How to Grow Okame Cherry
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Okame Cherry
Prunus × incamp 'Okame'
treeOkame is a hybrid ornamental cherry tree prized for its early spring blooms of deep pink flowers and compact, upright growth habit. It produces small dark red cherries and displays attractive bronze-red new foliage that matures to deep green. This deciduous tree is relatively disease-resistant and adaptable, making it popular for residential landscapes and urban gardens.
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Example Okame Cherry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Okame Cherry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Okame Cherry
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Okame Cherry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, with hardiness to zone 4b in protected locations
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Get my Okame Cherry timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First year after plantingYoung tree with bare branches; minimal branching structure visible
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping 6 inches away from trunk. Stake if needed for windy sites.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Tree develops branching structure; bronze-red new leaves emerge in spring, followed by deep green summer foliage
Prune only to shape and remove crossing branches. Avoid heavy pruning. Reduce supplemental watering as tree establishes.
Flowering
2-3 weeks in springAbundant deep pink, semi-double flowers appear before or as leaves emerge, typically in early spring (February-March in mild zones)
Do not prune during flowering season. If frost threatens during bloom, avoid overhead watering. Enjoy for 2-3 weeks.
Fruiting
Late spring through early summerSmall, dark red to black cherries develop after flowering; birds and wildlife readily consume them
Cherries are ornamental and edible but small and tart. No special fruit care needed; tree is grown primarily for flowers.
Dormancy
November-March (varies by zone)Foliage turns yellow, orange, or reddish in fall; tree drops leaves completely
Fall color is modest but pleasant. No special care needed during winter dormancy. Avoid pruning in late summer/fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil in early spring or insecticidal soap. Strong water spray can dislodge. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity; spray with water. Use miticide if severe. More common in hot, dry conditions.
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Hand-pick in early morning and drop in soapy water. Use pheromone traps away from tree. Apply neem oil if needed.
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Prune out heavily infested branches. Apply horticultural oil in dormant season. Monitor for spread.
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Prune out infected branches. Remove fallen fruit and debris. Okame is relatively resistant but avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Cut Flowers for Spring Arrangements
CraftEarly spring branches laden with deep pink flowers are superb for indoor floral arrangements, lasting 1-2 weeks in water. Cut branches at an angle in the morning when buds are just opening for best longevity. [source]
Bird and Pollinator Food
WildlifePink flowers attract early-season bees and other pollinators, supporting ecosystem health. Summer fruits are eagerly consumed by songbirds including robins, thrushes, and cardinals. [source]
Landscape Focal Point and Specimen Tree
HouseholdOkame's compact, upright form and dramatic early spring bloom make it ideal as a focal point in gardens, near patios, or in containers. Its moderate size (20-30 feet) fits residential properties better than larger cherry varieties. [source]
Edible Cherries (Secondary Use)
CulinaryWhile small and tart, Okame cherries are technically edible and can be eaten fresh, though most are better suited for wildlife. They lack the sweetness and size of commercial cherry cultivars. [source]
Ornamental Well-being
MedicinalThe psychological and emotional benefits of early spring bloom—signaling renewal and hope after winter—support mental health and reduce stress in gardeners and nearby communities. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Okame is an ornamental tree grown primarily for flowers, not fruit. Enjoy the spectacular pink blooms in early spring by photographing or cutting branches for indoor arrangements (cut at an angle and place in fresh water immediately). Small dark cherries can be sampled by hand in early summer, though they are primarily decorative and eaten by birds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Okame is a hybrid between Prunus campanulata (Taiwan cherry) and Prunus kanzakura, developed in England in the 1950s; the name 'Okame' comes from a Japanese theatrical character mask.
- 🌱 Unlike many ornamental cherries, Okame is relatively disease-resistant and less susceptible to cherry leaf spot and other fungal diseases common in humid climates, making it a superior choice for the Southeast.
- 🌱 The tree's flowers appear before or simultaneously with leaf emergence, creating a striking silhouette of pink against bare branches or emerging bronze foliage—a trait prized by garden designers.
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