Species higan cherry
white flowers with red center on gray branches

higan cherry

Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'

The Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella "Autumnalis") is a beautiful flowering tree native to Asia. It is grown for its abundant showy white and pink blossoms that appear in fall from baskets of long graceful branches. When in bloom, this tree is often used as a stunning ornamental feature in gardens or public areas. The Higan cherry is very hardy, thriving in full sun and shallow, well-draining soil. It is also very drought-tolerant, making it an ideal option for lush but low-maintenance landscaping. With its vibrant colour and graceful shape, the Higan cherry is a great choice for gardens of any size.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Budding,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Pink Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Higan Cherry needs a moderate amount of water. Water the plant when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil feels dry, providing about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water once a week. During the first year, water more frequently to ensure that the root system is well-established. During the hottest parts of summer, you may need to water more often. During winter, when the plant is dormant, water just enough to keep the root system from drying out completely.

sunlight

Higan cherry plants, when planted in full sun, require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. When planted in partial shade, these plants require only 3 to 4 hours of sunlight per day. When grown in a location with full shade, the higan cherry may not flower as profusely.

pruning

Higan cherries should be pruned in late winter or early spring as the flowers bud but before they bloom in early spring. Prune away any diseased, dead or damaged branches using clean, sharp shears. Also prune any branches that cross over 1 another or are growing too close together. Remove any growth that appears on the inner branches. Following this, thin out any branches that are too close to the center of the plant. Lastly, gently shape the overall canopy by cutting off any long, unruly branches. Pruning time can vary based on climate, but generally it should be done just before the plant breaks dormancy in the spring.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' typically starts flowering in late December or early January.

Hardiness Map