Two varieties of ornamental cherry trees are available for planting on the Big Island: Pink Cloud and Okame. Both are low-chill varieties, meaning there is a possibility they will succeed at elevations lower than Volcano or Kamuela.
photo by Kenji Kuroshima used with permission
This Pink Cloud ornamental cherry tree, a low-chill variety hybridized at the Huntington in Pasadena more than 40 years ago, bloomed lightly in its second year in Hilo.
Okame ornamental cherry trees burst into bloom in Panaewa just outside Hilo at Mountain Meadows Nursery.
photo by K.T. Cannon-Eger
The two varieties were chosen for their pale pink blossoming habit in addition to the low-chill variety. These trees have been successful in Pasadena, Los Angeles and San Diego.
For further information on availability on Hawaii Island, contact K.T. Cannon-Eger or Mountain Meadows Nursery in Panaewa.
If you wish availability in the mainland United States, please contact L. E. Cooke Nursery (wholesale nursery orders only) or your local garden shop.
Local sales of Okame and Pink Cloud benefit the Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working toward the centennial of Hilo’s Lili`uokalani Gardens in 2017.
Here is a link to an article on cherry tree history in Washington, DC, posted by the North American Japanese Garden Association.
https://northamericanjapanesegardenassociation.wordpress.com/2015/03/12/cherry-diplomacy/
U.S. Japanese Gardens 