About the Okame
Cherry :
The Okame Cherry tree, Prunus Okame, is one
of the earliest of the flowering cherries. Its
carmine-pink petals, with rose-red calyx and
reddish flower stalks, open fully before leaf
break. It has a very consistent year-to-year
blooming habit. The rosy red buds are attractive
before flower break and the overall floral
effect lasts 2 to 3 weeks. At maturity, ‘Okame’
Cherry trees will attain 20-30' in height with a
similar spread. The young trees display a
broad-columnar habit; older trees develop a more
rounded habit. Fruits are small, and not
ornamentally important. This deciduous tree has
an attractive dark red-orange fall color. Shiny
reddish brown bark is also very attractive.
Rate of growth is medium-fast, especially
when young, so expect 1-2' or more per year.
Prunus. ‘Okame’ does best in moist, well-drained
soil, but will adapt to a variety of soils as
long as they are not wet. It is pH adaptable.
Locate it in full sun or light shade. It makes a
fine specimen tree and should be sited where it
can be easily seen in late winter/early spring.
Flowering is its main feature, yet the ‘Okame’
can be considered an all seasons plant with its
attractive bark and fall color. Excellent heat
and cold tolerance.
