Overview

Experience the timeless charm of the Autumnalis Cherry live plant, a magnificent ornamental tree that promises a breathtaking spectacle across multiple seasons. Known botanically as Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’, this deciduous tree is celebrated for its distinctive ability to produce delicate, semi-double pink flowers not only in the spring but also sporadically throughout the fall and even into mild winters. Unlike many other flowering cherries, the Autumnalis Cherry live plant offers an extended period of beauty, making it a highly prized addition to any garden or landscape. This 1 gallon specimen arrives ready to be planted, providing an instant upgrade to your outdoor space with its graceful form and unique blooming schedule.

Originating from Japan, the Autumnalis Cherry live plant is a hardy and adaptable tree, capable of thriving in various climates. Its upright, spreading habit eventually forms a beautiful, rounded canopy, providing dappled shade and an exquisite focal point. The vibrant green foliage turns to lovely shades of yellow and orange in autumn, complementing its late-season blooms. This tree is not just a seasonal wonder; it’s a year-round delight for gardeners seeking continuous visual interest and a touch of elegance.

Key Benefits

The Autumnalis Cherry live plant offers a multitude of benefits for both the discerning gardener and the casual observer. Its unique characteristics make it a standout choice for various landscape designs:

• Extended Flowering Season: Enjoy beautiful semi-double pink flowers in both early spring and again in the fall, and sometimes even during winter thaws, providing unparalleled seasonal interest. This makes the Autumnalis Cherry live plant a truly special specimen.
• Stunning Ornamental Value: With its graceful form, delicate blossoms, and attractive fall foliage, this tree serves as an exceptional focal point in gardens, parks, and along avenues. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable.
• Pollinator Friendly: The early and late season blooms provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators during times when other food sources may be scarce.
• Hardy and Adaptable: This variety is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in a range of growing conditions, making it a reliable choice for many regions.
• Moderate Growth Rate: It grows at a manageable pace, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without overwhelming your landscape too quickly, eventually reaching a stately size.
• Attractive Bark: The bark develops an interesting texture and color with age, adding another layer of visual appeal during the dormant season.
• Versatile Landscape Use: Ideal for specimen planting, group plantings, street trees, or as part of a mixed border, enhancing curb appeal and garden aesthetics.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Autumnalis Cherry live plant is straightforward, ensuring years of beautiful blooms and healthy growth. This hardy tree prefers a site with full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, to maximize flowering and overall vigor. While it can tolerate partial shade, flowering will be less prolific. Ensure your planting location has well-draining soil; cherries do not like ‘wet feet’. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration before planting.

Water your newly planted Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ regularly during its first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs. Pruning should be done sparingly, primarily to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time to prune is after the spring flowering, to avoid cutting off fall and winter flower buds. Keep an eye out for common cherry tree pests and diseases, and address them promptly with appropriate organic or chemical treatments.

Size & Details

This offering is for one Autumnalis Cherry live plant, shipped in a 1 gallon nursery container. At the time of shipment, the plant’s height will vary depending on seasonal growth, typically ranging from 1.5 to 3 feet tall from the base of the pot. This particular cultivar, Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’, is known for its moderate growth rate, eventually reaching a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a similar spread. Its mature form is typically rounded to vase-shaped, creating a beautiful silhouette in the landscape. The tree is deciduous, shedding its leaves in winter after a vibrant display of fall color. Expect the first significant blooms in spring, with sporadic flowering continuing into the fall and sometimes winter. This double flowering cherry tree is a long-lived addition to your garden, providing beauty for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: The Autumnalis Cherry live plant typically grows to a mature height of 20-30 feet with a similar spread, forming a beautiful rounded canopy. Its size makes it ideal as a specimen tree.
• Q: What size pot does it come in? A: This Prunus subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ is shipped in a 1 gallon nursery pot, providing a healthy root system ready for successful transplanting into your garden.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Autumnalis Cherry live plant is an outdoor ornamental tree, best suited for planting directly in the ground in appropriate USDA hardiness zones.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: For optimal growth and prolific flowering, this ornamental cherry tree requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally in a full sun location.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, once established, the Autumnalis Cherry live plant is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering during dry periods and minimal pruning. It’s a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Your fall blooming cherry will arrive as a healthy, well-rooted live plant in its nursery pot, carefully packaged to ensure safe transit.
• Q: When is the best time to plant? A: The best time to plant your Autumnalis Cherry live plant is in spring or early fall, allowing the roots to establish before extreme weather conditions.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: This tree is hardy and can survive winters in USDA Zones 5-8. Ensure proper care and mulching in colder regions for best results.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: Your Autumnalis Cherry live plant may show some blooms in its first year, but more significant flowering will occur as the tree matures and establishes its root system, typically within 1-3 years.
• Q: Does this tree produce fruit? A: While it is a cherry tree, the Autumnalis Cherry live plant produces small, inedible fruit that is primarily ornamental and not grown for consumption.