STANDARD / Prunus subhirtella 'Falling Snow'

Weeping Flowering Cherry / Falling Snow Weeping Cherry / Higan Cherry

Botanical Name: Prunus subhirtella 'Falling Snow' (weeping standard)
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Japan (East Asia)
Plant Type: Deciduous tree (grafted standard)

Overview

A graceful weeping cherry for Adelaide/South Australia, ‘Falling Snow’ drapes in masses of pure white blossom from late winter into spring, then carries neat green foliage that colours yellow–orange in autumn. Compact and elegant on a clear trunk, it’s ideal as a specimen over lawn, near entries, or as a statement pot standard.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–3 m H × 2–3 m W (maintained as a standard; varies with graft height)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fresh bronze-tinged new leaves maturing mid-green; yellow–orange autumn colour
• Flowers: Profuse white single to semi-double blossom mainly late winter–spring; lightly sweet up close
  
• Seasonal Interest: Showy spring bloom; lush summer canopy; glowing autumn tints; elegant winter framework
• Wildlife Value: Blossom provides nectar/pollen for bees and beneficials
• Tolerance: Frost hardy; heat-tolerant with regular summer deep soaks; avoid waterlogging and harsh sea spray; shelter from hot, drying winds
• Planting Density: Avenue/specimen standards: space 2–3 m apart (one per 45–60 cm+ pot for containers)
• Pet Friendly: Generally non-toxic; discourage pets from chewing leaves/twigs

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (best flowering); tolerates light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam or improved clay loam; add organic matter; avoid soggy sites
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; little in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Prune after flowering to shape the weeping framework (heavier shaping in mid-summer to reduce disease risk); remove suckers below the graft; mulch in spring; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 20–40+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA; protect blossom from late frosts in cold pockets
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline with added organic matter

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature over lawns or near entries for a romantic spring cascade
• Avenue of standards along paths/driveways for a weeping tunnel effect
• Statement pot on patios/courtyards; underplant with low silver or blue groundcovers

Why You Will Love It

A waterfall of white blossom followed by glowing autumn colour—on a tidy, easy-to-shape standard that thrives in Adelaide’s climate. High impact, low fuss, and perfectly sized for courtyards, paths and feature pots.