Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea

Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea or Rosebud Cherry Autumnalis

The Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea, also called the Rosebud Cherry Autumnalis, adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. The tree has the unique distinction of flowering from autumn to spring when most trees are dormant. From October to February the tree sports a bevy of virtually non-stop dark pink buds that open into pastel pink flowers. Many people refer to the Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea as the autumn-winter flowering cherry tree because of its distinctive autumn to spring flower habits.

The slender tree begins to sprout foliage in the early spring months. The leaves first appear bronze in colour and eventually turn bright green throughout the summer months. In the autumn the foliage turns a bright yellow before falling from the tree. After the tree sheds its leaves, the smooth, chocolate coloured bark becomes visible and offers its own distinctively striking beauty to the landscape before the emergence of the tree’s first autumn flowers.

During the late summer months, the tree produces a large crop of pea-sized black fruit that attract songbirds to the garden. The fruits also add eye-catching visual contrast to the tree.

When fully grown, the Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea reaches a height of 7m.  It sports a rounded growth habit. However, its slender branches and twigs makes it an ideal garden tree or border tree because it does not produce an abundance of shade. The tree’s ability to let filtered sunlight reach the ground beneath it means that many plant varieties can be planted around the tree and still receive adequate sunlight to flourish.

The Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea was first introduced to Europe at the turn of the 20th century. The lovely ornamental tree has been awarded the distinguished RHS Award of Garden Merit and also an Award of Merit for displays of its cut flowers.

For best results, plant the Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea in well-drained soil in full sunlight. It enjoys evenly moist soil that is high in organic content. The tree has no specific preference for alkaline or acidic soil conditions. It tolerates both summer heat and winter cold well. If pruning is desired to shape the tree or remove dead branches, it should be done during the mid-summer to give the tree ample time to recover before winter.

The Prunus Subhirtella Autumnalis Rosea is a valued addition to any garden. Its striking year round beauty makes it a focal point that is to be admired no matter what the season.