The Cherry Blossom Garden at Chenshan Botanical Garden – located in East China's Shanghai – recently became a focal point of attention, with the arrival of early cherry blossoms which have graced the surroundings.
The spotlight, in particular, has fallen on the eagerly awaited Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossom Avenue, where a cloud of pink has quite literally emerged.
Clouds of pink blossoms transform Kawazu-zakura. [Photo/Shanghai Chenshan Botanic Garden]
Ecological and ecosystem observations for 2024 indicate a remarkably early start for the kawazu-zakura blossoms, with overall bud movement recorded around Jan 16 – the earliest on record.
The early bloom has been attributed to a notable mid-January temperature rise. Despite subsequent extreme cold temperatures, with January averaging only 5.9 degrees Celsius, the growth of kawazu-zakura blossom buds has been slowed down.
Entering February, the weather continued to be dominated by cold and rainy conditions until a noticeable warming around the Lunar New Year holiday triggered the first blooms of kawazu-zakura blossoms around Feb 13. Although this is considered to be an early occurrence, the duration from bud movement to full flowering has been relatively extended.
Notably, the Rain Water season, one of the 24 solar terms, began on Feb 19 and will conclude on March 5 this year. Around this time, another distinct warming phase accelerated the blooming process of kawazu-zakura blossoms.
In less than 10 days, from bud scales cracking to stem elongation and petal coloration, this year's kawazu-zakura blossoms have bloomed, aligning closely with the blooming timing in 2020 and ranking as the second earliest in Chenshan's records, just behind the year 2021.
Enthusiasts and nature lovers are seen taking daily walks along Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossom Avenue, documenting the mesmerizing growth process with their cameras. From colorless buds on dry branches to the blossoming cloud of pink, the rapid growth and determined effort of the plants to flourish have left observers in awe.
According to the upcoming weather forecast, the optimal viewing period for the kawazu-zakura blossoms is expected in middle to late next week. Flower lovers are being urged to embrace the beauty of the kawazu-zakura blossoms and indulge in a romantic encounter with early spring.
Springtime splendor: Kawazu-zakura blossoms are now in glorious bloom. [Photo/Shanghai Chenshan Botanic Garden]
A close-up photo of the enchanting blossoms. [Photo/Shanghai Chenshan Botanic Garden]
