Bloom Times
Cherry blossom trees often come to mind when we think of Japan, but the truth is, these trees are native to other parts of the world as well. Quittingly, the very first cherry blossom tree was found in China thousands of years ago. From there, the trees were cultivated and spread by traders and travelers, leading to Japan’s notable “Sakura,” or cherry blossom, season.
The expansive family of cherry blossom trees can now be found everywhere in the world, particularly in Europe and North America. Multiple species exist—such as the Yoshino and Prunus—which bloom during specific times of the year. In the United States, blooms can occur as early as February and as late as mid-May. Japan’s blooms occur anywhere from March to April.
When you’re looking to find a cherry blossom tree, the key is to first determine what kind of climate you have. Some cherry blossom trees are more suited to temperate and subtropical climates, while others can survive in more extreme climates.
Cherry Blossoms Around the World
Cherry blossom trees are considered a national symbol in Japan. Each year, their bloom season is celebrated through the “hanami,” or cherry blossom viewing, festival. Today, hundreds of parks, gardens, and historical sites across the country are known for their stunning views of the pink and white flowers and are popular tourist destinations.
In the United States, cherry blossom festivals also occur and attract thousands of onlookers. Parks in major cities like Washington D.C., New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco are famous for their yearly blooms. Travellers come to marvel at the sight and can enjoy cultural events during the festivals.
Cherry blossom trees can also be found in Europe, Australia, and India, although they tend to bloom later than those in Japan and the United States.
Preserving and Appreciating the Flowers
It’s important to remember that cherry blossom trees are living things and deserve to be appreciated and treated with care. Picking the delicate cherry blossoms isn’t advisable as it can accelerate the wilting process, resulting in a shorter “window of beauty” for the tree. Instead, the blooms should be admired from a distance and taken in through breathing the scent in, or through photos and art.
In Japan, the cherry blossom is one of the most prominent staples of their national art. The flower is often depicted in traditional paintings, which has become an iconic representation of the country. We can appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossom from afar, through a variety of mediums, some of which are thousands of years old.
Planting Cherry Blossom Trees
The process of planting a cherry blossom tree can be surprisingly easy. The tree’s seedlings sprout quickly, and can even be kept in a container for easy transportation if necessary. The seedlings have relatively shallow roots, so they can be planted in most standard gardens where they receive plenty of sun and water.
It’s important to make sure the tree receives enough water while the plant is still establishing itself in the ground; otherwise, the tree might not be able to survive. Depending on the species, the tree can take anywhere from 3-5 years before it flowers.
Finally, if you don’t have enough space to plant a cherry blossom tree in your own garden, there are various organizations around the world that coordinate cherry blossom tree planting to raise awareness about the beauty of their blossoms. These groups offer the seedlings for free, so that people can plant their own cherry blossom tree and enjoy the flowers in the spring.
Cherry Blossoms in Literature and Culture
Almost all major cultures in the world have some interpretation of the cherry blossom, which is used to represent everything from beauty to the impermanence of life. The flower’s beauty, which lasts only a couple of weeks before the petals fall, is translated in major works of literatures, making for powerful metaphors about life cycles.
In Japan, cherry blossoms are often used to interpret the connection between man and nature, and how every life has its own beauty that eventually withers and dies. There are countless haiku poems, paintings, and sculptures across the country that feature the majestic flowers.
Conclusion
No matter where you are in the world, there’s sure to be a cherry blossom tree that you can appreciate. These trees are not only beautiful to look at, but also offer an opportunity for people to make a connection with nature. The cherry blossom tree is a reminder of the beauty of nature, and its intricate beauty can be enjoyed by all.
