Accolade Cherry Prunus 'Accolade' (d)
ABOUT
The Accolade Cherry is a breathtaking ornamental plant that boasts a magnificent display of flowers. It typically bursts into a profusion of blooms in the early spring season. The flowers of the Accolade Cherry are especially noteworthy; they emerge as delightful pink buds, which gracefully transition into semi-double, soft pink blossoms that have a delicate, almost ethereal quality to them. These flowers are arranged in clusters, creating a strikingly dense and rounded floral canopy that becomes a visual spectacle. The blossoms tend to have a light, pleasing fragrance that adds to their charm. Beyond its floral display, the foliage of this plant is also quite appealing. The leaves emerge as bronze-green in color, eventually turning into a fresh, medium green as the season progresses. In the autumn, the foliage provides an additional show of colors, ranging from orange to red tones, adding a new layer of interest to the plant's aesthetic. The bark and branches of the Accolade Cherry provide a sturdy backdrop to its soft floral elements. The bark has a smooth texture and a brownish color, which supports the branches as they arch outwards in a sweeping manner. This architecture lends the plant a graceful and elegant structural presence in the landscape. The overall appearance of the Accolade Cherry is one of softness, delicacy, and seasonal transformation, making it a cherished addition to any garden seeking to add a splash of color and a touch of elegance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Accolade Cherry, Accolade Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus 'Accolade'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the cherry 'Accolade' is considered to have parts that are toxic if ingested. All parts of cherry trees contain cyanogenic glycosides, with the highest concentrations typically in the leaves, stems, and seeds within the pits. If ingested in sufficient quantities, these compounds can release cyanide within the body. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning may include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, hyperventilation, and convulsions. In severe cases, cyanide can cause respiratory failure and even death.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the cherry 'Accolade' plant can also be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The parts of the plant, particularly the leaves, stems, and the seeds inside the pits, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. If pets ingest these parts, symptoms of cyanide poisoning may occur. These symptoms can include excessive drooling, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, shock or collapse. Ingesting large quantities of these plant parts can be fatal to pets, so it is important to prevent them from chewing on or consuming any part of cherry trees.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6-7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Prunus 'Accolade' is known for its beautiful pink blossoms that provide a spectacular spring display, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers offer nectar to early-season pollinators such as bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Provider: As a deciduous tree, it can offer a canopy of shade during the warm months, creating cooler areas for relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant has seasonal changes that add variety throughout the year—from blossoming flowers in spring to leaf color changes in fall.
- Low Maintenance: This particular cultivar requires relatively low maintenance once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Compact Size: Prunus 'Accolade' typically grows to a moderate size which makes it suitable for smaller gardens or urban spaces.
- Improves Biodiversity: By introducing an ornamental cherry tree like Prunus 'Accolade' into a landscape, the variety of plant life is increased, which can enhance the local biodiversity.
- Focal Point: With its striking floral display and elegant growth form, it can serve as an excellent focal point in landscape design.
- Cultural Significance: Cherry blossoms have cultural significance in many parts of the world, and including such a plant can bring a sense of tradition to a garden space.
- Durable: This cultivar is known for being quite hardy and can withstand many of the common challenges that other plants might succumb to, such as occasional temperature fluctuations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Material: Thin branches from the Accolade cherry tree can be harvested and used in woodworking projects, such as creating small decorative items or jewelry.
- Photography Subject: The beautiful blossoms of Accolade cherry are popular among photographers seeking to capture the essence of spring in landscapes or artistic nature portraits.
- Natural Dye Source: The blossoms and leaves can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, providing a range of soft pinks and greens.
- Educational Tool: The tree can be used in schools and educational programs to teach children about the life cycle of plants and the importance of pollinators.
- Landscape Design: Accolade cherry trees are used in landscape architecture to create stunning visual effects with their spring blooms and autumn foliage.
- Symbolism for Events: Because of its beautiful and transient blossoms, branches or images of the Accolade cherry can be used in events like weddings or festivals to symbolize new beginnings or the fleeting nature of life.
- Horticultural Training: The pruning and care required for the Accolade cherry provide excellent practice for students and enthusiasts learning about horticulture and tree maintenance.
- Culinary Decoration: While the fruit is not typically consumed, the flowers can be used as an elegant and non-toxic decoration for culinary presentations.
- Wildlife Habitat: Accolade cherry trees can offer habitat and food for various bird species, which feed on the insects attracted by the blossoms.
- Seasonal Indicator: The blooming period of the tree can serve as a phenological marker, helping people to track the progress of seasons and climate patterns in an area.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cherry Blossom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cherry Blossom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Spring Rebirth: The Prunus 'Accolade', commonly known as the Accolade Cherry, blossoms in early spring, symbolizing the end of winter and the rebirth of nature.
- Beauty and Fragility of Life: As with many cherry blossoms, the Accolade Cherry's flowers are a symbol of the beauty of life that is often short-lived, reminding us of the fragile and fleeting nature of existence.
- Renewal and Optimism: The blooming of cherry blossoms is a sign of renewal and the fresh start that spring brings, invoking feelings of optimism and hope.
- Purity and Innocence: The delicate white to pink flowers of the Accolade Cherry often represent purity and innocence, commonly associated with the innocuous and gentle aspects of nature.
- Love and Affection: Cherry blossoms are frequently associated with love in many cultures, making the Accolade Cherry a symbol of deep affection and emotional connection.
WaterThe Accolade Cherry should be watered deeply once a week, providing it with about 1.5 to 2 gallons of water each time. During hot or dry weather, increase watering to twice a week. It's important to water the plant slowly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the root system rather than simply running off the surface. In the winter, reduce watering since the plant will be dormant and won't require as much moisture. Always check the soil moisture before watering; the top inch of soil should be dry to the touch before you water again.
LightThe Accolade Cherry thrives in full sun, so it should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade is also acceptable, but the blossoms and foliage might not be as robust as when the plant is positioned in full sun. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to poor flowering and weak growth.
TemperatureThe Accolade Cherry prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. This flowering cherry can handle a winter temperature as low as -20°F and a summer temperature up to 100°F; however, it thrives best when the temperature ranges between 65°F and 75°F during its growing season. Make sure to protect it from extreme temperatures both in the hot and cold ends of its tolerance.
PruningPruning the Accolade Cherry is important to maintain its shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage better air circulation within the canopy. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, but after the coldest weather has passed. Prune sparingly, focusing on any crossing branches or those that spoil the symmetry of the tree. An annual pruning schedule is typically sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Accolade Cherry is one that is well-draining with a good amount of organic matter. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and sandy loam is ideal. The ideal soil pH for the Accolade Cherry should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingThe Accolade Cherry, being a tree, is typically planted directly in the ground rather than being repotted. However, if grown in containers, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years to accommodate root growth. Mature Accolade Cherry trees are rarely repotted.
Humidity & MistingThe Accolade Cherry prefers a moderate level of humidity, as is common in many outdoor environments. It does not require special humidity conditions and should thrive in the natural outdoor humidity levels typical to temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Growing the Accolade Cherry indoors is impractical due to its size.
Outdoor
Plant Accolade Cherry in full sun; mulch well; prune in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of an Accolade Flowering Cherry (Prunus 'Accolade') begins with seed germination, typically in spring when the soil has warmed and moisture is ample. After germination, the plant enters a juvenile phase where it focuses on root and foliage growth, slowly developing into a young tree. As it matures, the Accolade Cherry progresses to the flowering stage, typically starting to bloom with pink blossoms in the early spring, attracting pollinators and signaling its reproductive age. Following pollination, the tree will set fruit, small cherries that may be eaten by wildlife, leading to seed dispersal. The mature phase for this ornamental cherry tree can last many years, continuing the cycle of flowering and fruiting annually. With proper care, the Accolade Flowering Cherry can live several decades before eventually entering a senescence phase, marked by reduced vigor, declining health, and ultimately death.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Prunus 'Accolade', commonly known as the Accolade Cherry, is by grafting. This is a technique where the tissues of one plant are inserted into those of another so that the two sets of vascular tissues may join together. This process is typically done in late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. A piece of a stem with leaf buds, known as a scion, is taken from a desirable Accolade Cherry and joined onto a rootstock, which is often a seedling or clonal understock of a different cherry variety that provides vigour and adaptability. The graft union is then wrapped with grafting tape or wax to hold it securely and prevent desiccation until the graft heals and the tissues fuse, which usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months depending on the temperature and weather conditions.
