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Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono'

Image of Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono'

Family

Rosaceae

Botanical Name

Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono'

Plant Common Name

Akebono Yoshino Cherry, Pink Yoshino Cherry, Yoshino Cherry

General Description

As tough as it is beautiful, this hardy, disease-resistant small tree bears clouds of light pink flowers very early in the gardening season. It is a cultivar of Yoshino cherry, a hybrid originating in Japan in the mid-nineteenth century.

The picturesquely spreading branches of this deciduous tree are furnished with oval, serrated, dark green leaves that turn yellow and orange in fall. They are preceded in late winter or early spring by masses of shell-pink, five- or six-petaled flowers that fade to white. The flowers hold well in rainy weather. Small, black, bitter fruits may follow the blooms.

Yoshino cherry thrives in full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil. It will fail in heavy, poorly drained soils. Prune lightly to eliminate crossing or awkward branches. Use 'Akebono' where its broad-spreading habit and delicately hued blooms will show to best advantage. Its flowers are especially lovely when viewed against a backdrop of evergreens or a dark wall. This cultivar is noted for its drought-tolerance, cold-hardiness, and resistance to fungal disease. It is sometimes sold under the name 'Daybreak.'

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m

  • Width

    15'-35' / 4.6m - 10.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Light Pink

  • Fruit Color

    Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Orange

  • Bark Color

    Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    No