Okame Cherry Prunus × incam 'Okamé'
ABOUT
The Okame Cherry is a visually captivating ornamental plant renowned for its stunning floral display. When in bloom, it is adorned with a profusion of pink flowers that exhibit a deep pink hue at the bud stage and gracefully transition to a softer pink as they fully open. The petals are delicately arranged, and the blossoms cluster along the branches, offering a spectacular springtime show. The leaves of the Okame Cherry emerge with a hint of bronze, further maturing into a fresh green color as the season progresses. In the autumn, the foliage takes on a new palette of vivid colors, with shades ranging from orange to red, providing a brilliant fall display. The bark of this cherry variety is also noteworthy, tending to be smooth with a reddish-brown color that provides a pleasing contrast to the changing foliage and adds winter interest to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Okame Cherry, Okame Flowering Cherry
Common names
Prunus × incam 'Okame'
ToxicityTo humans
The Okame Cherry is part of the Prunus genus which contains cyanogenic glycosides, primarily in the seeds, leaves, and stems. The toxicity in humans mainly occurs if these parts are ingested in significant quantities. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include nausea, headache, dizziness, increased heart rate and respiration, convulsions, and in severe cases, can lead to respiratory failure and death.
To pets
The Okame Cherry is toxic to pets, as it is to humans. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides that can release cyanide when damaged or ingested. Symptoms in pets can include drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, can result in shock, coma, and potentially death. It is particularly important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any parts of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
15-20 feet (4.6-6 m)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.6-6 m)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6-8
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Early spring blossoms: The Okame Cherry Tree is one of the first to bloom in spring, providing vibrant pink flowers that signal the end of winter.
- Attracts wildlife: The blossoms of the Okame Cherry Tree attract bees and other pollinators, which are essential for the ecosystem.
- Aesthetic appeal: The tree adds a striking ornamental value to landscapes with its beautiful flowers, shape, and fall leaf colors.
- Shade provision: As the Okame Cherry Tree grows, it can provide shade in gardens and parks, making outdoor spaces more enjoyable during warmer months.
- Compact size: This hybrid cherry tree has a modest size that makes it suitable for smaller yards or as a street tree in urban settings.
- Seasonal interest: The Okame Cherry Tree offers year-round interest with flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and intriguing branch patterns in winter.
- Erosion control: With its root system, the tree can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Favorable canopy: Its branching pattern and leaf density create a favorable canopy that can host a variety of bird species, providing opportunities for bird watching.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, the Okame Cherry Tree can tolerate periods of drought, making it a relatively low-maintenance option for many landscapes.
- Adaptability: This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-draining, acidic to neutral soils.
- Cultural significance: Cherry trees have a strong cultural and symbolic presence in many societies, representing beauty, renewal, and the transient nature of life.
- Community enhancement: Their showy blooms often bring communities together, as seen in cherry blossom festivals and other cultural events.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting - The wood of the Okame cherry tree is sometimes used for small woodworking projects, such as making jewelry boxes or picture frames, due to its fine grain and workability.
- Floral Arrangements - The branches of the Okame cherry, when in bloom, are popular for use in large, ornate floral arrangements or as a striking, stand-alone piece in a tall vase.
- Photography - The vibrant blossoms of the Okame cherry tree make it a sought-after subject for photographers, especially during the spring bloom season.
- Festival Decorations - During cherry blossom festivals, branches and blossoms from the Okame cherry may be used to decorate floats, stands, and other festival features.
- Art Inspiration - Artists may use the beautiful flowers of the Okame cherry as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Beekeeping - Because of their early bloom, Okame cherry trees serve as an important nectar source for bees in early spring when other food sources are scarce.
- Weddings - The romantic associations of cherry blossoms make the Okame cherry tree a popular backdrop or thematic element for spring weddings.
- Culinary Garnish - While not common, the petals and blossoms of the Okame cherry tree can occasionally be used as a delicate edible garnish on special dishes in some culinary traditions.
