Description

• P. "Autumnalis" rosea grows from 20 to 30 feet tall and has a canopy up to 30 feet wide. Dainty, pale-pink blooms develop in spring and continue appearing at irregular intervals throughout fall, even after the leaves have fallen from the tree. They sometimes appear during winter in regions with mild temperatures. The blooms are replaced by 1/4 to 1/3 inch red fruits, which gradually turn black with age. .
  
  

Growing Requirements and Care

• This tree does well with exposure to full sun or partial shade. It thrives in most well-drained soils, but performs best in evenly moist conditions. A layer of organic mulch spread over the root zone helps conserve moisture, prevent weeds and protect the roots. Water the tree deeply each week during the first season after planting. Once established, water it only during drought. A fall application of 10-6-4 fertilizer is beneficial, especially during the first few years after planting. Prune it only to remove weak, rubbing, damaged or dead branches.
  
  

Landscape Uses

• The showy flowers and repeat blooming of P. "Autumnalis" rosea makes it an obvious choice as a specimen planting, but it has other uses. The tree is ideal for hot parts of the garden, as it holds up to stress well. Since it doesn't have a very dense canopy, the area beneath the tree provides an excellent space for planting flowers that that thrive in dappled shade.
  
  

Problems

• P. "Autumnalis" rosea are sometimes infected with scale, borers or cankers, which causes leaf drop, yellowing, slowed growth, and damage to the trunk and branches. Contact your local extension agent to for a diagnosis and to determine the best treatment. The wood of this tree is not exceptionally hard and breaks easily during ice or windstorms. It also has shallow roots, which may cause problems with mowing and foot traffic in the lawn.