Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

prunus autumnalis southern gem

Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem, often referred to as Prunus Autumnalis ‘Rosea’, is a highly sought-after flowering cherry tree cherished by New Zealand gardeners for its enchanting autumn and winter blooms. Unlike many other flowering cherries, this remarkable small tree offers delicate pale pink blossoms from late autumn through to early spring, transforming dull winter gardens into lively, colourful spaces. With its graceful, spreading habit and mild fragrance, the Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem makes an excellent choice for urban courtyards, cottage gardens, or as a specimen planting in larger landscapes. Easily grown and low-maintenance, this cherry is both beautiful and resilient, making it an invaluable addition to any plant collection.

Prunus autumnalis Rosea

Prunus Autumnalis Rosea is a popular variety of Flowering Cherry due to its stunning blooms and long flowering. It features semi-double, pale-pink flowers which are borne in clusters from late autumn until early spring. This deciduous tree grows with a vase shaped habit bearing deep green foliage which develops bronze and gold tones in autumn before falling. It typically grows to 8 m tall and 7 m wide. Prunus Autumnalis Rosea is a stunning tree and is commonly used in avenue plantings, grown as a specimen, or added to a mixed planting.

prunus-autumnalis-rosea-6
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    8.00 m
  • Spread:
    7.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Autumn, Winter
  • Garden uses:
    Parks, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
prunus-accolade-
Most Popular

Prunus Accolade

Prunus Accolade is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of semi-double flowers. The frilly and pink blooms are borne in clusters...

From$299.92
prunus-amanogawa-
Most Popular

Prunus Amanogawa

Prunus Amanogawa is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of pale-pink flowers through spring. The mildly fragrant, semi-double flowers...

From$343.89
prunus-awanui-3
Most Popular

Prunus Awanui

Prunus Awanui is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of fragrant, pink flowers through spring. This deciduous tree grows with a vase...

From$343.89
prunus-falling-snow-
Most Popular

Prunus Falling Snow

Prunus Falling Snow is a variety of Flowering Cherry grown for its pendulous growth and fantastic flowering. It features masses of single, white...

From$343.89
prunus-felix-jury-
Most Popular

Prunus Felix Jury

Prunus Felix Jury is a variety of Flowering Cherry that features masses of large, claret-red blossoms in spring which are held as pendulous clusters...

From$432.79
acer-beni-otake-3
Most Popular

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake'

Acer palmatum 'Beni Otake' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its narrow strap like deep red foliage that creates a bold architectural effect...

From$391.14
An avenue of Prunus 'Pink Perfection' trees with pink blossoms.
Most Popular

Prunus 'Pink Perfection'

Prunus 'Pink Perfection' is a stunning flowering cherry celebrated for its profusion of double pink blossoms in spring. This deciduous tree brings...

From$432.79
A Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' tree with masses of cream-white flowers amidst glossy green foliage.
Most Popular

Michelia Velvet and Cream

Michelia 'Velvet and Cream' is a compact, evergreen tree admired for its glossy, dark green foliage and fragrant, creamy white flowers that bloom...

From$33.68
Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga' trees with yellow autumn foliage.
Most Popular

Ginkgo Saratoga

Ginkgo 'Saratoga' is a variety of Ginkgo biloba that has distinctive and lush foliage which emerges dark green in spring and remains this way until...

From$299.92
prunus-thundercloud-4
Most Popular

Prunus Thundercloud

Prunus Thundercloud, commonly known as the Thundercloud Plum, is a deciduous ornamental tree celebrated for its vibrant purple foliage and early...

From$343.89
Prunus autumnalis Rosea

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Prunus or Flowering Cherry Tree.

Search Prunus autumnalis Rosea

Distinctive Features and Growth Habit

Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem grows into a rounded, small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching around 4-6 metres in height. Its fine-textured dark green foliage turns a brilliant yellow in autumn, complementing the soft pink flowers that emerge on bare branches. The extended flowering period is one of the tree’s key attractions, offering months of garden interest. Its outward arching branches create a gentle, cascading effect, which adds a sense of elegance to any setting.

Garden Uses and Landscaping Ideas

Planting Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem can transform your garden during the colder months when little else is in bloom. Perfect for driveways, garden borders, or even as a focal point, its soft winter colour can be paired with evergreens and contrasting deciduous trees. Partnering with varieties like Prunus Accolade, which offers rich pink spring flowers, or the columnar Prunus Amanogawa can extend the flowering season and provide year-round visual interest. For cascading blooms, Prunus Falling Snow is an ideal companion, while Prunus Felix Jury adds vibrant colour accents.

Combining Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem with contrasting foliage, such as Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak' or Gleditsia triacanthos Ruby Lace (Honey Locust), can make the gentle pinks truly stand out. For those aiming for a New Zealand native theme, consider integrating Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) or Aristotelia Abigail Gordon for added texture and biodiversity.

Planting and Care

A well-drained, fertile soil with a sunny to partly shaded site is ideal for Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem. Once established, this cherry cultivar is relatively drought-tolerant and withstands colder climates well, making it suitable for much of New Zealand. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. Mulching in spring and autumn helps retain moisture and protect roots.

Similar Flowering Cherries

For those who love the charming sight of flowering cherries, there are several other remarkable varieties worth considering. Prunus Awanui is known for its profuse, mid-spring blossom, while the upright Prunus Amanogawa fits narrow spaces perfectly. Prunus Accolade and Prunus Felix Jury each bring their unique beauty to a well-designed landscape.

Add the enduring beauty of Prunus Autumnalis Southern Gem to your garden for a spectacular winter and spring display that delights year after year.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews