Cherry blossom: vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Prunus serrulata
Cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata, family Rosaceae) usually lasts 5–7 days in a vase. In season: Spring. Fragrance: light. Typical role in a design: branch.
- Botanical name
- Prunus serrulata
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Accepted name
- Prunus serrulata Lindl.
- Role in a design
- Branch
- Vase life
- 5–7 days
- In season
- Spring
- Fragrance
- Light
- Colours
- pink, white
- Meaning
- The beauty of things that pass
- Type
- Branch / foliage
- Pets
- Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base — check the ASPCA list for the exact species
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Cherry blossom
- Botanical name
- Prunus serrulata
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Aliases
- None
- Native origin
- Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, predominantly East Asia and Europe
- Growth habit
- Woody perennial shrub or decorative branch with structural lignified stems.
- Stem length
- 80–120 cm
- Natural colours
- Pink, White
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring
- Commercial supply
- Peak in spring
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 5–7 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Deliver in bud: once open, the petals fall within days. Split the woody ends and stand in deep water.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Branch in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Deliver in bud: once open, the petals fall within days. Split the woody ends and stand in deep water.
For florists
Try Cherry blossom in a client design
We fill in the brief from this page. No stock yet? Load the sample flowers — Cherry blossom included — and see a recipe, quote and preview image in about a minute. New shops get 30 free credits.
Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Deliver in bud: once open, the petals fall within days. Split the woody ends and stand in deep water.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ! | Lightly scented — fine in moderation. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✓ | Not flagged as toxic in our knowledge base; still check the ASPCA list for the exact species. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | About 5–7 days in a vase — fine to make up a day ahead. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as cherry blossom and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Peony (herbaceous) | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Hyacinth | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Chamomile | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
| Freesia | Filler flower | 5–8 days |
| Queen Anne's lace (Ammi) | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
Substitutes
When cherry blossom is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crabapple blossom | 5–7 days | Spring | Light | — |
| Peach blossom | 5–10 days | Spring | Light | — |
| Winter daphne | 5–7 days | Winter, Spring | Strong | mildly toxic |
| Pear blossom | 4–7 days | Spring | Light | — |
FAQ
How long does cherry blossom last in a vase?
Usually 5–7 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is cherry blossom in season?
In season in spring; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep cherry blossom fresh?
Deliver in bud: once open, the petals fall within days. Split the woody ends and stand in deep water.
What does cherry blossom symbolise?
The beauty of things that pass. Flower meanings are popular conventions and vary between cultures.
What colours does cherry blossom come in?
Naturally in pink, white (not counting dyed stems).
What can I use instead of cherry blossom?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Crabapple blossom, Peach blossom, Winter daphne, Pear blossom.
Related guides
In season at the same time
TulipChamomileTree peonyPeony (herbaceous)Silver wattle (mimosa)Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)BupleurumCanterbury bells