Contents
Description
Cerasus Subhirtella Autumnalis, also known as the Autumn Cherry, is a deciduous flowering cherry tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is native to Japan and Korea and is popular for its beautiful double pink or white flowers that bloom twice a year, in autumn and spring. Its leaves are dark green, with serrated edges, and turn yellow and orange in the fall. The Autumn Cherry can grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide, making it a great addition to any landscape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Cerasus |
Appearance
The Autumn Cherry has a vase-shaped habit and a moderate growth rate. Its flowers are semi-double and bloom in clusters of 2-5. The leaves are dark green, with serrated edges, and turn yellow and orange in the fall. The fruit is a small cherry, which is not edible. The bark of the tree is brown and smooth, and the branches are thin and willowy. The Autumn Cherry is a beautiful tree that can add color and texture to any landscape.
Care Guide
The Autumn Cherry is a low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The Autumn Cherry prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Autumn Cherry is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Autumn Cherry is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to curl and turn yellow. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Cherry Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes purple spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. Cherry Leaf Spot can be controlled with fungicides.
- Canker: This bacterial disease causes the bark to split and ooze. Canker can be controlled by pruning the affected branches.
Habitat
The Autumn Cherry is native to Japan and Korea and is commonly found in parks, gardens, and along streets. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Question and Answer
Q: When does the Autumn Cherry bloom?
A: The Autumn Cherry blooms twice a year, in autumn and spring.
Q: Is the fruit of the Autumn Cherry edible?
A: No, the fruit of the Autumn Cherry is not edible.
Q: How tall can the Autumn Cherry grow?
A: The Autumn Cherry can grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize the Autumn Cherry?
A: The best time to fertilize the Autumn Cherry is in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Cerasus x subhirtella ‘Pendula’
- Cerasus x subhirtella ‘Snow Fountain’
- Cerasus x subhirtella ‘Fukubana’
- Cerasus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’
References
- Gardenia.net. (n.d.). Cerasus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ (Autumn Cherry). [online] Available at: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/cerasus-subhirtella-autumnalis [Accessed 15 Oct. 2021].
- RHS. (n.d.). Prunus × subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/20215/Prunus-x-subhirtella-Autumnalis/Details [Accessed 15 Oct. 2021].
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Prunus subhirtella. [online] Available at: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b698 [Accessed 15 Oct. 2021].
