Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea'

Rosebud Cherry 'Autumnalis Rosea' is a Japanese ornamental deciduous tree that is a cultivar of Prunus x subhirtella or Higan Cherry. The parent tree is medium size and grows 40-50 feet tall. It is a naturally occurring hybrid and is rarely sold. 'Autumnalis Rosea' can easily be purchased and is generally a smaller tree, measuring 20-30 feet tall. It has an upright spreading to rounded habit and lives longer than most Japanese ornamental cherries. The flowers are delicate pale pink clusters of blossoms and have a long blooming season from late fall to early spring.

The tree is native to Japan and has been introduced in the United States.

The genus name, Prunus, is Latin and means "plum" or "cherry tree." The species name, subhirtella, means "somewhat hairy."

'Autumnalis Rosea'  produces the best flowering in full sun. It prefers medium moist and well-drained soils and tolerates loam, clay, or sandy soils. The tree requires very little maintenance, but it may be pruned as needed. It is propagated by budding or grafting. Softwood cuttings may be taken in early summer. 

The tree produces redbuds which form mass clusters of semi-double pale pink flowers in April. The blooms are non-fragrant and turn white as they mature. The flowers are followed by pea-sized black fruits that measure less than 0.5 inches in diameter. They mature in late summer and attract birds. After the flowers fade, medium to dark green leaves appear that are lanceolate to ovate in shape and measure from 2-4 inches long.  In the fall the leaves transform into shades of bronze or golden yellow before shedding. The bark is chocolate brown in color.

'Autumnalis Rosea' attracts hummingbirds and has a moderate drought tolerance. 

This showy flowering deciduous tree may be used as a specimen or in a group. The canopy of the tree offers shade and performs well in mixed borders, patio gardens, or lawns. The delicate blooms in the spring and the sparse flowering in the fall are a lovely accent in a Japanese Garden or Cottage Garden.

Quick ID Hints:

• 20-30 feet tall, deciduous, ornamental, flowering tree with upright spreading to rounded  habit
• redbuds to delicate semi-double pale pink clusters of flowers in the spring and minimal flowers in the fall
• black pea-sized fruits appear after flowering and mature in late summer
• medium green to dark green lanceolate to ovate, simple, serrated leaves measuring 2-4 inches long
• chocolate brown bark

Diseases, Pests, and Other Problems:

'Autumnalis Rosea' has good disease resistance. It may be susceptible to silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt. Possible insects that may be problematic include caterpillars and leaf-mining moths.

More information on Prunus x subhirtella.