Prunus x subhirtella Dahlem - Autumn Cherry

Prunus subhirtella 'Dahlem' is a variety of Japanese flowering cherry that is covered in semi-double pale pink flowers from the beginning of spring. It is a vigorous variety that ultimately forms a true small tree with a wide, open crown. Absolutely stunning in spring, this variety also offers beautiful yellow-orange autumn foliage. It looks magnificent when planted as a specimen in a corner of the garden or near a pond, and this cherry tree will be very charming next to a bench. You can enjoy its splendour while listening to the buzzing of the many bees attracted by its flowers.

Prunus x subhirtella 'Dahlem' is a horticultural variety of German origin, named after the German botanical garden Berlin-Dahlem. It is sometimes marketed under the names Prunus x subhirtella var. roseoplena or P. x subhirtella 'Plena'. This tree belongs to the large family of rosaceae, like all ornamental cherries (Prunus). It is commonly accepted today that Prunus x subhirtella is a spontaneous hybrid originating from East Asia. 'Dahlem' is a deciduous tree of medium growth rate, broader than tall, reaching an average height of 5.50 m with a spread of 6.50 m. It develops a fairly short trunk and a well-branched crown, slightly rounded when young, flattening and spreading with age. Flowering occurs in March-April depending on the region. The semi-double flowers are gathered in small clusters, suspended by a short peduncle. They emerge from light pink buds and then open into pale pink corollas measuring 2 to 2.5 cm. This variety does not produce fruit. The deciduous foliage appears in spring, coloured bronze. It consists of alternate, ovate leaves, measuring 3 to 8 cm long and 2 cm wide, coarsely toothed at the edges. The bright green leaf has a hairy underside. This foliage turns yellow-orange before falling in autumn. The bark is grey-brown, and the young shoots are brown and hairy.

The 'Dahlem' ornamental cherry is suitable for medium-sized gardens or large grounds. It fits well into a romantic setting, in Japanese style or in an English garden. Charming from the first fine days of spring, it will be particularly highlighted as a specimen or at the centre of a perennial bed where the flowers will take over from spring to summer. It is perfectly hardy and can be cultivated in many regions but dislikes overly clayey or dry soils. For example, it can be combined with other spring-flowering bushes, either simultaneously or staggered, such as ornamental apples, hawthorns, star magnolias, lilacs... A carpet of bluebells would look splendid at its base.