Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms Washington DC: Where to Find Them!

Kwanzan cherry blossoms in Washington DC always take a backseat the Yoshino cherry blossoms in spring.

But of the two types of cherry blossoms, Kwanzan cherry blossoms are the showiest of all cherry trees.

About Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms in DC

Kwanzan cherry blossoms make up approximately 13% of the cherry trees in East Potomac Park in DC. While they make up only a small percentage of trees, when they bloom they are hard to miss because of their bright pink color!

I often think of Kwanazan cherry blossoms as pink carnations on trees. They are a much deeper pink than yoshino cherry trees and therefore are easier to photograph, no matter the light.

In 1912, Japan donated 12 different varieties of flowering cherry trees to the U.S. for planting in the Washington, D.C. area as a show of friendship which included Kwanzan cherry trees. They also go by the name Kanzan and Sekiyama.

More information about Kwanzan cherry blossoms:

• Habit: an upright-spreading tree to 30 feet, with a rounded crown and stiff ascending branches.
• Flowers: double, with about 30 petals, in pendulous clusters of 3 to 5, sometimes more, clear pink and fading but small, up to 2½ inches across, with many more or less petaloid stamens often partly concealing the two green leafy carpels which protrude from the center of the flower.
• Zone: Hardy to USDA Hardiness Zone 5: Range of average minimum temperature -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Peak Bloom

The Yoshino cherry blossoms are usually on daily watch for bloom time in March. And this usually serves as a guide on when Kwanzan cherry blossoms will bloom in Washington DC.

Generally, about two weeks after the announcement of the peak bloom of the Yoshinos, the Kwanzan cherry blossoms will start to bloom.

This puts Kwanzan blossoms at peak bloom around the middle of April.

But again this will vary depending on the weather! The warmer it is the faster they will start blooming.

When Kwanzan blossoms start to bloom, they will look like small roses on trees surrounded by greenish bronzish leaves. Unlike the Yoshinos, Kwanzan cherry blossoms will bloom with leaves on the trees.

When they are at peak, the leaves will be small, and the blossoms will be HUGE! From far away you will see just a pink tree, but there are leaves on the trees.

As the blossoms start to fall, you will see more leaves, but it is still very pretty, because the color of the blossoms is so vibrant.

Kwanzan cherry blossoms tend to be sturdier and less delicate than Yoshino blossoms. Thus they usually last longer even if there is rain in the forecast.

What will make the petals fall more quickly is warmer weather. In the middle of April, DC usually will experience some days that are 80 degrees. But they definitely tolerate warmer temperatures than Yoshino cherry blossoms.

For 2025, the main Yoshino cherry blossoms only lasted 4 days because of 80 degree days and thunderstorms!!  And we are experiencing some relatively warm weather right now.  As of April 1, 2025 these have started to flower.  As of April 7, 2025 the Kwanzan cherry blossoms at East Potomac Park are in full bloom.  But we are expecting some below-freezing temperatures in the next few days so I’m not sure how long they will last.

Where to Find Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms in DC

Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms bloom all over the place in Washington DC. But the single best place to see them is East Potomac Park/Hains Point.

There is a huge forest of nothing but Kwanzan cherry blossoms in East Potomac Park in DC. And the best part?

By this time all the tourists have left DC and there are no crowds. I’ve come here a few times in the last few years and there are BARELY any people there.

These are my absolute favorite cherry blossoms in DC!!

Other places to see a large collection of Kwanzan cherry blossoms in DC include:  Congressional Cemetery, George Washington University, Russell Senate Office Building.

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Parking

Parking for the Kwanzan cherry blossoms at East Potomac Park and Hains Point is super easy.  There is plenty of free parking right next to the field of Kwanzan cherry trees.