- Ink Production - In historical and niche applications, the blossoms and bark of the Okame cherry tree have been used to make natural dyes and inks.
- Education - Botanical gardens and educational programs often use the Okame cherry as an example of hybridization and early spring-flowering tree species to teach about plant genetics and horticulture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Okame Cherry Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Okame Cherry Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty - The Prunus x incam 'Okame', commonly known as the Okame Cherry Blossom, is admired for its stunning pink blossoms that symbolize beauty and elegance.
- Renewal - Cherry blossoms are often seen as a symbol of renewal and the beginning of spring, representing new beginnings and fresh starts.
- Impermanence - In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, as the blossoms peek in beauty quickly before falling away.
- Life - The vibrant flowering of the Okame Cherry symbolizes life and vitality, often associated with the energy and joy of living.
WaterOkame Cherry trees should be watered deeply, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil to reach the tree's root system. During the first growing season, water the tree once a week with about 10 to 15 gallons, depending on rainfall and soil conditions, to help establish it. After establishment, reduce watering to every two to three weeks, providing 10 to 15 gallons each time, unless there is sufficient rain. In periods of drought, water the tree every week. Always avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
LightOkame Cherry trees thrive in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The optimal spot for planting an Okame Cherry is in an area with unobstructed exposure to sunlight. Avoid placing the tree in shaded areas as this will reduce bloom abundance and overall health.
TemperatureOkame Cherry trees can survive temperatures down to about -20°F but prefer the warmer range of temperate climates. The ideal temperature for this tree is between 60°F and 75°F, which promotes healthy growth and flowering. Extended exposure to temperatures above 90°F may stress the tree, so it should be monitored and cared for appropriately during hotter spells.
PruningOkame Cherry trees are pruned to maintain shape, remove any dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the tree starts to bud. Remove crossed branches to prevent damage and thin out the canopy to allow light to penetrate and air to circulate. Prune sparingly as excessive cutting can reduce flowering.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe Okame cherry tree prefers well-drained, moist soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loamy soil, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingOkame cherry trees, being landscape trees, are not typically repotted as they are planted outdoors; they do not require the frequent repotting that containerized plants might need.
Humidity & MistingOkame cherry trees are adaptable to various humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions as they thrive outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Okame cherries can't grow indoors; they need an outdoor environment.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and yearly spring fertilizing.
Hardiness zone
Okame cherry trees are suitable for USDA zones 6-9.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Okame Cherry (Prunus × incam 'Okamé') begins with seed germination in the spring, when the warmth and moisture trigger the embryo within the seed to sprout. The seedling emerges and establishes roots while developing its first true leaves, steadily growing into a young sapling. Over several years, the sapling matures into a flowering tree, experiencing a period of vegetative growth each spring followed by flowering, typically renowned for its early and prolific pink blossoms. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into fruit, which contains seeds that carry the genetic blueprint for the next generation. Once the tree has reached maturity, it enters a period of annual reproduction, where it will flower each spring and, if pollinated, produce fruit and seeds in the summer. The Okame Cherry has a typical lifespan of several decades, during which it will continue these cycles until environmental conditions, disease, or other factors result in the end of its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The hybrid Cherry 'Okamé', a delightful ornamental cherry tree, is commonly propagated through grafting, which is the most popular method for this plant. The optimal time for grafting is typically late winter or early spring before new growth begins. In grafting, a piece of stem with leaf buds, known as a scion, is taken from the Cherry 'Okamé' and grafted onto a rootstock, usually of a related Prunus species that offers disease resistance and hardiness. The scion should be about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters) with several buds. It is crucial to make clean cuts and to align the cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock to ensure a successful union. After grafting, the joint is wrapped and sealed to prevent drying and infection while the graft heals. This process ensures that the resulting plants are true to the 'Okamé' Cherry's desirable characteristics.
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