tree RHS Award

Okame Cherry

Name: Okame Cherry
Brand: Prunus
Availability: InStock

Prunus incam 'Okame'

$109.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Relatively short-lived tree (20-30 years)

Native To

Hybrid Origin (P. incisa x P. campanulata)

Toxicity

Stems, leaves, and seeds contain cyanide; toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Prunus is a large genus of trees and shrubs which includes plums, cherries, peaches, and almonds, widely cultivated for their fruit and ornamental beauty. Flowering cherries are celebrated for their profuse and beautiful spring blossoms. The 'Okame' cherry is a hybrid prized for being one of the very first to bloom, producing an explosion of fragrant, carmine-pink, single flowers on bare branches. It has an upright, rounded form, polished reddish-brown bark, and reliable orange-bronze fall color, making it a multi-season star.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

'Okame' is a premier ornamental tree, valued for heralding the arrival of spring with a massive display of pink blossoms on bare branches. Its attractive form, polished bark, and vibrant fall color provide year-round appeal.

Its moderate size makes it an excellent choice for smaller residential landscapes, as a street tree, or near patios and decks where its early beauty can be enjoyed up close. It is more heat tolerant than many other flowering cherries.

The early flowers provide a crucial first source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Small, inconspicuous fruits may be eaten by birds.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Apply mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location protected from strong winter winds to prevent damage to the early-emerging, delicate flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide excellent drainage; cherries hate wet feet.
Plant in full sun for the best flower display.
Prune right after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds.
Enjoy the very early spring color it provides.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soil.
Avoid late-season pruning, as it can stimulate vulnerable new growth.
Don't damage the thin bark with mowers or trimmers.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes leaves over flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Spectacular early-season specimen treeGraceful accent for patios and small yardsVibrant street tree for temperate climates

Companion Plants

Helleborus Narcissus Muscari Vinca minor Galanthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Okame Cherry questions

What zones can Okame Cherry grow in?

Okame Cherry is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Okame Cherry deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Okame Cherry, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Okame Cherry bloom?

Okame Cherry typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Okame Cherry need full sun?

Okame Cherry does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Okame Cherry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Okame Cherry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.