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Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella), whole plant
  • Higan Cherry — close-up of leaves and flowers
  • Higan Cherry — seasonal appearance
  • Higan Cherry in a garden setting

Higan Cherry

Prunus subhirtella

Easy · Beginner friendly

About Higan Cherry

Higan Cherry or Autumn Cherry is a graceful Japanese flowering cherry producing clouds of pale pink semi-double flowers in early spring and often again in mild autumns. Growing 20-40 feet tall with weeping or spreading forms, it is one of the longest-blooming and most cold-hardy of the ornamental cherries (USDA 5-8). The weeping cultivar 'Pendula' is one of the most beloved specimen trees in American gardens.

  • Fall-color
  • Pollinator-friendly
WATER
Regular
Top inch dry
LIGHT
Full sun
6+ hrs direct
HARDY
Hardy to -20°F (-29°C)
USDA hardiness zones 5–8

How to care for Higan Cherry

Watering

  • Springevery 7 days
  • Summerevery 5 days
  • Fallevery 10 days
  • Winterpause watering

Soil · Well-draining

  • Top dressingPine bark mulch10%
  • Main mixPotting soil + perlite 2:170%
  • DrainageLECA / gravel20%

Never skip the drainage layer — standing water is the top cause of root rot.

FERTILIZER

Balanced Feed 14-14-14

An even feed covers all three needs at once, keeping leaves, roots and blooms moving together with nothing pushed out of balance.

N33%P33%K33%
  • Nitrogen · Leaves
  • Phosphorus · Roots + Blooms
  • Potassium · Strength
  • Springevery 60 days
  • Summerevery 60 days
Get watering reminders for Higan Cherry — free on iPhoneDownload on the App Store

At a Glance

  • NativeEast Asia
  • Height20–40 ft (6.1–12.2 m)
  • Spread15–30 ft (4.6–9.1 m)
  • Flower colorPink, White
  • Foliage colorGreen, Bronze
  • Fruit colorBlack
  • SoilWell-drained, Loamy, Neutral
  • LocationsYard

Bloom time

BLOOM CYCLE

Peak bloom

Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Pale pink flowers March to April, sometimes rebloom in autumn

Fragrance

LIGHT FRAGRANCE

The flowers have a mild scent.

Toxicity

Humans Moderate · Pets Moderate

amygdalin and cyanogenic glycosides

Moderate

  • Seed
  • Leaf
  • Ingestion

EXPOSURE Eating seeds and leaves.

EFFECT Cyanide poisoning if seeds crushed and eaten in quantity.

NOTE Documented concern for humans: Cyanide poisoning if seeds crushed and eaten in quantity.

Moderate

  • Seed
  • Leaf
  • Stem
  • Ingestion

EXPOSURE Eating seeds, leaves, and stems.

EFFECT Cyanide poisoning, dilated pupils, and difficulty breathing.

NOTE ASPCA lists all Prunus as toxic; seeds/pits most dangerous. Flesh of edible cherries is safe.

Moderate

  • Seed
  • Leaf
  • Stem
  • Ingestion

EXPOSURE Eating seeds, leaves, and stems.

EFFECT Cyanide poisoning, dilated pupils, and difficulty breathing.

NOTE ASPCA lists all Prunus as toxic; seeds/pits most dangerous. Flesh of edible cherries is safe.

Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

DISTRIBUTION

Higan Cherry · Native
  • Native
  • Introduced
  • East Asia

History

Illustrated historical scene for Higan Cherry

Prunus subhirtella (formerly considered a species but now often treated as a cultigen of P. x subhirtella hybrid origin) has been cultivated in Japanese gardens for centuries. The Japanese name higan-zakura references the Buddhist higan equinox period when it blooms earlier than most cherries. Miquel formally published the name in 1866.

Plant hunters including Ernest Wilson introduced it widely to Western horticulture around 1900. The cultivar 'Autumnalis', with its remarkable habit of producing successive waves of bloom from October through April during any mild spell—a behavior unique among flowering cherries—became especially prized. 'Pendula' is a weeping selection, 'Rosea' is pink-flowered, and 'Fukubana' features deeper double pink.

These cultivars are staples of Japanese garden traditions and widely planted in Western parks and gardens. Long cultivated in Japan where it symbolizes the fleeting beauty of spring (mono no aware). 'Autumnalis' is the cold-hardy reblooming form that can bloom twice; 'Pendula' is the celebrated weeping form. Used extensively in the famous Washington DC Tidal Basin plantings and spring cherry festivals across America.

Symbolism & meaning

What It Symbolizes

The Higan Cherry holds Beauty in the classic Japanese sense — pale flowers so delicate they have long stood as a meditation on impermanence and the fragile sweetness of life. Yet it adds a small twist of Renewal: in mild autumns, it blooms a second time, offering an unexpected gift just before winter. Two springs in one year, gently spaced apart.

  • Beauty — classic Japanese symbol of ephemeral beauty
  • Renewal — fall rebloom is a second gift

Where the Name Comes From

'Subhirtella' means 'somewhat hairy', referring to fine hairs on leaves and stems.

Uses & Fun Facts

  • Pendant pink cherry blossoms cascade in early spring
  • Weeping form is iconic Japanese garden centerpiece
  • Profuse flowers feed early-season bees and butterflies

Related plants

More Prunus plants

Plants with similar care

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water Higan Cherry?

Water about every 7 days during the growing season, and always let excess water drain away.

How much light does Higan Cherry need?

Full sun: 6+ hrs direct. Watch the leaves — scorching or stretching means the light needs adjusting.

Is Higan Cherry toxic to cats or dogs?

Pets Moderate (Dogs Moderate · Cats Moderate) Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice. If exposure is suspected, contact a doctor or veterinarian.

Is Higan Cherry easy to grow?

Yes — it is considered an easy, beginner-friendly plant.

When does Higan Cherry bloom?

It typically blooms Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov in the Northern Hemisphere.

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