Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’ – Akebono Flowering Cherry

Botanical Name: Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’

Alternate Name: Akebono Yoshino Cherry, Daybreak Cherry, Daybreak Yoshino Cherry

The Akebono Flowering Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis ‘Akebono’) is popular for the spectacular display of pink flowers that cover its branches in early spring. This cultivar is one of the ornamental cherry trees that creates the historic dazzling cherry blossom display in Washington D.C. every spring.

The Akebono Cherry tree is a small, deciduous, ornamental tree. Initially, it has an upright growth habit that becomes more spreading, with slightly weeping branches, as the tree matures. The crown is uniform and rounded with moderately dense foliage. This cherry tree grows to a height of 23-35 feet with a spread of 25-40 feet.

The leaves develop after the flower display. They are a glossy dark green and lance or ovate shaped with serrate margins. The foliage turns vibrant shades of golden yellow and orange in the fall. The attractive bark with prominent lenticels (markings) provides interest in the winter months.

The showy, large, rose-pink blooms of the Akebono Cherry tree appear early in early spring before the tree leaves out. They are semi-double, slightly fragrant, and gradually fade to white as they fully open.

Description

Height: 25-35 ft.
Width: 25-40 ft.
Shape: Rounded
Flower Color: Pink
Flowering Time: March-April
Fall Color: Yellow, Orange
Features: Showy spring flowers, good fall color, attractive bark
Exposure: Full Sun
Watering: Moderate & Regular
Soil: Prefers moist, moderately rich, well-drained loam. Tolerates a range of soil conditions and pH as long as drainage is good.
Growth Rate: Moderate
USDA Zones: 5-8
Uses: Accent tree, lawn tree, park tree, lining driveways/walkways, street tree
Similar Trees: Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’), Kwanzan Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’), Japanese Flagpole Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Amanogawa’), Mt. Fuji Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Mt Fuji’), Okame Flowering Cherry (Prunus x incamp ‘Okame’), Yoshino Flowering Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis ‘Yoshino’), Columnar Sargent Flowering Cherry (Prunus sargentii ‘Columnaris’)

Additional information

Shape

Rounded

Flower Color

Pink

Flowering Time

April, March

Fall Color

Orange, Yellow

Growth Rate

Moderate

Uses

Accent Tree, Lawn Tree, Lining Driveways, Lining Walkways, Park Tree, Street Tree

USDA Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Mature Height

20'-30', 30'-40'

Mature Width

20'-30', 30'-40'

Exposure

Full Sun

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