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Prunus × subhirtella

winter-flowering cherry

A small to medium-sized, deciduous, spreading tree to 8m tall and wide with oval, pointed, dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Small flowers, borne in short-stalked clusters of 2-5, are rose pink becoming paler with age and are produced before the leaves from early to mid spring; flowers are followed by rounded, shiny black fruits

Other common names
Higan cherry
rosebud cherry
see morespring cherry
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Green Black
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Prunus can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs with showy flowers in spring, and often good autumn foliage colour. Some have edible fruit in autumn, and a few species have ornamental bark

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Pruning group 1. Prune in mid-summer if silver leaf is a problem

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars and bullfinches

Diseases

May be susceptible to peach leaf curl, silver leaf, bacterial canker, blossom wilt and honey fungus. High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa

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