Akebono Flowering Cherry is a small spreading deciduous tree with a broad crown and bark with prominent horizontal stripes. The simple dark green leaves turn golden yellow with orange tints in fall.  Masses of lightly fragrant soft pink, semi-double flowers bloom in early spring are followed by small bitter black cherries.  Grows best in part sun in Southern climates and rich moist well-drained soils.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  High Maintenance. Pests and diseases can be a problem.  Watch for aphids, scale, borers, caterpillars, beetles and spider mites. Potential diseases include leaf spot, dieback, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, and fireblight.  Cherries have weak wood and are susceptible to breakage.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Naturalized Areas,  Wildlife Gardens, and Shade Tree.

COMPANION PLANTS: Hibiscus, Coneflower, Viburnum

IMAGES: Photoset by Wendy Cutler, (1) 20150321_2ndBalsam_Akebono_Cutler_160941, (2) 20150322_CrescentRdNicowyndRd_Akebono_Cutler_120356, (3) 20150322_CrescentRdNicowyndRd_Akebono_Cutler_120348, (4) Akebono_GraveleyLillooet_Cutler_20070404_04p

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.