Although less often used than its closely related 'Kanzan', Prunus 'Okame' is another excellent choice for Gardeners that want a dazzling display of early spring cherry blossom. Indeed 'Okame' has many desirable attributes that make it an ideal candidate for many gardens a fact recognised by the Royal Horticulture Society who issued 'Okame' with their Award of Garden Merit in 1993 and again in 2012.

'Okame' has quite an upright columnar shape neater than many cherries. Before the oval shaped, toothed leaves emerge it bears masses of profuse rich pink flowers signalling the onset of spring. Again in the autumn the dainty foliage produces a striking display of burnt orange and red before falling.

Well suited to UK conditions this variety has been delighting gardeners since it was first cultivated in the 1940's. Any reasonable soil is fine, but like most cherries it does not like sodden waterlogged ground. Fully hardy.

Received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993 & 2012

Tree Specs

• Common Name: Cherry Blossom Tree
• Botanical Name: Prunus 'Okame'
• Mature Height: 5-7m 
• Key Features:
  • Profuse rich pink spring flowers
  • Neat upright columnar habit
  • Burnt orange and red autumn foliage colour