Tips, Tricks, Lessons-Learned, and so much more
I kept mixing up cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and cherry plum flowers. It’s funny, isn’t it? How something that looks so pretty can also be so confusing. At first, I thought they were all just the same, but then I realized I was totally wrong. So I decided to dig a little deeper and learn how to tell them apart.
You know, I tried to figure it out myself, and the first time, well, I got it all wrong. I started noticing the little things that make each flower special. Like when they bloom, how they smell, or the shape of their petals.
It’s super exciting when you finally spot the difference. Once you know what to look for, it’s not hard at all.
What Is a Cherry Plum Blossom?
A cherry plum blossom is a flower from a tree that grows tiny fruits called cherry plums. These flowers are usually pink or white. The tree blooms early in spring, even before its leaves come out! That means you’ll see flowers before green leaves.
Cherry plum flowers:
- Color: Light pink or white
- Smell: Sweet like candy
- Petals: 5 soft petals
- Leaves: Red or green
- Time: Blooms very early in spring
Cherry plum trees are smaller than other trees and often grow in parks or gardens. Sometimes people use them as fences because they look so pretty!
What Is a Cherry Blossom?
Cherry blossoms come from cherry trees. These trees are famous in places like Japan. People even have cherry blossom festivals! The flowers are big and soft, and sometimes they look like little pom-poms.
Cherry blossoms:
- Color: Pale pink, sometimes white
- Smell: Light and fresh
- Petals: 5 petals or more (some are fluffy!)
- Leaves: Green and grow after the flowers
- Time: Blooms in spring
Cherry blossoms don’t usually grow fruit. These trees are just for looking pretty! If the tree does make fruit, it’s usually small and not sweet.
What Is a Plum Blossom?
Plum blossoms grow on plum trees, which can give yummy fruit like purple or yellow plums. The flowers are very strong and brave—they bloom even when it’s still cold outside!
Plum blossoms:
- Color: White, pink, or even red
- Smell: Very strong and sweet
- Petals: Round and close to the branch
- Leaves: Show up after flowers
- Time: Blooms in late winter or very early spring
Plum blossoms are tougher and bloom before almost all other flowers. That’s why they’re special!
Cherry Blossom vs Plum Blossom vs Cherry Plum: Quick Look
Let’s make a quick list so we can see the difference super fast:
| Flower Type | Petal Color | Smell | Bloom Time | Leaves First? | Grows Fruit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherry Plum | Pink or white | Sweet | Early spring | Yes or same time | Yes |
| Cherry Blossom | Pale pink | Light & soft | Spring | After flowers | Not usually |
| Plum Blossom | White, red | Strong smell | Late winter/spring | After flowers | Yes |
Some Tips!
- Look at the petal shape: Plum blossoms have round petals. Cherry blossoms have a tiny cut or slit in the middle. Cherry plums are in between!
- Smell it: Plum smells stronger than cherry.
- See the leaves: Cherry plum trees show their red leaves early. Cherry and plum trees wait a bit.
- Check the branches: Plum blossoms grow close to the branch. Cherry blossoms dangle on longer stems.
- When is it blooming? If it’s winter and there are flowers—it’s probably a plum!
FAQ
What’s the main difference between cherry and plum blossoms?
Cherry blossoms have petals with a tiny notch. Plum blossoms have round petals and a strong smell.
Do cherry plum trees grow fruit?
Yes, they grow small fruit that looks like cherries but tastes more like plums.
Are all cherry blossoms pink?
Nope! Some are white, and some are light pink.
Do plum blossoms come before cherry?
Yes. Plum blossoms bloom in late winter or early spring. Cherry blossoms come later.
Can I eat the fruit from these trees?
Only if it’s a fruiting tree! Cherry plum and plum trees grow edible fruit. Most cherry blossom trees do not.
How do the flowers smell?
Cherry blossoms smell soft or have no smell. Plum blossoms smell very sweet and strong. Cherry plums are in the middle.
What do cherry plum flowers look like?
They are small, pink or white, and come out with red or green leaves.
Why are cherry blossoms special in Japan?
They are a symbol of spring and beauty. People celebrate with picnics under the trees during “Hanami.”
What’s easier to grow in my garden?
Cherry plum trees are easier to grow and don’t need much care.
Can I use the flowers in cooking?
Sometimes! Plum and cherry blossoms can be used in teas or sweets, but ask an adult before tasting anything.
Do bees like these flowers?
Yes! Bees love all three kinds. They help pollinate and make more flowers grow.
Are these flowers good for small spaces?
Cherry plum trees are perfect for small gardens. They’re pretty and give fruit too!
Now you can be a flower detective! Next time you see a tree with pretty flowers, use your eyes, nose, and brain to figure out what it is. Look at the petals, sniff the flowers, and check when it blooms. Is it a cherry blossom, a plum blossom, or a cherry plum?
