March Seasonal Foliage - Cherry Blossom

There is nothing that lifts the spirit more than the sight of the sun shining through cherry blossom on a warm spring day. 

This spring ‘pick-me-up’ is a universal feeling, celebrated all over the world, most famously in Japan, when every year the Japan Meteorological Company release its predictions for peak bloom season. This usually falls around the end of March and the beginning of April, when the nation comes together in a centuries old tradition to view the blossom and picnic beneath its boughs. 

For Weddings 

Cherry blossom is not something to hide in a corner! Woody stemmed, it has a short flowering period, which makes it the absolute ‘go to’ for spring weddings where its impact on the day will not go unnoticed.

Use it to enhance outdoor ceremonies, decorate arches and add height and weight to freestanding designs or a softness to the interiors of churches and marquees. Smaller sections of blossom can even be used as table decorations. Wherever possible, arrange directly into water for maximum vase life.

Using Cherry Blossom in Designs and Shop Display

Cherry, or Prunus can be part of indoor displays, bringing a welcome burst of spring indoors. 

Use a vase with a weighted bottom to counterbalance the height and weight of the blossom. 

A simple, minimalist container will show off the beauty of each stem. 

Use a coloured glass vase, purple or blue is ideal, to contrast with the delicate pale pink of the blossom above.  

Carefully selected branches flowing in the same direction creates a pleasing design with plenty of movement.  

Create a modern, contemporary design with upright stems of bright yellow Craspedia and cheerful nodding daffodils which will highlight the gradually unfurling buds above.  

How to care for cut Prunus  

• Temperature: Cool. 2-5°C.  

• Woody stemmed, so use secateurs to cut stems at an angle. 

• Remove any side branches below and just above the water line to prevent stems becoming tangled. 

• Nip off any lower buds or leaves that will be below the water line to prevent water pollution.

• If in bud and it’s needed for an event or wedding, use specialist shrub food or flower food to encourage flower to open. 

• Change water every 2- 3 days. 

• To prevent flower drop, display in a cool spot with good air circulation and don’t overcrowd vases. 

• If buying wholesale, Prunus is sold in upright bundles of up to 100cm tall. 

Images: envatoelements

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Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.