Taiwan Cherry is a flowering cherry tree that brings early spring elegance to gardens in zones 6, 8. Developed by the legendary English plantsman Captain Collingwood Ingram, this cultivar (Prunus 'Okame') rises 15, 25 feet tall with a similar spread, producing fragrant, showy blossoms in March and April. It thrives in full sun and moderate moisture, requiring minimal care once established, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking reliable spring color without intensive management.
Full Sun
Moderate
6-8
300in H x 240in W
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Moderate
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Captain Collingwood Ingram's deliberate breeding work created 'Okame' by crossing Prunus incisa as the female parent, resulting in a cherry that delivers showy, fragrant spring blooms year after year. The tree reaches substantial but not overwhelming proportions, fitting comfortably into residential landscapes while providing the ornamental impact of a specimen plant. Its low-maintenance nature and proven hardiness across a broad hardiness zone range (6, 8) mean you can plant it once and enjoy decades of early spring flowers without constant intervention.
Taiwan Cherry is grown primarily as an ornamental flowering tree. Gardeners value it for its striking early spring display, when fragrant blossoms appear before the foliage fully emerges. The showy flowers make it a focal point in gardens, whether planted as a specimen tree or incorporated into mixed plantings that benefit from its seasonal interest.
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Prune Taiwan Cherry after flowering if shaping is needed, but the tree generally requires little pruning. Its natural habit is attractive enough that many gardeners leave it unpruned, allowing it to develop its characteristic form. Remove any dead or crossing branches to maintain health and structure.
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“This variety owes its existence to Captain Collingwood Ingram, an English horticulturist and cherry expert who developed 'Okame' through deliberate breeding work. Ingram used Prunus incisa as the female parent in his crosses, carefully selecting for the traits that would become the hallmarks of this cultivar: robust flowering, ornamental appeal, and reliable performance. His work reflected a broader horticultural tradition in England during the early-to-mid 20th century of improving ornamental trees through controlled breeding, and 'Okame' stands as one of his most successful achievements, now widely cultivated as a specimen flowering tree.”