‘Jugatsu-zakura’ (‘Autumnalis’ or white winter cherry). This is a winter-blooming selection of the higan (spring) cherry (Prunus subhirtella) known from the 5th century in Japan. ‘Jugatsu-zakura’ means “10th month cherry.” It is a small, open tree with twiggy branches; flowering in Vancouver, despite its name, in January and February. The tiny, semi-double flowers are white, blushed pink, and held tightly to the outer twigs. The flower stalks are longer when produced later in early spring. This rare cultivar is similar to the commonly planted ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ (pink winter cherry) and is similarly prone to brown rot.
