Family Rosaceae
Originating from Japan.
Received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
- Small tree with an airy crown. Bronzy-green new leaves turn scarlet in autumn.
- A sensational winter display of white blossoms maturing to pink.
- Hardy and easy-to-grow, it thrives in full sun in any soil.
A Japanese Winter-Flowering Blossom Tree in Your Garden
Delicate white blossoms defy winter’s grip, scattering across bare branches like quiet rebels. Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ forms a well-branched, spreading crown, blooming from late autumn to early spring.
This hardy tree is suitable for all UK gardens, reaching 4m high and wide in 10–20 years. Its bronzy spring leaves emerge as the flowers pass their peak of blooming. They mellow to soft green, then blaze yellow and orange in a spectacular autumn fanfare. Japanese winter flowering cherry blossom trees extend the mythic blossom season providing a lead up to the spring mass flowering.
Plant groups of Prunus ‘Autumnalis’ in Norfolk courtyards and around Suffolk country garden patios to brighten winter’s lingering gloom. Its small tree stature and airy crown is useful for planting where only light shade is required.
Growing Tips for Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’
- Soil and Sun: Plant in any soil; full sun suits best.
- Planting: Set in spring or autumn. If planting in spring water regularly during its first summer to establish roots.
- Watering: Moderate; tolerates dry spells once established.
- Pruning: Trim lightly after flowering. Its crown can be maintained at any size to limit the amount of shade it casts or to create formal groups.
Careful positioning of Japanese winter-flowering blossom trees is advisable to get the best from their pale flowers. Plant them near paths or sitting areas where their beauty can be appreciated close-up. Its autumn and winter displays make a stunning contribution to the year’s succession of flowering and foliage colour.
Planting Suggestions for the Winter-Flowering Cherry
Why wait for summer to enjoy your garden? Bring cheer to your home by planting colourful and scented plants where you can see them from your house every day. Hamamelis ‘Arnold Promise’, Edgeworthia chrysantha, Freylinia lanceolata, Helleborus Lady Series, and foetidus together make a display as good as summer.
Ensure the above and the Japanese winter flowering cherry blooms shine in flat winter light. Plant dark evergreen foliage as a backdrop to your winter fiesta. Prunus ‘Bonaparte’ and ‘Latifolia’, Prunus lusitanica ‘Tico’, and Magnolia ‘François Treyve’ all provide a superbly lush setting. Additionally, the colourful stems of Cornus ‘Kesselringii’, sibirica, and ‘Midwinter Fire’ have far greater impact planted in front of them.
