Species

Prunus subhirtellaHigan Cherry

3 other cultivars

tree

Higan Cherry

Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'

$88.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus subhirtella, the Higan cherry, is a deciduous tree native to Japan known for its exceptional longevity and tolerance to variable weather. The species produces small, single to semi-double pink or white blossoms and develops a broad, symmetrical crown with age.

'Autumnalis' is distinguished by its unique split-blooming habit, producing a sparse flush of semi-double pinkish-white flowers in fall that continues intermittently through mild winter spells before a heavy spring display. The dark green summer foliage turns bronze-yellow in fall, and the tree maintains a more compact, graceful form than the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides rare off-season floral interest with delicate semi-double pink flowers in fall and winter, followed by a heavy spring display.

Functions as a compact, non-invasive specimen tree well-suited for smaller residential lawns and urban courtyards.

Offers an important early and late nectar source for bees and beneficial insects when few other plants are in bloom.

SpeciesPrunus subhirtellaHigan Cherry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420"

Width

354"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-decade

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides

Bloom period

Autumn – Spring

In flower about 9 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$88.95

Nature Hills

In Stock$94.50

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with fertile, well-drained loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth to prevent settling.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle, and apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Prune strictly in late spring or summer immediately after the main flowering cycle ends; winter or early spring pruning removes the dormant buds formed on current-season wood, destroying the signature off-season bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after the spring flowering cycle concludes.
Water deeply during extended summer dry spells.
Maintain a clear mulch ring around the trunk to prevent lawnmower damage.

Don't

Do not prune in late winter or early spring, which removes the flower buds.
Do not plant in low-lying areas prone to standing water or poor drainage.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers that stimulate weak, disease-prone wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen TreeLawn TreeMixed Shrub BorderCottage Garden

Companion Plants

Cercis canadensis Narcissus HelleborusHostas

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Higan Cherry questions

What zones can Higan Cherry grow in?

Higan Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Higan Cherry deer resistant?

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

When does Higan Cherry bloom?

Higan Cherry typically blooms in autumn through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Higan Cherry need full sun?

Higan Cherry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Higan Cherry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Higan Cherry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.