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Prunus × yedoensis 'Akebono'
Akebono cherry
Garden hybrid origin (P. speciosa × P. subhirtella; Japan; Akebono selected California; Yoshino cherry of Washington DC fame)
Overview
Prunus x yedoensis 'Akebono' (syn. 'Daybreak') is a deciduous tree reaching 25-35 feet (7.6-10.7 m) tall with a spread of 25-35 feet (7.6-10.7 m) and a rounded to spreading crown. This Yoshino cherry cultivar produces clusters of single to semi-double flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide in early to mid spring (March-April), opening pale pink from pink buds—slightly deeper pink than the species type which opens nearly white. The elliptic to ovate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long emerge bronze-green, mature to dark green, and turn yellow to gold in autumn. The bark is smooth, gray-brown with horizontal lenticels. Growth rate is moderate to fast. Hardy to zone 5. The Yoshino cherry is the primary species of Washington D.C.'s Tidal Basin plantings. 'Akebono' (meaning 'dawn' or 'daybreak') retains pink color longer than the species. Short-lived (30-50 years) with brittle wood.
Native Range
Prunus x yedoensis is a hybrid of garden origin, likely P. speciosa × P. subhirtella, originating in Japan. 'Akebono' was selected in California.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen, street tree, or in parks at 25-30 foot (7.6-9 m) spacing. The Yoshino cherry of Washington D.C. fame—'Akebono' holds pink longer. Rounded spreading crown. Short-lived (30-50 years). Brittle wood. Surface roots. Not suitable for confined spaces, poorly drained soils, or sites near paving.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 35'
Width/Spread25' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Clusters of single to semi-double pale pink flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide, opening from pink buds, March-April. Bloom duration 2-3 weeks. Slightly deeper pink than species type.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale pink from pink buds; single to semi-double 1-1.5 inches; clusters; Mar-Apr; retains pink longer than speciesFoliage Description
Dark green; emerges bronze-green; elliptic to ovate 2-4 inches; yellow to gold autumnGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in moist, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-7.5). Hardy to zone 5. Good air circulation needed. Susceptible to bacterial canker, brown rot, and borers. Short-lived (30-50 years). Brittle wood—prone to storm damage. Surface roots can lift pavement.Pruning
Prune in summer after flowering to reduce bacterial canker risk. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches. Minimal pruning needed—the rounded crown develops naturally.Pruning Schedule
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summer