Prunus 'Okame'

Don looked at an attractive hybrid cherry. Prunus 'Okame' is a cross between P. campanulata and P. incisa.

Plant details

Common name: Okame cherry

Botanic name: Prunus 'Okame' Description: A hardy deciduous tree, growing to about 10m (30') tall. It has an upright growth habit, and finely textured dark green leaves which turn brilliant orange in autumn. In late winter to early spring before the leaves appear, it produces a fine display of tiny pink flowers opening from reddish pink buds.   

Best climate: Sydney, Perth and areas south.

Uses:

Good small tree for the home garden Excellent landscape and accent tree Flowers in late winter, so provides colour when the rest of the garden is bare Bonsai

Good points:

Attractive electric pink flowers in late winter Brilliant orange autumn colour Hardy and frost resistant Will grow from cuttings Attracts native birds

Downside:

May be difficult to find.

Care:

Plant prunus in a full sun position. They like a moist, well-drained soil, and need protection from strong winds, which damage the flower crop.

Getting started:

If it is hard to find potted plants now in flower at your nursery, ask them to order plants for purchase next winter. Expect to pay around $30 for a 250mm (10") pot.
Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings in summer to autumn, or hardwood cuttings in winter. Cuttings root best in a cool, humid environment.

Further information

Our segment was filmed at 'Fernbrook', 2 Queen Street, Kurrajong Heights, NSW (about 90 minutes from Sydney in the Lower Blue Mountains). Fernbrook Garden and Gallery is open to the public every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Phone: (02) 4567 7330

Copyright CTC Productions 2000