Higan Cherry Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana'
ABOUT
The Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', commonly known as the Winter-flowering Cherry, is a visually captivating ornamental plant. This plant is distinguished by its profusion of blossom clusters. Each individual flower is a delicate pink hue that may vary in intensity, creating a soft, inviting appearance that is highly sought after to herald the arrival of spring. The blossoms are composed of five rounded petals that harmonize together to form an exceptionally charming display. These petals encase the reproductive parts of the flower, which present themselves as a central bouquet of stamens, often contrasting with the pink petals in a deeper hue or sometimes a golden color. The leaves of the Winter-flowering Cherry exhibit a lanceolate shape, which means they resemble the shape of a lance, terminating in a pointed tip. Upon their emergence, the leaves can exhibit a reddish tint that gradually transitions to a lustrous green as the season progresses. In autumn, they take on warm shades before falling. The bark of this plant displays a glossy, smooth texture with a color palette that can range from a grayish tone to brown, often accentuating the overall elegance of the tree. While this cherry can provide visual interest practically year-round due to its attractive bark, foliage, and flowers, its springtime blossom is undoubtedly the highlight that makes it a popular choice among garden enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Winter-Flowering Cherry, Spring Cherry, Higan Cherry, Rosebud Cherry
Common names
Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana'.
ToxicityTo humans
Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', commonly known as Higan cherry, may pose a toxicity risk to humans if any part of the plant, especially seeds, leaves, or stems, is ingested. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides which can break down into hydrogen cyanide when damaged or consumed. Small quantities may cause minor symptoms, but in larger amounts, potential symptoms of cyanide poisoning include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, confusion, seizures, and even coma or death if not treated promptly.
To pets
Higan cherry is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, primarily found in the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. When ingested, these compounds can convert to hydrogen cyanide and can cause symptoms similar to those in humans. Symptoms in pets can include drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, and collapse. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning and can be fatal without immediate veterinary intervention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.6-7.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', commonly known as Spring Cherry, has a high ornamental value due to its attractive pink flowers that bloom in early spring, creating a beautiful and colorful landscape.
- Wildlife Attraction: The Spring Cherry offers nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, and the fruit can attract birds, providing a natural habitat and food source for local wildlife.
- Shade Provision: As a deciduous tree, the Spring Cherry can provide shade in the summer months, creating a cooler microclimate beneficial for humans and other plants underneath its canopy.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant exhibits a variety of seasonal changes including vibrant autumn foliage, providing visual interest throughout different seasons of the year.
- Cultural Significance: The Spring Cherry has cultural importance in some regions, often associated with spring festivals and celebrations, and is used in traditional landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The bark of the Higan cherry tree can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, imparting a range of colors based on the mordant used.
- Craft Material: Small branches and twigs can be harvested and used in decorative crafts, including wreath making or as part of floral displays.
- Photography Subject: The Higan cherry, particularly when in bloom, is often used by photographers as a subject for landscape and nature photography due to its aesthetic appeal.
- Climate Indicator: Observing the blooming period of the Higan cherry can serve as a phenological indicator for the start of spring in certain regions.
- Bonsai: The Higan cherry can be cultivated as a bonsai tree, offering enthusiasts a beautiful and challenging species to shape and maintain.
- Wildlife Shelter: When planted in gardens or parks, these trees can provide shelter and nesting sites for local bird populations and other small animals.
- Educational Material: The tree's lifecycle and growth habits provide educational material for botany classes and can be used to teach grafting techniques due to its hybrid nature.
- Cultural Celebrations: Higan cherry trees are often included in cherry blossom festivals and other cultural events, where they contribute to the ambiance and traditional aesthetics.
- Ink Production: The fruit of the Higan cherry can be used to make natural inks for art and calligraphy, though it is not a common use.
- Woodworking: Although not the primary use, the wood from larger Higan cherry branches or trunks can be used in woodworking for small projects such as carving or turning on a lathe.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Higan cherry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Higan cherry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', commonly known as the Winter Flowering Cherry, typically blooms in late winter or early spring. Its early blossoms symbolize the end of winter's dormancy and the beginning of a fresh, rejuvenating spring season.
