A cherry blossom tree is a special type of tree characterised by its stunning, delicate flowers and its cultural significance to many countries around the world.The tree’s stunning, pink flowers blossom each spring and create a spectacle, delighting onlookers. But there is much more to the cherry blossom tree than its striking beauty.
Cherry Blossom Trees are found in many countries throughout the Asian continent, although it is perhaps Japan that has the closest cultural relationship with the trees. In Japan, the cherry blossom has been revered for centuries and there are several festivals dedicated to them.
Cherry blossom festivals, known as Hanami, involve admiring the trees in bloom, typically with friends and family. Food is cooked and shared, music is played and sweet sake is sipped.
Although cherry blossom season is different in each country, typically the blooms arrive in early April and stay in bloom between three to four weeks. Because Japan is located much further south than other countries with cherry blossom trees, it typically blooms a little earlier. Some species are also known to bloom later, typically around mid-April in Japan.
The process by which cherry blossoms bloom is no less remarkable than the spectacle they create. Scientists have studied the ratio of night temperatures to day lengths to measure when the flowering time occurs. Finding the exact catalyst can be tricky though, as some flowers take advantage of warmer days even though the daily temperature is still low.
Cherry blossom trees can live for more than 100 years and although they remain flowering, the original tree will usually die and be replaced.
The beauty of cherry blossom trees and their deep cultural significance worldwide gives them a special appeal to many people. Their importance is celebrated not only in Japan but also China, Korea and in North and South America.
Different Varieties
There are over 200 varieties of cherry blossom tree, with a few more in the process of being identified. Japan alone is home to over 80.
These include the popular ‘Oshima’ cherry, a tree that can grow up to six meters tall, which is native to Tokyo. There are also many smaller varieties, including ‘Shidarezakura’, or ‘weeping cherry’; the tree grows slender branches with small flowers, creating a unique weeping effect.
The ‘Kanzan’ variety has particularly large, bright pink flowers and is believed to be a hybrid developed in the 17th century. It is this variety of cherry blossom tree that is often depicted in classical Japanese art.
‘Yedoensis’, or ‘Yoshina’ is one of the most common cherry blossom trees. It is native to Japan and is mostly located in Tokyo, although it can also be found in other areas of Japan.
‘Kosa’, or ‘formosa’, is notable for the way its petals curl. This particular tree originates in Taiwan and is known for its bright pink flowers that emerge in the early spring.
Last but not least, the ‘Tai Haku’ is a hybrid derived from several Japanese tree varieties. It has large, white flowers and often attracts numerous people in the springtime.
Disease In Cherry Blossoms
Unfortunately, there are a few diseases that can afflict a cherry blossom tree and reduce its beauty. One of these is anthracnose and is caused by fungus spores. If a tree is infected, its flowers will either fail to appear or grow but then blacken and fall.
To prevent anthracnose and other such diseases, it is important to water cherry blossom trees regularly, in particular during the autumn and winter months. If a tree is already infected, it can be treated with fungicide, although this will eventually reduce the ability of the tree to blossom, as the chemicals kill the flowering buds.
Importance of Cherry Blossoms
Due to their delicate beauty, cherry blossom trees are thought to represent the fragility of life and innocence. Their short blooming period is interpreted as a reminder of how transient life can be and how important it is to appreciate the beauty of the moment and cherish the things that bring joy.
Cherry blossom trees are also a symbol of renewal, rebirth and hope, and their beauty and significance is celebrated in many countries today.
In Japan, individuals wrap up in blankets and visit flower-viewing sites in the evening during Bloom season. Of course, covid restriction are changing traditional hanami gatherings, which is set to last until June.
While in China, the cherry blossom festival marks the start of the country’s New Year. People in Shanghai and some other cities traditionally visited riverside parks to hike, play board games and relax in the parks that are filled with the canopy of cherry blossom flowers.
Symbolism Of Cherry Blossom
In Japan, the cherry blossom tree has a range of meanings and symbolism. It is thought to invoke power, beauty and strength, but also a reminder of the briefness of life. The Japanese also use cherry blossom trees to represent hope and joy.
In the West, the cherry blossom is often associated with feelings of renewal and growth. The cycle of blooming and fading away is seen as a representation of life’s quiet grace, inspiring one to live life to the fullest.
The cherry blossom has become a popular symbol for many fashion and lifestyle brands, often used to invoke feelings of optimism. Images of cherry blossoms are often used in art pieces, tattoos, jewelry and paint, as well as being featured on fabric patterns.
From a religious standpoint, in Japan, where the cherry blossom tree is highly revered, they sometimes use cherry blossoms as a symbol of the true state of the human soul. According to Buddhist beliefs, the soul is sometimes compared to the fleeting petals of a cherry blossom tree, with both being seen as equally delicate.
Types Of Supplements For Cherry Blossoms
Caring for a cherry blossom tree requires moderation, including nutrition and stress control.
In terms of fertilization, the tree should be fertilized every spring and fall with a slow-release fertilizer. The cherry blossom tree can also benefit from micronutrients such as iron and zinc, as well as from organic matter such as compost.
It is also important to prune the branches of the tree regularly to ensure it remains healthy. There are different pruning techniques for different branches, for example the shaping and thinning of a branch can help keep the tree healthy, while too much pruning can lead to a decrease in flower production.
It is also important to stress the tree, meaning to ensure it is properly watered and aerated, and to provide mulch during the winter months. The tree should also be treated with an insecticide before the flowering season, to prevent any uninvited pests from attacking the tree.
History Of Cherry Blossom Trees
The cherry blossom tree has been a source of fascination for centuries and has a rich and interesting history. The first recorded use of cherry blossom in Japan dates back to the 8th century, and the Samurai’s use of the flower as a symbol of power. In the 12th century, poems written by Minamoto no Yoritomo and his wife Masako began to express the beauty of the spring bloom and the belief that life was transient.
Other records suggest that cherry blossom festivals began in the 16th century, during the Muromachi period. Over the centuries, the festivals have become more popular and now usually involve large celebrations with family and friends, ending in a magnificent fireworks display.
Conclusion
The cherry blossom tree is a stunning and magical tree, celebrated in many countries throughout the world. From its impressive blooming in springtime to the festivals held in its honour and its use as a symbol of renewal and hope, the cherry blossom is a sight worthy of wonder and admiration.
