Autumnalis Rosea Cherry Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Pink Autumn Cherry is a hybrid with a form that is often upright and spreading. It is celebrated for its ability to bloom intermittently during warm spells in fall and winter, creating a delightful preview of spring. As the colder months arrive, this tree displays modest pink flowers that are semi-double, meaning they have more petals than single blooms but aren't as full as double flowers. These delicate blossoms emerge from pink buds and are a soft pastel hue, bringing a gentle splash of color to otherwise barren gardens. Beyond its charming flowers, the Pink Autumn Cherry's foliage offers visual interest as well. In spring, the leaves emerge as a vibrant bronze tone, and as they mature, they transition into a glossy green. With the arrival of autumn, the leaves take on shades of yellow or orange, providing a warm autumnal display before they fall. Throughout the seasons, the tree presents a changing palette that enlivens the landscape. Its branches are gracefully spread and showcase smooth bark, contributing an air of elegance even in the bareness of winter. Despite its various features, this tree is primarily appreciated for the intermittent blooms that can pleasantly surprise onlookers with unexpected beauty outside the typical flowering season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Autumnalis Rosea Cherry, Winter-Flowering Cherry, Spring Cherry, Rosebud Cherry
Common names
Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Higan cherry, like other members of the Prunus genus, contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested. Specifically, the seeds, leaves, and stems of the plant have cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when the plant material is damaged or chewed. If ingested in significant amounts, symptoms of poisoning in humans can include difficulty breathing, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and potentially more serious conditions like convulsions or even coma. However, the fruit flesh of cherries is typically not toxic and is safe to consume, but caution should be exercised to avoid consuming the pits.
To pets
The Higan cherry is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in the seeds, leaves, and stems. If pets chew or ingest these parts of the plant, they can experience symptoms of cyanide poisoning. Symptoms may include panting, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. It is important to prevent pets from having access to these parts of the Higan cherry to ensure their safety.
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 Beauty: The Autumnalis Rosea Cherry dazzles with delicate pink blossoms that emerge in both fall and spring, uplifting urban and garden landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: its flower blossoms provide a rare splash of color during the cooler months when few other plants are in bloom.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees during its blooming periods, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provision: Mature trees offer dappled shade, creating comfortable outdoor spaces and reducing the need for artificial cooling in nearby areas.
- Aesthetic Versatility: The tree's graceful form, flowers, and autumn leaf color make it a versatile choice for a variety of landscape designs.
- Urban Tolerance: This cherry variety shows resilience in urban conditions, withstanding some level of pollution and compacted soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: The Autumn Cherry can offer shelter and a potential nesting site for birds, particularly in urban or suburban landscapes where such natural amenities might be scarce.
- Photography Backdrop: With its delicate pink blossoms, the Autumn Cherry tree is an attractive subject for photographers, especially for spring and autumn-themed sessions.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the beauty of the Autumn Cherry as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other artwork, with its pink blooms adding a romantic touch.
- Festive Decorations: Branches of the Autumn Cherry can be cut and used as a natural decoration during festive seasons, especially given its propensity to bloom around certain holidays.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach about hybrid plants and the ornamental cherry tree varieties, their lifecycles, and their role in horticulture.
- Bonsai: With proper care and pruning, the Autumn Cherry can be cultivated as a bonsai, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy its splendor on a miniature scale.
- Live Fencing: When planted in a row, Autumn Cherry trees can form a flowering live fence or privacy screen during their blooming periods.
- Culinary Ingredient: Although primarily ornamental, the petals of Autumn Cherry blossoms can sometimes be used as an edible decoration for fancy dishes in high-end cuisine.
- Dye Production: The blossoms of the Autumn Cherry could potentially be used to produce natural dyes for fabrics or crafts, although this is not a common use.
- Cultural Celebrations: The Autumn Cherry tree can play a role in cultural celebrations, such as cherry blossom festivals that mark the beauty of spring and the fleeting nature of life.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Winter Flowering Cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Winter Flowering Cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cycle of Life: Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea', commonly known as the Winter Flowering Cherry, often blooms during cooler months, symbolizing the enduring nature of life even in adversity and the idea that beauty can be found in every season.
- Renewal and New Beginnings: The blossoming of cherries is associated with spring, and even though this variety blooms in the winter, it still represents the concept of rebirth and fresh starts, reminding us that change is a constant and positive force.
- Impermanence: Cherry blossoms, in general, are emblematic of the ephemeral nature of life, known as 'mono no aware' in Japanese culture, which poignantly appreciates the transient beauty of things.
- Feminine Beauty and Sexuality: Pink cherry blossoms are often linked to the softness and grace attributed to feminine beauty, as well as the delicate nature of sexuality and love.
- Innocence: The light pink hue of the 'Autumnalis Rosea' can symbolize purity and an unblemished quality, often related to the youthful innocence of early life or first love.
WaterThe Higan cherry, including its variety 'Autumnalis Rosea', should be watered deeply around the root zone rather than frequent shallow waterings, aiming for a thorough moisturizing of the soil without waterlogging it. Newly planted trees require watering about two times per week, while established trees should be watered every two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency. On average, 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard of root spread every two weeks is generally sufficient. It's essential to reduce watering frequency in the fall to help the tree harden off for winter.
LightThe Higan cherry prefers full sun to part shade, thriving best when receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It should be situated in a location that offers clear, unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day while being protected from harsh, late afternoon sun in hotter climates. Dappled afternoon shade can be beneficial in preventing leaf scorch in areas with intense summer heat.
TemperatureThe Higan cherry is adapted to a broad range of temperatures, tolerating winter lows down to about -20°F and summer highs typically not exceeding 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for the tree is between 60°F and 75°F, providing a good balance for robust growth and flowering. Areas with extreme temperature fluctuations outside the range of 20°F to 90°F may impact the health and flowering of the tree.
PruningPrune the Higan cherry to remove dead or broken branches, maintain shape, and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts. It is recommended to prune this tree every year or every few years, depending on the tree's health and desired shape. Avoid excessive pruning, which can stress the tree and reduce flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Autumn Cherry prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. A blend of loam, compost, and sand can provide ideal conditions.
RepottingAutumn Cherry trees, being larger landscape plants, do not require frequent repotting and are typically not repotted but rather planted once in a suitable location.
Humidity & MistingAutumn Cherry prefers outdoor conditions and does not require specific humidity levels, thriving in the natural humidity found in its hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Cannot grow indoors; it's a landscape tree requiring outdoor conditions.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea', commonly known as the Winter-Flowering Cherry, begins its life cycle when the seed, contained within the fruit, germinates typically in spring when conditions are moist and temperatures are moderate. Following germination, the seedling emerges and undergoes vegetative growth, developing a root system, stem, and leaves; this stage is characterized by rapid growth and establishment. During its juvenile phase, the tree increases in height and girth until it reaches maturity, which may take several years; it then begins to develop its characteristic smooth bark and branching pattern. The mature Winter-Flowering Cherry blooms intermittently from autumn to spring, producing delicate pink flowers, even during milder winters, before most other cherry trees blossom. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into small, round fruits, which house the seeds for the next generation. Finally, as the tree ages, it enters a period of senescence where growth slows, and it may eventually succumb to environmental stresses, diseases, or old age, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most well-known method for propagating the 'Autumnalis Rosea', a cultivar of the ornamental cherry tree, is through grafting. This technique typically takes place in late winter to early spring when the tree is still dormant. A scion, which is a cutting from a healthy 'Autumnalis Rosea', is cut to include at least two or three buds. The scion should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. It is then grafted onto a compatible rootstock, such as that of the Prunus species, using a grafting technique like whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting. The union is wrapped with grafting tape or a similar material to hold it securely until the graft heals and the scion has successfully joined the rootstock, which may take several weeks to a few months.
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