Subgenus Cerasus | Genus Prunus Scientific name Prunus subhirtella Rank Species | |
Similar Prunus sargentii, Prunus incisa, Prunus speciosa, Prunus campanulata, Prunus serrulata | ||
Prunus subhirtella
Prunus subhirtella (Prunus × subhirtella) or Prunus pendula sometimes also called winter-flowering cherry, spring cherry, Higan cherry, or rosebud cherry is a small deciduous flowering tree originating in Japan, but unknown in the wild. It is probably of hybrid origin between Prunus incisa and Prunus spachiana.
Contents
Fruit and flowers
Prunus subhirtella bears white to pink flowers which may emerge intermittently from autumn through to spring, and small black fruit.
Ornamental use
Several garden forms are known. The variety 'Jugatsu-zakura' (incorrectly known as Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis') is widely grown for its propensity to flower during mild winter weather.
The flowers can be used as indoor decorations.
The leaves of P. subhirtella have some garden value for their autumn colour. The cultivar P. × subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
