The Flowering Cherry Prunus ‘Accolade’ is one of the most admired ornamental cherries for its graceful form and long-lasting seasonal displays. In April, the deep pink buds open into clouds of semi-double, rose-pink flowers that gradually fade to a softer blush, attracting bees and other pollinators and insects. It has a spreading crown whose rounded shape helps to make it a striking feature for gardens or avenues. Through the summer, its green leaves provide a lovely canopy and these transform into a wonderful display of orange, and red during the autumn.

Reaching a height and spread of around 6 × 4 metres in 20 years, the ‘Accolade’ is manageable in gardens big and small. It thrives best in full sun so do plant with that in mind. It prefers moist but well-drained soil, and adapts well to loam, clay, or sand provided it is not waterlogged. A hardy and reliable cultivar, it requires very little pruning beyond the removal of dead or damaged wood which we suggest you do in mid-summer. Its balance of size, resilience, and outstanding seasonal beauty has earned it the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This tree is aproven choice for gardeners who want colour, charm, and ecological value in a single tree.

Soil: Most well drained soils

Position: Exposed or sheltered in full sun

Foliage: Deciduous green leaves in spring and summer turning orange red in autumn

Flowering: Deep pink buds turn to semi double light pink flowers in April-May

Habit: Graceful spreading tree

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Growth: Average

Benefits to Wildlife: Loved by bees

Height & Spread in Maturity: 5 meters x 5 meters