‘Gyoiko’ (Japanese harlequin cherry). ‘Gyoiko’ is an old Sato-zakura, known from before 1780 in Japan. Trees resemble ‘Ukon’, but the semi-double flowers of ‘Gyoiko’ open in late April or early May, about a week after ‘Ukon’. The individual flowers are green-striped, yellow and white, and take on reddish-purple tints as they age. A mild winter seems to accentuate the colouring. The unusual name derives from a traditional, brightly coloured (white, green and purple) robe from the ancient Imperial Court.
