Is an Autumn Cherry Tree Good for Clay?
Autumn cherry trees (Prunus subhirtella "Autumnalis") have the same spring-blooming flowers as other cultivars of Prunus subhirtella, but with one important distinction -- they may produce a second round of flowers again in the fall if the weather is warm enough. The trees are also known for their showy fall foliage. Although not the hardiest trees -- they frequently suffer from insect pests and diseases -- autumn cherry trees will grow in clay soil. Does this Spark an idea?
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Soil
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Autumn cherry trees prefer moist, well-draining soil. They thrive in rich, organic loam, but will tolerate clay and sandy soils as well, according to the University of Florida Extension website. If the clay soil is very tightly packed and does not drain well, however, it is not a good choice for the autumn cherry tree. So although it might not be said that clay soil is the best type of soil for Prunus subhirtella trees, they will grow in it if the location does drain well and if the tree is also cared for properly.
Culture
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Prunus subhirtella "Autumnalis" trees are desirable for their masses of showy, double flowers, which appear in the spring before the leaves uncurl. The display is not nearly as prolific, however, if the tree is in the shade. These trees need full sunlight to bloom well. Another important factor is the moisture level in the soil. A bit of moisture keeps the ground cool, but too much water can lead to root rot. Never plant autumn cherry trees in areas where standing water develops. Finally, make sure the tree is not crowded amongst other plants or even buildings. They need plenty of air circulation to avoid fungal diseases.
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Insect Pests
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Cherry trees in general are sensitive to insect pest infestations, and the autumn cherry is no exception. If your tree is not thriving, it may not be related to the amount of clay in the soil at all, but rather to an insect or disease problem. Insects that often plague these trees include sap-sucking insects such as aphids, mites and scale, chewing insects such as Japanese beetles and caterpillars, and boring insects that infect the wood. Treat your tree with an insecticide designed to kill your specific insect problem. Repeated applications may be needed.
Diseases
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The trees may also suffer from fungal diseases, including those that affect the leaves (powdery mildew and leaf spot) and soil pathogens that infect the roots of the tree. Exposure to full sunlight and plenty of air circulation may reduce the chances of your tree developing a fungal infection. Regular applications of fungicide in the spring can also help. Fortunately, although these problems may be unsightly, they rarely pose a threat to the life of the tree.
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