Cherry blossoms, also known as sakura in Japanese, are a widely celebrated flower that blooms in the spring. They are known for their vibrant colors and delicate beauty. Cherry blossoms hold cultural significance in many East Asian countries like Japan, China, and Korea. Their fleeting blooms are used as a symbol for the ephemeral nature of life. Many festivals and events are held across these countries to view and appreciate the cherry blossoms when they are in full bloom. But what exactly are the colors of cherry blossom flowers? Let’s take a closer look.
Common Cherry Blossom Color Varieties
There are over 200 varieties of cherry blossom trees, but most common garden cultivars can produce flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or yellow. Here are some of the most popular cherry blossom color varieties:
White Cherry Blossoms
– Yoshino cherry: One of the most common varieties, Yoshino cherries produce delicate white petals with a tinge of pale pink. They originate from Japan.
– Shirofugen cherry: This Japanese variety bears slightly deeper pink-tinted white flowers. The name “shirofugen” means white brocade.
– Taihaku cherry: The large, double-petaled white flowers of the Taihaku cherry create a showy floral display. It’s another common Japanese variety.
Pink Cherry Blossoms
– Somei Yoshino: The most abundant ornamental cherry tree, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are light pink in color with ruffled edges.
– Kanzan cherry: Kanzan cherries produce vibrant pink blooms that can sometimes appear reddish. This variety comes from Japan.
– Pink Cloud cherry: As the name suggests, Pink Cloud cherries have soft pink colored flowers. They were cultivated in the United States.
Red Cherry Blossoms
– Kwanzan cherry: One of the most popular ornamental varieties, Kwanzan cherry trees bear bright pink flowers that border on red.
– Yoshino cherry: While the classic Yoshino cultivar has white petals, some newer hybrid Yoshino varieties produce reddish blossoms.
– Weeping Higan cherry: In addition to cascading branches, the Weeping Higan cherry blooms in a striking solid red-pink color.
Yellow Cherry Blossoms
– Accolade cherry: This hybrid variety exhibits semi-double flowers in a soft lemon-yellow hue.
– Shizuka cherry: Shizuka is a Japanese cherry cultivar that bears light pink petals that fade to pale yellow.
– Kursar cherry: Kursar is another yellow cherry blossom variety that was cultivated in the United States. Its flowers emerge yellow and mellow to white.
What Determines Cherry Blossom Colors?
The diverse range of colors seen amongst different cherry tree varieties all comes down to genetics. Flower color is determined by the biochemical makeup of the petals. Here are some of the key factors:
– Pigments: The types and amounts of pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids present in the petals create specific hues. Higher levels of pink and red anthocyanins result in darker pink or red blooms.
– PH levels: The pH environment of the petal tissue affects pigment chemistry and can shift colors. More acidic conditions make anthocyanins turn redder.
– Co-pigments: Other plant compounds called co-pigments modify pigments to produce new color variants. Certain co-pigments with anthocyanins can generate purple tones.
– Flower shape: The shape of the flower petals also impacts color. Ruffled, doubled, or layered petals create a more intense color display.
Through selective breeding over centuries, growers have developed diverse cherry tree varieties that bear blossoms in white, pink, red, and yellow spectral ranges. The heritage of each cultivar determines its signature flower color.
Cherry Blossom Color Meanings
In Japanese culture, the different hues of cherry blossoms hold symbolic meaning related to the cycles of life:
| Color | Meaning |
| White | Purity, serenity, rebirth |
| Light pink | Femininity, springtime, new life |
| Bright pink | Energy, power, confidence |
| Dark pink | Gratitude, appreciation, prosperity |
| Red | Passion, desire, romance |
These color meanings are often interpreted in Japanese flower language, poetry, or artwork featuring cherry blossoms. The hues also represent the different stages of the blooms – the flowers emerge light pink before darkening to red at full bloom before falling to the ground, representing the mortal existence.
