Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (Autumn Cherry)

Introduced into Europe c.1901, but an old garden form, recorded in Japan 1821-1841.

[Syn: Jugatsu Sakura (Cherry of the tenth month or October Cherry); P. microlepsis, P. miqueliana; P. x subhirtella Miquel ‘Autumnalis (Autumn-flowered higoan cherry); P.x subhirtella ascendens pendula autumnalis] RHS AGM 1912, RHS AGM 1924.

A cultivar of the Wild Spring Cherry P. subhirtella which itself has been grown for centuries in Japan but only introduced to Britain in 1894. This is a popular variety, introduced in 1901. The flowers are white, semi double (pink in bud) and about 20mm across. They are produced sparingly on bare branches from November and continue through to March. A second flush is then produced in April as the leaves start to emerge. The leaves are red or orange in the autumn. 

Young leaves are pale bronze to bronze-green (RHS 173C) in Spring with pubescent twigs.

It has a rather open and upright habit, growing to 10m with a spread of 8m. It is one of the best-known autumn flowering cherries.

autumnalis_01s
Larger image

At Keele: One specimen between Walter Moberly Hall and Tawney Building; compartment 44c; tag 4015.

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All images ©  Dave Emley unless stated otherwise.