Prunus × subhirtella

RHS Plant Profile
winter-flowering cherry

Other common names

Higan cherry, rosebud cherry, spring cherry

Trees

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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