Higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella)

Overview

The Higan cherry, scientifically known as Prunus subhirtella, is a cherished ornamental tree famous for its spectacular spring display. It brings early color to the landscape, often blooming in April, providing a welcome sign of warmer weather to come. This species is valued for its relatively low maintenance requirements compared to many other flowering cherries.

Valued for its resilience, the Prunus subhirtella generally exhibits better tolerance for both summer heat and winter cold than many of its flowering cherry relatives. While the true hybrid can grow large, commercially available cultivars often stay in the 20 to 30-foot range, making them adaptable for suburban lots.

This deciduous tree offers seasonal interest beyond its delicate pink to white flowers. As a sturdy specimen, the Higan cherry anchors spring gardens and serves as an excellent focal point, promising beauty year after year with minimal fuss from the dedicated gardener.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Rosaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Native Range: Japan
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 20-30 ft
  • Spread: 15-25 ft
• Bloom Time: April
• Bloom Description: Pink to white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The optimal time for planting the Higan cherry is in the early spring or fall, ensuring the tree has time to establish its root system before enduring temperature extremes. Plant these trees in locations receiving full sun to maximize flowering, although they will tolerate partial shade. Success hinges on providing moist, fertile, well-drained loam soils.

Once established, Prunus subhirtella requires a medium amount of water, particularly during dry spells in the summer. Avoid overly rich fertilization, as this can encourage excessive soft vegetative growth susceptible to pests. Pruning should be minimal, focusing mainly on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches shortly after flowering concludes.

This variety possesses better tolerance for harsh conditions, contributing to its low maintenance designation. For winter preparation, ensure the soil is deeply watered before the ground freezes if the autumn has been dry. Spring cleanup primarily involves removing any leaf debris accumulated around the base of the tree.

Landscape Uses

Cultivars of the Higan cherry are typically small flowering trees, making them versatile for diverse landscape designs. They excel when utilized as a specimen planting, drawing the eye toward their bright spring canopy. Their moderate size also makes them suitable for grouping together to create a drifting cloud of color along property lines or entranceways.

Because they bloom early, consider placing Prunus subhirtella where it can be admired against a dark evergreen backdrop or near seating areas. They pair well with bulbs that emerge early in the season, such as daffodils and tulips, whose foliage will mature as the cherry tree’s leaves fully expand. They are fantastic additions to park settings or large suburban yards where their upright, eventually rounded structure can be appreciated.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Fruit Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Prunus subhirtella, commonly called Higan cherry, is a medium sized deciduous tree growing to 40-50’ tall. It is a naturally occurring hybrid, which the Royal Horticultural Society lists as Prunus x subhirtella, from Japan that generally features non-fragrant pale pink to white flowers in spring, pea-sized blackish fruits in late summer and ovate to lanceolate green leaves (to 3” long). What is commonly sold in commerce under the name of Higan cherry are several cultivars like ‘Autumnalis Rosea’, which produces double pink flowers with a sparse additional fall bloom, or weeping ‘Pendula’ forms.

Tolerances

There were no specific tolerances listed in the provided data.

Potential Problems

Higan cherry is generally considered to have good disease resistance, which is a major benefit for homeowners. However, like all cherries, it remains susceptible to numerous common insect and disease issues found in the Prunus genus. Potential diseases include fungal infections such as leaf spot and powdery mildew, as well as more serious conditions like root rot and fireblight.

Gardeners should scout regularly for signs of insect infestation, which can include aphids, scale insects, borers, and leafhoppers. Caterpillars and the notorious Japanese beetles may also target the foliage during the growing season. If spider mites become troublesome, increasing water availability during hot, dry periods can often help suppress their populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Higan cherry suitable for?

The Prunus subhirtella is durable across USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8.

How large does Higan cherry grow?

Mature height typically ranges between 20 and 30 feet tall, with a spread between 15 and 25 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Prunus subhirtella need?

For the best flowering performance, choose a location that receives full sun, although the tree will still adapt nicely to part shade conditions.

When does Higan cherry bloom?

The primary bloom time for this species is April, displaying flowers described as pink to white.

Conclusion

The Prunus subhirtella, or Higan cherry, offers exceptional value as a small flowering tree that requires relatively low maintenance. Its spring floral display provides essential early color, and its good tolerance profile increases its reliability in many garden settings. Before planting, confirm your local USDA zone suitability and prepare well-drained soil to ensure your Higan cherry thrives for years to come.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate companions can enhance the overall aesthetic and health of your Prunus subhirtella. Since the cherry blooms early and its foliage leafs out shortly after, choosing groundcovers that thrive in dappled spring sunlight works well beneath the canopy. Consider low-growing perennials such as Hellebores (Lenten Rose) or Epimedium (Barrenwort), which tolerate the seasonally shifting light levels beneath the tree.

For height contrast near specimen plantings, pair the Higan cherry with slow-growing, narrow evergreens. Arborvitae or columnar junipers provide a dark, uniform backdrop that makes the pale pink and white blossoms of the Prunus subhirtella truly pop, especially during evening light. Avoid planting shallow-rooted shrubs directly at the base that might compete heavily for the medium water needs.

Varieties to Consider

While the true wild Prunus subhirtella is rarely encountered commercially, several popular cultivars define how we experience the Higan cherry today. The cultivar ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ is famed for its unique habit of producing a sparse, secondary bloom flushed with pink during the fall months, extending visual interest significantly.

Another essential form is the weeping selection, often cataloged under ‘Pendula’ or Prunus pendula. These selections offer dramatic, cascading branches that are beautiful even when bare. Gardeners looking for these weeping habits should note that taxonomy sometimes lists them separately from P. x subhirtella, but they retain the beautiful flowering characteristics of the Higan cherry lineage.