Prunus 'OKAME' flowering cherry

This uncommon flowering cherry called Okame comes from Taiwan. It is a small tree bearing neon pink flowers with yellow stamens in early spring. It grows moderately and is well branched even without pruning. Still, for ideal crown shapes some trimming after flowering is advised. Thanks to its small size it is ideal for small gardens and front yards, as well as for narrow streets with limited space. Okame looks great both in Japanese-style gardens and in any other landscape where it will highlight its surroundings with the splash of early spring colour.

Flowering cherries are not too fussy about soil type but will do best in constantly moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil, in full sun. They can take frost and wind, and remember to stake freshly planted trees well to a support for the first couple of years. Okame does well even in heavy clay soil. Hardy to about -27°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 18-12-2012