Prunus x subhirtella Autumnalis/ Winter Flowering Cherry
£45.00
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Autumn Cherry, Winter-flowering Cherry
- Botanical Name: Prunus × subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’
- Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
- Mature Height: 4–6m (can be kept smaller with pruning or on dwarfing rootstock)
- Mature Spread: 3–5m
- Flowering Period: Intermittently from November to March, with a main flush in March–April
- Flower Colour: Semi-double, white to pale pink blooms
- Foliage: Mid-green, turning yellow and orange in autumn
- Hardiness: RHS H6 (hardy throughout UK & Ireland)
- Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile
- Aspect: Full sun to partial shade
- Maintenance: Low to moderate (annual pruning to maintain form)
Description
Prunus × subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is a unique and enchanting cherry, renowned for its ability to flower during the darkest months of the year. From late autumn through winter, and again in early spring, the bare branches are sprinkled with delicate, semi-double white to pale pink flowers, bringing unexpected beauty and cheer to the garden when little else is in bloom.
In spring, the tree produces a more generous flush of blossom, followed by fresh green leaves that create a soft, airy canopy for the rest of the season. Come autumn, the foliage turns warm shades of yellow and orange, providing a final burst of colour before the winter display begins again.
With its upright, spreading habit and reliable performance, ‘Autumnalis’ is ideal as a specimen tree for lawns, borders, or as a feature near patios and windows where you can enjoy its winter flowers up close. It’s hardy, easy to grow, and a wonderful choice for extending the season of interest in any Irish or UK garden.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Space trees 3–5m apart for standards. Plant bare-root or container-grown trees in late autumn to early spring (November–March). Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged areas and frost pockets. Dig a generous hole, incorporate well-rotted compost, and plant at the same depth as in the nursery. Firm soil, water well, and mulch to retain moisture.
Space trees 3–5m apart for standards. Plant bare-root or container-grown trees in late autumn to early spring (November–March). Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged areas and frost pockets. Dig a generous hole, incorporate well-rotted compost, and plant at the same depth as in the nursery. Firm soil, water well, and mulch to retain moisture.
Soil Preparation:
Prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0 is ideal. Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Prefers moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil; pH 6.0–7.0 is ideal. Improve poor soils with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Pruning & Care:
Minimal pruning is needed—remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late summer after flowering. Lightly thin the crown to maintain shape and allow good airflow.
Minimal pruning is needed—remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late summer after flowering. Lightly thin the crown to maintain shape and allow good airflow.
Pests & Problems:
Generally reliable and disease resistant. Watch for aphids, caterpillars, and cherry leaf spot. Good hygiene and regular checks help keep trees healthy.
Generally reliable and disease resistant. Watch for aphids, caterpillars, and cherry leaf spot. Good hygiene and regular checks help keep trees healthy.
Design Notes:
Perfect as a specimen tree, especially where its winter flowers can be appreciated—near entrances, patios, or visible from windows. Underplant with bulbs or winter-flowering perennials for extra impact.
Perfect as a specimen tree, especially where its winter flowers can be appreciated—near entrances, patios, or visible from windows. Underplant with bulbs or winter-flowering perennials for extra impact.
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