How to Grow Prunus Subhirtella - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Prunus subhirtella is a Plant that is native to china and Japan. It is a member of the rose family, and its scientific name is prunus subhirtella. The prunus subhirtella plant is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of 10-20 meters. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, and the flowers are white or pink. The fruit is a black or purple drupe.

How to Grow Prunus Subhirtella - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Plum blossom (??)
  • Spring cherry (??)
  • Winter cherry (??)
  • Mountain cherry (??)
  • Yoshino cherry (???)

Common Knowledge

  • Prunus subhirtella is a species of flowering Cherry tree native to central and eastern China.
  • The tree grows to a height of 20–25 m, and has a trunk up to 2 m in diameter.
  • The bark is brownish-red, and the branches are covered with reddish-brown hair.
  • The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, 6–12 cm long and 3–6 cm wide, with a serrated margin.
  • The flowers are white, 5–7 cm in diameter, with five petals.
  • The fruit is a dark red or purple drupe, 5–8 mm in diameter.
  • Prunus subhirtella is cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
  • The tree is also used in bonsai.
  • It is susceptible to a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker.
  • Prunus subhirtella is also known as the Taiwanese flowering cherry, and is the national flower of Taiwan.

Related plant:
Prunus Serrulata Kanzan

Planting Process

  1. For prunus subhirtella, first step is to choose a location. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil.
  2. Next, clear the area of any debris or weeds.
  3. Once the area is prepared, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Gently remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  6. Water the plant well.
  7. For the first year, prune the plant to encourage branching.
  8. Fertilize the plant in early spring.
  9. In late spring or early summer, the plant will produce white flowers.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful prunus subhirtella!

Related plant:
Prunus Yedoensis

The Soil

About soil condition, prunus subhirtella prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils, but it is quite adaptable to different soil types. It does not like wet or poorly drained soils. This tree is moderately tolerant of urban conditions.

About light

So, like the other members of the Prunus genus, the subhirtella variety needs full sun to produce the most blossoms. It can tolerate partial sun, but flowers will be fewer and weaker. The subhirtella variety is a popular choice for home gardens because it is small and can be easily trained to grow against a wall or trellis.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of Prunus subhirtella is that it prefers warm weather and does not tolerate cold well. It is best grown in USDA hardiness zones 6-8. In the wild, it is found in China and Japan.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off. The flowers will also start to wilt and the plant will become stunted.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this kind of plant is (relatively/fairly) easy-going. It prefers a (balanced/moderate) fertilizer that is (well-/thoroughly) mixed into the (top/upper) layer of the (soil/substrate). A (good/fair) time to fertilizer is (once/twice) a (year/month), (in/during) the (spring/growth) season. When it comes to the roots, (Prunus subhirtella) is (relatively/fairly) (sensitive/tolerant). It (does/doesn't) like to be (moved/transplanted), so it's (best/recommended) to (find/select) a (spot/location) that (suits/works well for) it. The ( roots/plant) can (tolerate/handle) (slightly/dry) (conditions/spells), but (prefers/does best in) (moist/humid) (environments/areas).

Light requirement

Pruning a Prunus subhirtella, or any plant for that matter, is a very important process in the growth and development of the plant. It helps to control the plant's size, shape, and overall appearance. It also helps to keep the plant healthy by removing diseased or damaged parts of the plant. When pruning a Prunus subhirtella, it is important to use the proper tools and techniques to ensure that the plant is not damaged.

The Propagation

Propagation of prunus subhirtella is typically done through rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the previous year's growth. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plant material and should be about 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be taken from the lower portion of the plant where the stems are thicker and more woody. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months. The average growth rate is 6 inches (15 cm) a year, however, some plants can grow 12 inches (30 cm) or more a year. Prunus subhirtella is a deciduous plant, meaning it will lose its leaves in the fall and winter.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are black knot, brown rot, and shot hole. Black knot is a fungal disease that affects the twigs and branches of the trees, causing them to swell and become black and deformed. Brown rot is a fungal disease that affects the flowers, fruits, and leaves of the tree, causing them to brown and wither. Shot hole is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves of the tree, causing them to develop small holes.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your plant regularly, as it needs lots of water to grow well.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks to help it grow strong and healthy.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Place your plant in a sunny spot, as it needs lots of sunlight to thrive.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases, and treat them promptly if you spot any.
  • Harvest your plant's flowers regularly to enjoy their beauty.
  • Don't forget to deadhead your plant to promote more blooms.
  • Protect your plant from harsh winter weather by mulching around it.
  • Divide your plant every few years to keep it healthy and vigorous.
  • Enjoy watching your plant grow and thrive!

Substitution

  • Prunus subhirtella 'true pixie'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'pendula rubra'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'pendula plena rosea'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'pendula rosea'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'festa purpurea'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'festa taikan'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'nivalis'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'accolade'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'autumnalis'
  • Prunus subhirtella 'chojubai'

Source:
*Cherry, weeping - Delaware State University
Prunus subhirtella var. pendula habit: UIPLANTS
Weeping Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella var. pendula)-Hort …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category