Autumn Flowering Cherry (Prunus subhirtella)

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Autumn Flowering Cherry
Latin Name: Prunus subhirtella
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 5–8
Typical Height: About 20–30 ft (6–9 m)
Typical Spread: About 20–30 ft (6–9 m)
Bloom Period: Often flowers in autumn and again in late winter to spring in mild climates
Soil Preferences: Prefers fertile, moist but well drained soils. Tolerates a range of soil textures and pH but does not perform in waterlogged sites
Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade. Best flower production in full sun
Toxicity: Contains cyanogenic compounds in pits and some tissues. Pits and green plant parts can cause poisoning if chewed or consumed in quantity. Keep pets and children away from pits.
Propagation: Grafting onto rootstock for named cultivars. Also by softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, and seed with cultivar variability

Key Facts

Deciduous ornamental cherry known for sometimes blooming in autumn and again in spring
Commonly grown as a small to medium shade or specimen tree
Mature height commonly about 20–30 ft (6–9 m)
Mature spread commonly about 20–30 ft (6–9 m)
Hardy roughly to USDA zones 5–8
Prefers full sun to part shade
Tolerates a range of garden soils but requires good drainage
Contains cyanogenic compounds in seed pits and some plant parts that can be toxic if ingested
Propagated by grafting, cuttings, and seed though seed will not reliably come true to type

Autumn Flowering Cherry (Prunus subhirtella) is a decorative deciduous cherry that can produce flowers in autumn and again in spring in mild climates. It is commonly grown as a small to medium specimen or street tree and does best in sunny locations with well drained soil.

Identification

Prunus subhirtella is a deciduous ornamental cherry known for occasional autumn blooms and a later spring display. Mature specimens commonly reach about 20 to 30 feet tall with a similar spread. Taxonomy and cultivar names vary, with some plants listed as hybrids or as cultivar names such as Autumnalis.

Best uses and where to grow

This cherry makes a striking specimen tree, small shade tree or street planting where a moderate mature size is acceptable. It performs best in full sun to part shade and is typically hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. Avoid sites that remain wet because poor drainage reduces vigor and increases disease risk.

Planting and soil

Choose fertile, moist but well drained soil such as loam to sandy loam. Amend heavy clay with organic matter or plant on a slight mound to improve drainage. Space trees to allow a mature spread of roughly 20 to 30 feet so branches have room to develop without severe pruning.

Watering and feeding

Keep soil evenly moist while the tree becomes established because extended wet or waterlogged conditions invite root rot and decline. After establishment, water during prolonged dry spells to maintain healthy growth and flowering. Avoid overwatering as saturated soils suppress roots and reduce long term vigor.

Pruning and after flowering care

Prune to shape and remove dead or crossing branches during the dormant season or immediately after flowering to avoid cutting off next season’s flower buds. Light thinning improves air movement and reduces disease pressure. Major structural pruning is best done in cooler months when sap flow is lower.

Size, spread and control

Typical mature height and spread are about 20 to 30 feet. Some cultivars remain smaller and pruning can maintain a narrower form for tighter sites. Rootstock and local conditions influence ultimate size. Regular maintenance prevents a tree from outgrowing a planting space.

Propagation

Named cultivars are usually propagated by grafting onto appropriate rootstocks. Softwood and hardwood cuttings can be used for some selections. Seed will produce seedlings but will not reliably come true to the parent cultivar so seed is generally used for rootstock or breeding rather than producing identical plants.

Toxicity and safety

Fruit pits and some plant tissues contain cyanogenic compounds that can release hydrogen cyanide if crushed and ingested. Pits and green plant parts can cause poisoning if eaten in quantity. Keep pets and children away from pits and contact poison control or a veterinarian for specific exposures.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Autumn Flowering Cherry grow?: Growth rate varies by cultivar and site. Many trees reach the common mature size of about 20 to 30 feet over several years under good conditions, so expect a moderate rate of growth toward that size.
Will it bloom in both autumn and spring?: Some plants and cultivars flower in autumn and again in late winter to spring in milder climates. Bloom timing varies strongly with local climate and cultivar, so autumn flowering is not guaranteed everywhere.
Is Autumn Flowering Cherry hardy where I live?: These cherries are generally hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8. Colder locations can suffer dieback and reduced flowering while warmer climates may lack sufficient chill for reliable spring blooms.
Are the fruits safe to eat?: Fruit flesh is not usually the main concern but pits and some green tissues contain cyanogenic compounds. Avoid consuming pits and keep fruits away from pets and small children.
How is Autumn Flowering Cherry propagated?: Propagation is by grafting for named cultivars, or by softwood and hardwood cuttings. Seed is used for rootstock or breeding because seedlings will not reliably match the parent plant.