Vancouver Cherry Blossom FestivalPresented by
April 6, 2025 ‘Afterglow’ are rare in the area, planted along just a few whole blocks in Vancouver and Burnaby. They are always planted with ‘Akebono’ (featured yesterday) and are on the Vancouver city trees map as that cultivar. But jeez, Louise, the flowers are pink! And the petals are narrow, so they do not overlap to form a cup.
April 9, 2023. It was several years before our Cherry Scouts found ‘Afterglow’ trees. They were all listed as ‘Akebono’, and indeed they are a different cultivar of the same Prunus yedoensis species, and they bloom at roughly the same time. They have a similar habit (shape), but the flowers are smaller and much more pink. The petals are round enough to overlap. Thanks to Anne Eng for this photo.
Cherry blossom season has officially started in Vancouver. Akebono are now in full bloom, along with Pandora, Beni-shidare, Afterglow, and much more.
We understand it could be tempting to go to your favourite cherry blossom viewing spot. However, because of COVID-19 and the need to respect physical distancing and avoid gathering, it would be wise to consider, instead, enjoying a walk under cherry trees in your own neighbourhood.
With 40,000 cherry trees in the city, there’s plenty to see.
Here’s what I saw during a neighbourhood walk in Burnaby.
Akebono cherry trees at Cliff (corner Curtis):
A small Beni-shidare that hasn’t been added to the VCBF map yet.
Afterglow cherry trees at Cliff and Curtis. The bright pink flowers are magnificent!
There are 40,000 cherry trees planted in residential streets. We’re so lucky to have access to these trees.
Have a look at the VCBF neigjbourhood maps to find trees near you.
Enjoy cherry trees in your neighbourhood. Stay safe and maintain physical distancing.