- Impermanence: The fleeting beauty of its blossoms, which may only last for a short time before falling, is often seen as a reminder of life's ephemeral nature, reflecting the concept of mono no aware (the pathos of things) in Japanese culture.
- Beauty: The delicate appearance and the pleasing aesthetics of its flowers represent beauty and grace, which are highly valued traits.
- Purity: The clear, crisp blossoms of the Winter Flowering Cherry can symbolize purity and innocence, much like many other white and lightly colored flowers.
- New Beginnings: As the Winter Flowering Cherry is one of the first trees to bloom as the weather turns warmer, its flowers symbolize fresh starts and new beginnings, making it an emblem of hope and optimism.
WaterThe Higan cherry, also known as Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', should be watered deeply to ensure that the water reaches the roots, particularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Watering should occur once weekly, using approximately 15-20 gallons for young trees, and more for mature trees depending on the tree size and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, increase the frequency of watering to twice per week. Reduce watering in the fall before the tree goes dormant, and avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
LightHigan cherry trees require full sun to thrive, making an open area with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day the ideal spot. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering and overall growth are best in full sun conditions. To maximize growth and bloom, ensure there are no larger trees or structures casting significant shade on your Higan cherry.
TemperatureHigan cherry trees are cold hardy and can survive winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, though they grow best when the temperature is above freezing. They thrive in temperatures between 30 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These trees are deciduous, so they can handle a wide range of temperatures, but extreme heat above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the tree.
PruningPrunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', or Higan cherry, should be pruned to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and to encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as Higan cherries do not require heavy pruning, and focus on cutting back branches that disrupt the tree's natural shape or that are crossing and rubbing against each other.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Weeping Higan Cherry (common name) thrives best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with an ideal soil pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, compost, and a small amount of sand for improved drainage would be beneficial.
RepottingWeeping Higan Cherry trees are typically grown outdoors and do not require repotting. They should be planted in the ground where they have ample space to grow.
Humidity & MistingWeeping Higan Cherry prefers moderate ambient humidity but is adaptable to the typical range found in outdoor environments. There is no need to artificially adjust the humidity for this tree.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Weeping Higan Cherry indoors with ample light and space, not ideal.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with moist, well-draining soil; space widely.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cyclePrunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', also known as the 'Fukubana' cherry tree, commences its life cycle when dormant buds on mature trees break in response to warm temperatures in the spring, unfurling delicate flowers that often arrive before the leaves. After the flowering stage, the tree enters leaf development where the foliage expands, providing photosynthetic energy necessary for growth and development. The 'Fukubana' then enters the fruiting stage, producing small cherry fruits that mature by summer, which are typically not a prominent feature as they may be sparse and generally inedible. Seeds within these fruits are dispersed by various means, including wildlife, enabling the initiation of new plants. As autumn arrives, the foliage may turn color and eventually falls, signaling a period of dormancy throughout winter, during which the tree conserves energy and prepares for the next cycle of flowering. Over many years, the 'Fukubana' cherry tree matures and achieves its full growth potential, contributing to regeneration either through seed or vegetative propagation, such as through cuttings, before eventually aging and declining in vigor.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method to propagate Prunus × subhirtella 'Fukubana', commonly known as the 'Fukubana' cherry, is through grafting. This technique is usually performed in late winter or early spring before the tree starts its active growth. In grafting, a scion, which is a young shoot or twig of the 'Fukubana' cherry, is carefully selected and cut, typically 4 to 6 inches long (about 10 to 15 cm). This scion is then joined to a rootstock of another cherry variety that has proven to be hardy and compatible. The cut on both scion and rootstock is made in such a way that the cambium layers, the part of the plant where growth can occur, align perfectly. The graft union is then secured using grafting tape or a similar material, and the site is kept moist until the graft has taken and the scion begins to grow, indicating successful propagation.
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