When spring arrives in countries like Japan, China, and Korea, people rush outdoors to see the beautiful pink and white flowers blooming on trees. Two of the most famous flowers that bloom during this time are cherry blossoms and plum blossoms.

They might look very similar, and many people get them mixed up. But these two flowers are actually quite different in how they look, when they bloom, their smell, and what they mean in culture and history.

If you’re wondering how to tell cherry blossoms vs plum blossoms, or why people love them so much, this guide is for you. Let’s break it down in a simple way so that you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at when you see these lovely flowers in spring.

The easiest way to tell the difference is by when they bloom. Plum blossoms bloom earlier, usually from February to March. Cherry blossoms bloom later, from late March to April or even early May. So, if you see flowers blooming when it’s still cold or even snowy, they’re probably plum blossoms. If the flowers are blooming during warm spring weather, they’re likely cherry blossoms.

Even though both are pretty, they have small differences in how they look. Cherry blossom petals have a small split or notch at the tip, kind of like a little “V” or heart shape. Meanwhile, plum blossom petals are round and have no split—they’re more like perfect ovals.

Moreover, plum blossoms grow one by one, close to the branch. Cherry blossoms grow in bunches or clusters, with each flower on a short stem. Also, plum blossoms may bloom with their leaves, and the leaves are often a little red or bronze in colour. Cherry blossoms usually bloom before the leaves come out, and their leaves are green and have jagged edges.

Plum blossoms have a strong, sweet smell. It’s the kind of flower you can smell even from far away. Cherry blossoms don’t really have a smell. Some wild kinds have a little fragrance, but most don’t. So, if you walk past a tree and smell something sweet, it’s probably a plum tree.

Both blossoms come in shades of pink and white, but there are some differences. Plum blossoms can be white, light pink, dark pink, or even reddish purple. Meanwhile, cherry blossoms are usually light pink or white, but some kinds can be darker pink or even pale yellow.

In China, plum blossoms are a symbol of strength and hope. They bloom in cold weather, so they show bravery and endurance. Meanwhile, cherry blossoms often represent feminine beauty, grace, and love. They are seen as a symbol of a beautiful, strong, and independent woman. The flower’s soft and delicate petals reflect beauty and elegance.

In Japan, plum blossoms are seen as a lucky flower that can protect against bad spirits. They also stand for elegance and dignity. Meanwhile, cherry blossoms are a national symbol. They represent the beauty of life, but also how short and precious it is. Their flowers bloom quickly and fall just as fast. Cherry blossoms are part of a famous Japanese idea called “mono no aware”, which means feeling sad but beautiful about how things don’t last forever.

Kairakuen is a big, beautiful garden in Mito City. It has over 3,000 plum trees with about 100 types. The flowers start blooming in February, so it's one of the first places to enjoy spring flowers in Japan. The trees bloom in white, pink, and red, making the garden look colourful and peaceful.

Every year, people visit for the Mito Plum Festival, where you can see the flowers, enjoy local food, and watch traditional shows. The garden also has bamboo forests, walking paths, and a tea house. It’s a relaxing place to enjoy nature, even in the cold season.

Kitano Tenmangu is a famous shrine in Kyoto. It’s known for its connection to Sugawara no Michizane, a smart man from history who loved plum blossoms. That’s why the shrine has around 1,500 plum trees that bloom in February.

On February 25, there’s a festival called Baikasai, where you can drink tea under the trees and see geisha (called maiko and geiko) serving tea. It’s a fun and traditional event. The plum flowers, the shrine buildings, and the history make it a very special place to visit in early spring.

Ueno Park is a big public park in Tokyo with over 1,000 cherry trees. The trees bloom in late March to early April, and many people come to enjoy hanami (flower viewing). The cherry trees grow along wide paths, making a tunnel of pink flowers.

During the season, the park is full of people having picnics, eating festival food, and taking photos. At night, the trees are lit up, making it even more beautiful. You can also visit the zoo, museums, or pond nearby while you're there.

Mount Yoshino is in Nara and is one of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms. It has around 30,000 cherry trees growing all over the mountain. The trees bloom in different stages from the bottom to the top, so you can enjoy flowers for a longer time.

You can walk or take a bus up the mountain. There are four main areas with flowers and nice views. On a clear day, you can see thousands of pink trees covering the hills like a blanket. It’s a great place for nature lovers and people who want a peaceful spring trip.

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