Significance of White Cherry Blossoms
Of all the cherry blossom varieties, white cherry blossoms hold special meaning in Japanese culture. Their pure white flowers symbolize:
– Innocence and purity
– New beginnings and rebirth
– Reflection and meditation
– Detachment from materialism/transcendence
In Japan, the white Yoshino cherry variety is the most common type found across cities and parks. When they bloom in springtime, their white petals evoke a sense of renewal and serve as a reminder to embrace the present.
White cherry blossoms also represent the spirits of fallen samurai in Japanese tradition. Their transient yet sublime nature is an analogy for the soul’s journey after death. The white flowers remind us of the afterlife and spiritual reawakening.
When to See Peak Cherry Blossom Colors
The exact timing of cherry blossoms reaching peak bloom depends on the climate and weather patterns each year. On average, you can expect to see peak cherry blossom colors and full flower displays during these general time frames:
Japan: Late March to mid April
Washington DC: Mid March to early April
Chicago: Early to mid April
Vancouver: Early to mid April
New York: Early to mid April
San Francisco: Mid February to mid March
Los Angeles: Mid February to mid March
The interval of peak bloom is short – sometimes only lasting 7-10 days. Forecasts for famous cherry blossom areas will often provide predictions on when the blossoms are expected to be at their maximum beauty so you can plan trips accordingly.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms
Here are some of the world’s best cherry blossom viewing spots where you can take in the full spectrum of colors:
Japan:
– Hirosaki Castle – Over 2,000 cherry trees bloom in the castle grounds in Aomori Prefecture, creating enchanting reflections across the moat.
– Shinjuku Gyoen – Home to over 1,500 cherry trees, this garden in Tokyo boasts rows of pink and white-flowered varieties.
– Philosopher’s Path – The canal-side path in Kyoto is lined with hundreds of cherry trees illuminating the water.
Washington DC:
– Tidal Basin – This iconic National Mall spot surrounds the Jefferson Memorial with thousands of pink and white cherry trees given as a gift from Japan in 1912.
– East Potomac Park – Over 900 cherry trees encircle the golf course, granting spectacular blossom views.
New York:
– Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Mid-April brings brilliant bursts of pink and white flowers across the Cherry Esplanade and Cherry Walk here.
– Flushing Meadows Corona Park – Hundreds of Kwanzan cherry trees glow in varying shades of pink around the Unisphere.
Vancouver, Canada:
– Queen Elizabeth Park – Come mid-April, peaks of pink cherry blossoms frame scenic city views in this park.
– Stanley Park – The park’s rows of cherry trees overlooking Burrard Inlet make for majestic setting.
Other top spots: Macon, Georgia; Portland, Oregon; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; San Francisco, California
How to Capture Cherry Blossom Color in Photography
Cherry blossom season offers perfect opportunities for stunning photographs. Here are some tips for capturing their breathtaking colors in photos:
– Use a fast shutter speed (1/250th – 1/500th) to freeze subtle movements in the blooms.
– Shoot in RAW format for better control over white balance and retaining details in highlights/shadows.
– Position the sun behind you for evenly lit and saturated colors.
– Try side or backlighting and silhouetting for moody effects.
– Focus stack multiple exposures for sharp focus throughout the frame.
– Use long exposures of 0.5-5 seconds to create dreamy soft focus of cherry tree lanes.
– Frame close-up detail shots of single blossoms as well as wide landscape perspectives.
– Return for night shoots under the trees’ pink canopy illuminated by light installations.
Conclusion
The diverse palette of cherry blossoms, from pristine white to cheerful pinks to passionate reds, represents nature’s springtime renewal. Paying witness to their fleeting blooms reminds us to appreciate beauty in the present moment. Choosing your favorite shade of cherry blossom conveys a meaningful message about renewal, mortality, passion, purity, and the very cycles of life. Next time you have the chance to see these flowers in their full glory, take a moment to reflect on their symbolic colors and delicate beauty.
