Each spring, the three parks explode with color as a series of trees and plantings bloom throughout the Common, Garden, and Mall. We are sure you have spotted the vibrant pinks of the Cherry Trees and the saturated yellow of the Witch Hazel on your journey through the parks.
Our Parks Care team compiled a handy overview of the most popular “spring blooms” you can spot every season:
Cherry Trees:
There are 27 specimens of Cherry trees located between the Common, Garden and Mall, each with unique characteristics. The majority of these trees are Kwanzan cherries (Prunus serrulata), known for their showy ‘double pink’ flowers that bloom for a longer period compared to other cherry trees. Unlike other cherry trees, Kwanzan trees begin to grow leaves while their flowers are still in bloom, and as the blooms fall, they leave behind green leaves that turn into vibrant orange, yellow, or copper foliage in the fall.
Arguably the most famous floral tree in the Public Garden is the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus × yedoensis), which lines the western edge of the lagoon. It is widely photographed and located near the Arlington Street entrance and the newly-restored Child Fountains. The Yoshino cherry is known for its vibrant display of white-pink, almond-scented blossoms that emerge all at once in early spring, creating a carpet of pale pink when they fall. Both the Kwanzan and Yoshino cherry trees were part of a 1912 gift from the people of Japan to the people of the United States, symbolizing friendship between the two countries. The Public Garden collection includes three Yoshino cherry trees, two of which are cuttings grown from the famous Washington, D.C. cherry trees and were planted in 2012 to commemorate the centennial of the original gift from Japan.
Witch Hazel:
The Witch Hazel (Hammemalis) is a visually striking sign of spring’s arrival, often observed by regular park visitors. According to Senior Parks Care Manager Cody Jennings, the bright golden show of the Witch Hazel stands out against the surrounding dormant landscape. Blooming as early as February, the Witch Hazel is highly sought after for its ability to enhance four-season landscapes, particularly along the borders of the Public Garden. Senior Parks Care Manager Cody Jennings shared with WBZ News Radio “As everything is kind of dormant around it, you get this bright golden show of spring.”
Its yellow flowers emit a warm, spicy fragrance that can be detected from a considerable distance, The leaves of the Witch Hazel resemble fringe-like petals, adding to its unique and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for home decorators and florists during late winter.
Maples:
Another showy early bloom is that of the red maple (Acer rubrum), also known as the swamp maple. This maple is a cross–country iconoclast and features the greatest range of any tree species living entirely in the eastern forests. This maple is especially resistant, adapting to a variety of soil conditions in different seasonal climates. Fun fact: the Red Maple is the state tree of Rhode Island!
Known for their variety in form, this maple puts on a stunning display twice a year—when the red flowers emerge in the spring, and when the leaves turn over in the fall. This tree bears multicolor buds, which is a favorite of squirrels, and a great food source for a variety of insects and critters in the parks.
You can spot a vibrant circle of blooming Maples surrounding the Parkman Bandstand; the red buds contrast brightly against the white stone of the Bandstand and the blue and grey buildings lining Downtown Boston. Blink and you might miss it – this is a quick bloom.
Magnolias:
Magnolias are highly cherished flowering trees in the three parks due to their large petals, sweet fragrance, and glossy green leaves. There are twelve of these popular ornamental trees in the Public Garden, and they can also be found along the blocks of Commonwealth Avenue Mall, enchanting the sidewalks with their flowers. For photographers, the coming weeks present an excellent opportunity to capture the beauty of the Magnolias set against the iconic architecture of the Back Bay.
These trees can be particular about their soil and sunlight, and once they take root, they are challenging to relocate. During the fall and winter, Magnolias can be identified by their large fuzzy flower buds, which provide insulation from the cold. The flowers of the Magnolia are actually composed of “tepals,” a combination of sepals and petals that resemble water lilies in size and shape. While renowned for their flowers, the foliage and fruit of the Magnolia are also highly attractive.
Tulips:
Since the 1840’s, the tulips have completed their annual bloom in the Public Garden, and mark an annual indicator of summer days to come. This year, the bloom consists of 31,000 tulips and will reach its peak in the coming weeks. Special thanks to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for planting the bulbs each fall that produce this iconic display!