Early Sakura Bloom Delights Visitors at Central Botanical Garden in Minsk

In mid-April 2025, visitors of the Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus had the amazing opportunity to witness the first spring bloom of sakura. Delicate pink buds of this symbol of Eastern culture began to bloom a little earlier than usual, gifting both the residents and guests of the capital with a true spring fairy tale.

Early Blooming and Favorable Forecasts

The first blooming sakura flowers can be seen on the tree located near the central entrance of the botanical garden. Despite the premature bloom and the recent cold snap, experts note that the plant has withstood the temperature fluctuations well and maintained its vitality. "Currently, a significant portion of the buds remains closed due to the cool nighttime temperatures. However, with the onset of stable warmth in the coming week, we expect a full-scale bloom that will delight all visitors," note the staff of the Central Botanical Garden.

What is Sakura?

Sakura is the collective term for 11 different species and several varieties of trees belonging to the subfamily of plums. In the Central Botanical Garden of the NAS of Belarus, several specimens of these amazing plants grow, which usually bloom at different times, creating an extended blooming period. The official name – Small-leaved Cherry (Prunus serrulata) – reflects the characteristic features of the tree’s leaves, although the plant became widely known by its Japanese name.

The Symbolic Meaning of Sakura

In Japanese culture, sakura holds a special place. Its bloom symbolizes clouds – thanks to the effect of a mass blossoming that seems to envelop the tree in a white or pink cloud. A deeper symbolic meaning of sakura is its metaphor for the fleeting and fragile nature of life, its inevitable ephemerality. Buddhist philosophy introduced the concept of "mono no aware" – "the poignant beauty of things," a reminder of the brief and beautiful nature of all existence. This symbolism has deeply influenced Japanese art, literature, cinema, and everyday life.

Spring Blooms Alongside Sakura

In addition to sakura, visitors of the botanical garden can enjoy the beauty of various spring blooms that have begun to appear among last year’s foliage. Among them:

• Crocuses with their bright purple, yellow, and white flowers
• Delicate primroses in various shades
• Eranthis (winter aconite) with its characteristic yellow flowers
• A miniature iridodictyum – an elegant relative of the well-known iris

The fragile flowers of early bulbous plants have successfully survived the winter chills and now delight visitors with their early bloom, marking the full awakening of nature.

When is the Best Time to Visit for Bloom Viewing

Experts at the botanical garden recommend planning a visit in the coming weeks when the weather becomes stably warm. This will allow visitors to see the sakura in full bloom, as most of the buds open. Typically, the sakura blooming period is short – from one to two weeks, so it is important not to miss this spectacular natural phenomenon. The Central Botanical Garden of the NAS of Belarus continues to be the country’s main arboretum and one of the most important research and cultural-educational centers, where everyone can immerse themselves in the amazing world of plants and enjoy the beauty of nature.