Species

Prunus subhirtellaHigan Cherry

3 other cultivars

tree

Snow Goose Cherry

Prunus subhirtella 'Snow Goose'

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus subhirtella, the Higan cherry, is a small ornamental flowering cherry tree prized for its profuse and early spring bloom, often flowering before its leaves emerge.

'Snow Goose' is distinguished by its strong, upright vase-shaped habit and an abundance of single, pure white flowers that cover the branches in early spring. It has a clean, classic appearance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a spectacular, cloud-like display of pure white blossoms in early spring, making it a premier specimen tree. Its clean, vase-shaped form is attractive year-round, and the foliage turns a pleasant yellow in the fall.

Its moderate size makes it suitable for a wide range of landscape applications, including smaller residential yards, patios, and as a street tree where overhead lines are not a concern.

The early spring flowers are an important nectar and pollen source for bees and other early-emerging pollinators. The small, inconspicuous fruits are consumed by birds.

SpeciesPrunus subhirtellaHigan Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide and are toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site that receives at least six hours of direct sun daily.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at ground level.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle it around the roots.
Water deeply once or twice a week for the first growing season.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune only after flowering has finished to avoid sacrificing the season's bloom and to allow for rapid healing before summer stress.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Water regularly during periods of drought.
Maintain a consistent mulch layer to conserve soil moisture.
Remove any suckers that appear at the base of the tree.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can stress the tree.
Don't damage the bark with lawnmowers or string trimmers.
Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen for small lawnsGraceful street or patio treeStunning early spring floral display

Companion Plants

Narcissus 'Thalia'Muscari armeniacum Helleborus orientalis Vinca minor Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Snow Goose Cherry questions

What zones can Snow Goose Cherry grow in?

Snow Goose Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Snow Goose Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Snow Goose Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Snow Goose Cherry bloom?

Snow Goose Cherry typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Snow Goose Cherry need full sun?

Snow Goose Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).