Description
Large, bushy, deciduous ornamental shrub or a smaller, often multi-stemmed tree (H 4-5 m, W 3-4 m). Crown ovate to broadly fen-shaped, dense, eventually irregular. Branches upright to widely spreading, slightly hanging. Leaves lanceolate (6-8 cm), green, autumn colour bright orange-red to violet-red. Flowers semi-double (2-3 cm), flower buds light pink, open flowers white to pale pink. Flowering period: February-April, long flowering; in warm autumns may flower alreaday in October, in mild climates also during winter. It is generally the earliest among flowering cherries. Fruits rare or absent. Attracts butterflies, bees and birds. Requires light, deep, always moderately moist, but well-drained soils. Variety's full name: Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis'; of Japanese origine, named 'Jugatsu-zakura'. Prunus × subhirtella is probably a hybrid between Prunus incisa and P. pendula or between P. incisa and P. spachiana.