Da Lat - Cherry Blossom Season Blooms Late

In recent years, due to unpredictable weather, cherry blossoms in Da Lat have been blooming irregularly. While they typically bloom at the end of January or early February, this year, the trees are sparsely adorned with flowers, possibly due to excessive cold. However, for tourists, the impression of a cherry blossom season in the land of a thousand flowers remains truly unforgettable.

Da Lat - Late-Blooming Cherry Blossom Season

In January, cherry blossom trees around Xuan Huong Lake still bear branches with lingering leaves. Photography enthusiasts report that wild cherry blossoms along mountainous roads have begun to gently unfold.

Cherry blossoms, scientifically known as Prunus Cesacoides, are deciduous trees, reaching a height of 5-6m with a canopy spanning 2-3m. The blossoms typically emerge as the seasons transition, usually in mid-January. After blooming collectively, the blossoms fade in color after 3-4 weeks, and the trees begin to sprout leaves.

Those blossoms that successfully receive pollen quietly develop into small fruits by March. These fruits, covered in delicate fuzz resembling peaches, hide among the leaves. When ripe, they take on a purple hue with a slightly tart and bitter taste. In the past, children in Da Lat used to eagerly seek and enjoy these ripe fruits.

Cherry blossoms, a distinctive symbol of Dalat's spring, typically bloom at the end of January or early February. However, in recent unpredictable weather, cherry blossoms have been blooming irregularly. This year, the trees are sparsely flowering and delayed, possibly due to excessive cold.

Before Tet holiday, cherry blossoms along the road leading to Tuyen Lam Lake started to bloom. However, perhaps due to the newly planted flowers, after about ten days, the petals have faded and started to fall.

For those who specialize in 'flower hunting' in Dalat, October is known for the golden leaves and gradual fall of cherry blossoms as the city stops raining. Especially, the old trees go into a dormant state, waiting for spring.

As the spring breeze arrives (usually in mid-January), carrying cool and humid air, the trees wake up, bud, showcase young shoots, and bloom to welcome spring.

At that time, cherry blossom trees will bloom simultaneously, splendidly covering the branches with vibrant pink or light pink flowers. Areas around Xuan Huong Lake, historic villas along Tran Hung Dao Street, Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Suoi Vang area... all appear as if draped in a delicate and strangely beautiful tapestry of pink and red flowers.

For tourists, the impression of visiting the land of a thousand flowers is, therefore, an unforgettable experience.

A sad aspect is that in previous years, just as the flowers were blossoming beautifully, numerous groups of people arrived to take photos. Some broke branches, others climbed trees, and a few even pulled down branches to snatch the blossoms. This behavior left many locals in Da Lat discontent. Hence, this year, in some streets, the cherry blossom trees have been pruned extensively.

The reason given is the need to clear the path, preventing tree branches from obstructing the scenic view. Part of this decision is also due to concerns about people visiting for photo sessions causing disruptions. Consequently, the cherry blossoms this year are blooming intermittently and sparsely.

Nevertheless, another cherry blossom season has returned...

In the past, cherry blossoms were exclusive to Da Lat, but now they have been planted in various places. The name can be interpreted in a literal sense: the tree resembles a cherry blossom in its trunk and has the faint pink color of a cherry, but its flowers have 5 petals and the stigma resembles a plum blossom, hence the name cherry plum blossom.

Some say that the cherry plum blossom was introduced to Vietnam by the French, but due to the circumstances, it was forgotten. Later, the Vietnamese rediscovered it, propagated it, and planted it extensively throughout Da Lat.

According to the research by Mr. Nguyen Thai Hai, a Vietnamese expatriate with roots in Da Lat, his father, Mr. Nguyen Thai Hien, was entrusted by the former government to take care of ornamental trees in the gardens and villas.

During a field trip, he discovered a beautiful flower in Tan Lac hamlet, resembling both cherry and apricot blossoms. He successfully obtained permission to plant these cherry plum blossom trees along the central streets of present-day Da Lat. Thus, the cherry plum blossom tree came into being.

The cherry plum blossom trees were later successfully propagated from seeds and strategically planted along various routes. Notably, Da Lat city boasts a street named after the cherry plum blossom.

According to Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel guide Mytour