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Autumn Blooming Cherry Tree

Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis'

Nature Hills Nursery
  • Hardy in zones 4-8 with a graceful, rounded canopy reaching 20-35 ft tall and 15-25 ft wide at maturity
  • Unique bloom cycle produces semi-double pale pink flowers in late fall and again in early spring when little else is flowering
  • Delicate blossoms attract early-season pollinators and provide subtle fragrance during mild winter days
  • Develops attractive bronze-tinged fall foliage and exfoliating bark that adds multi-season interest to the landscape
$12600
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six hours of direct sun daily for the best flower production and form. Trees grown in partial shade will bloom less heavily but still perform well in sites receiving four to five hours of sun.

Soil: Plant in well-drained soil with average fertility. Autumn Blooming Cherry adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils as long as water doesn't pool around the roots. If drainage is poor, amend with organic matter or plant on a slight slope.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first two growing seasons to establish a strong root system. Mature trees are moderately drought tolerant but benefit from supplemental water during extended dry spells, especially in summer. Consistent moisture encourages better fall bloom.

Pruning Tips

Prune immediately after the spring bloom cycle ends since flower buds form on old wood. Remove any dead, crossing, or rubbing branches to maintain the graceful open canopy. Light shaping is all that's typically needed to preserve the tree's naturally elegant form.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which push excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch provides additional nutrients as it breaks down.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


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Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
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Autumn Blooming Cherry (Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis') defies expectations by producing clouds of delicate pink blossoms when most trees are dropping their leaves. Also known as Autumnalis Cherry, Winter-flowering Cherry, or Higan Cherry, this remarkable ornamental tree blooms twice each year, first in late fall and again in early spring, extending the flowering season in your landscape by months.

Two Seasons of Delicate Blooms

The semi-double flowers open pale pink and gradually fade to near white, appearing on bare branches during mild periods from October through December. A warm spell in January or February can trigger additional sporadic blooms. Then in March and April, the tree puts on its main show with a heavier flush of flowers just as the leaves begin to emerge. Each bloom measures about an inch across with a light, sweet fragrance that draws early bees and butterflies.

Year-Round Landscape Appeal

Beyond the flowers, Autumn Blooming Cherry offers genuine multi-season interest. Spring foliage emerges with a bronze tint before maturing to medium green through summer. Fall brings warm yellow and bronze tones before the leaves drop. The smooth grayish-brown bark develops an attractive texture on mature specimens, and the graceful branching pattern creates a beautiful silhouette against winter skies.

A Manageable Specimen Tree

Reaching 20-35 feet tall with a rounded, spreading canopy of 15-25 feet, this cherry tree fits comfortably in most residential landscapes. The moderate growth rate allows you to enjoy the tree without constant pruning battles. Use it as a focal point in the front yard, near a patio where you can appreciate the fall and winter blooms up close, or as a striking lawn specimen.

Easy Care for Zone 4-8 Gardens

Native to Japan and cultivated for centuries, Autumn Blooming Cherry has proven itself adaptable and reliable across a wide range of growing conditions. It tolerates urban pollution, adapts to various soil types, and rarely suffers from the pest and disease problems that plague some flowering cherries. Once established, it requires little attention beyond occasional watering during drought and light pruning to maintain shape.

Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does Autumn Blooming Cherry actually bloom?
  • This tree blooms twice per year. The first flush appears in late fall (October through December) during mild weather, and the heavier bloom occurs in early spring (March to April). Warm spells in winter can trigger sporadic flowers between the two main bloom periods.

How big does Autumn Blooming Cherry get?
  • Expect mature trees to reach 20-35 feet tall with a rounded canopy spreading 15-25 feet wide. The moderate growth rate means it takes 15-20 years to approach full size, giving you time to enjoy each stage of development.

Will Autumn Blooming Cherry grow in partial shade?
  • Yes, it tolerates partial shade receiving four to five hours of sun daily. However, trees in full sun (six or more hours) produce significantly more flowers and develop a denser, more attractive form.

Is Autumn Blooming Cherry messy?
  • Moderately. The spent flower petals create a brief but pretty carpet beneath the tree in spring and fall. Like all deciduous trees, it drops leaves in autumn. The fallen petals and leaves are lightweight and easy to rake or mulch in place.

Does this cherry tree produce fruit?
  • Autumn Blooming Cherry occasionally produces small, dark fruits about the size of a pea. They're sparse, not messy, and attractive to birds. The tree is grown for its ornamental flowers rather than fruit production.
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