Okame Cherry

Okame Cherry (Prunus 'Okame')

Okame Cherry (Prunus 'Okame') is one of the earliest flowering ornamental cherry trees, bringing brilliant pink color to the landscape when little else is blooming. A hybrid developed for cold hardiness and early-season performance, it offers showy spring flowers, vibrant fall color, and a refined form that fits both residential and commercial designs.

Distinctive Features

'Okame' produces masses of single, rose-pink flowers with red calyxes in late winter to very early spring�often blooming before most other trees have leafed out. The flowers cover the branches in dense clusters, creating a striking floral display. As the season progresses, lustrous green foliage emerges, turning orange-red in fall. The tree has an upright, rounded form and typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide at maturity, with clean branching and attractive bark that provides winter interest.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soils
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate; appreciates watering during establishment and dry spells
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Specimen or focal point tree for early spring interest
• Front yards, driveways, and courtyards
• Mixed ornamental borders
• Street tree in residential settings
• Public spaces and commercial landscapes

Low Maintenance Care

• Prune in summer to maintain shape and remove dead wood
• Mulch annually to conserve moisture and protect roots
• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced tree formula
• Provide consistent moisture during dry periods
• Watch for pests like aphids or scale; generally disease-resistant

Why Choose Okame Cherry

• One of the earliest blooming cherry trees each year
• Striking pink flowers signal the arrival of spring
• Compact size fits small to medium landscapes
• Attractive fall color and exfoliating bark add multi-season appeal
• A vibrant focal point with exceptional ornamental value

Okame Cherry brings the promise of spring with vibrant early blooms and refined structure, making it a cherished choice for homeowners and landscape designers seeking early color and year-round beauty.