Prunus Accolade (Flowering Cherry)

Regarded as one of the most attractive of the early-flowering ornamental cherries, award-winning Prunus ‘Accolade’ is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit. Opening from dark pink buds, profuse semi-double, shell pink flowers held in drooping clusters appear in early to mid-spring.

Regarded as one of the most attractive of the early-flowering ornamental cherries, award-winning Prunus 'Accolade' is a small deciduous tree of spreading habit. Opening from dark pink buds, profuse semi-double, shell pink flowers held in drooping clusters appear in early to mid-spring. The blooms are quite large, up to 1.5 in. across (4 cm), and they count up to 10-12 petals. Born in abundance along the bare branches, they provide a breathtaking floral display. As the flowers wane, the ovate, and dark green leaves emerge and create a fresh summer canopy before turning brilliant orange in fall. As the leaves fall, they reveal smooth dark red bark, adding winter interest to the landscape. A graceful, ornamental cherry tree that makes a fine specimen for the lawn.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows vigorously up to 25 ft. tall and wide (7-8 m).
  • Performs best in full sun in moist, relatively fertile, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect choice as a single specimen plant, lawns.
  • Prune in midsummer if the silver leaf is a problem
  • Watch for caterpillars, leaf-mining moths, bullfinches, silver leaf, bacterial canker, and blossom wilt.
  • Propagate by budding or grafting, although softwood cuttings in early summer with bottom heat can be successful.

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Prunus – Flowering Trees
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid)FallWinter
Height 20'
– 25'
(6m
– 7.5m)
Spread 20'
– 25'
(6m
– 7.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Japanese Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden