to flow. The scion should be about 2 to 4 inches (approximately 5 to 10 cm) long, with at least two or three buds. A compatible rootstock is chosen, and a precise cut is made on both scion and rootstock to ensure a snug fit. The two pieces are then joined together and bound with grafting tape or wax to prevent drying and infection while the graft union heals, which usually takes several weeks. After the graft has successfully taken, the new Autumn Cherry tree will eventually grow to possess the characteristics of the parent tree from which the scion was taken.
