Winter flowering cherry, scientifically known as Prunus × subhirtella 'Autumnalis', is a deciduous ornamental tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to Japan, it is widely cultivated for its beautiful flowers that bloom during the winter season, adding a much-needed burst of color to the otherwise dreary winter landscape.
This small to medium-sized tree typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet (6-9 meters), with a spreading, rounded crown. The winter flowering cherry possesses an attractive, smooth bark that ranges from reddish-brown to gray in color. Its alternate, ovate leaves emerge in spring, turning yellow to orange in the fall before dropping off, leaving the tree bare in winter.
What sets the winter flowering cherry apart is its ability to produce blooms in colder months, defying the typical flowering patterns of most trees. From late autumn through early spring, clusters of delicate, pale pink to white flowers appear on the leafless branches, offering a delightful contrast against the muted winter scenery. These semi-double to double flowers, which consist of five petals each, exude a pleasant fragrance that further enhances their appeal.
Since it flowers during the colder season, the winter flowering cherry tree offers a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators when few other plants are in bloom. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a popular choice in gardens, parks, and streetscapes, providing an enchanting sight during the winter months when all else seems dormant.
