What is Hanami and why do cherry blossoms matter so much in Japan?
Hanami — literally "flower viewing" — is the Japanese tradition of gathering under flowering cherry trees during their brief two-week bloom, which typically occurs from late March to early May depending on region. People picnic, celebrate and reflect on the transient beauty of the blossoms, which fall within days of reaching peak bloom. The cherry blossom has come to represent the Japanese concept of mono no aware — a gentle awareness of the impermanence of all things. The Samurai famously compared their own brief, bright lives to the blossom.
Cherry blossom and the Chrysanthemum — Japan's two floral symbols
Japan has never officially legislated a national flower, but two flowers effectively share the role. The Chrysanthemum (Kiku) has been the official symbol of the Japanese Imperial Family since the 8th century and appears on government documents, passports and the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum — Japan's highest honour. The cherry blossom is the people's flower — universally beloved, celebrated annually, and carrying the deeper cultural weight of the Hanami tradition.
Growing Japanese flowering cherries in the UK
Japanese ornamental cherries are among the most popular flowering trees for UK gardens and most perform very well in the British climate. 'Kanzan' is the most commonly planted, with dramatic double pink flowers in April on a vase-shaped tree. 'Tai-Haku' (Great White Cherry) produces magnificent single white flowers and was lost to cultivation in Japan before being rediscovered in a Sussex garden. 'Kiku-shidare-zakura' (Cheal's Weeping Cherry) is ideal for smaller gardens. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which cause root rot.
The 200-year-old cherry in your local park
Many UK parks and gardens contain Japanese flowering cherries planted in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The RHS Garden at Wisley and Kew Gardens both have impressive cherry collections. The National Collection of Prunus is held at Ness Botanic Gardens in Cheshire. If you want to appreciate Hanami in the UK, many Japanese gardens and botanical collections hold informal blossom events in April — check the RHS and National Trust event listings from February onwards.