Prunus 'Autumnalis Rosea'

Prunus x subhirtella 'Autumnalis Rosea' offers a unique attraction for any garden - it flowers through autumn and winter, a period when other plants are bare and uninteresting. This is must-have for a gardener who wants to create all-year round colour interest in a smaller space.

As autumn approaches, the Autumn Cherry tree bursts forth in masses of pale-pink, semi-double flowers that open up from dark pink buds. These bell-shaped delicate and frilly flowers look stunning in a snow-filled or frosty garden and will remain on the branches throughout the cold winter months. As the weather warms, the flowers turn to small, glossy fruits, attracting birds, butterflies and bees into your garden.

Autumn Cherry trees offer ovate, dark-green leaves that mature to vibrant, bold tones of orange, red and yellow before falling. They grow in most soil types but do less well in wet or shallow chalky areas. Plant in full sun to get the best colours out of the autumn show. The tree will reach heights of around 4m with a spread of around 4m in a 20 year period, making it ideal for smaller spaces. It is also perfect for urban gardens as it tolerates pollution very well.

The tree grows to a classic Japanese cheery blossom shape and requires minimal maintenance. In the early years, you can trim branches to maintain an evenly canopied shape, or leave it alone to create its own look.

Show off your gardening skills and delight guests who visit in the middle of a cold, grey winter, to find your garden bursting with a magnificent display of coconut-ice cherry blossoms!