Why is London’s spring blossom so good this year?

It’s funny how you can be walking around feeling like a shell of a human being for five months of the year, then you see one blossom tree and suddenly everything is fine again. Just me? Okay. 

Seasonal depression jokes aside, spring, AKA cherry blossom season, really is one of the best times of year in London – and it’s been proven to be an actual mood lifter, according to the National Trust. This year it seems like the pink and white flowers are feeling extra flamboyant as the bloom is flourishing all over the city. 

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Is London’s blossom actually extra good this year? We asked experts why. 

Despite January being the warmest on record globally, below average temperatures were recorded in the UK with a cold start to the year and the first storm, Storm Eowyn resulting in damage through strong winds and heavy rain across Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England in particular.

These low temperatures combined with the warm-ish start to February (the third warmest on record globally) forced nature to put the brakes on after early blossom was spotted in pockets of the country as early as November.

Jenny Woodcock, gardener for the National Trust at Ham House and Gardens in Richmond said: ‘Compared to last year, flowering times this year have felt late – but in truth, this is only because last year was early. After a mild winter, this year's spring is appearing around about when we would expect it to.’

However, see-sawing temperatures could still bring in frosts, potentially damaging this year’s bloom. 

‘The combination of mild weather during winter and a cool, sunny early spring with steady rainfall set the perfect environment for vibrant flowers to last a long time,’ said flower expert Kristy Thomas. 

‘These favourable weather conditions, lacking late frosts and strong wind, have protected the delicate petals, which have produced a long-lasting and exceptionally vibrant blossom.’

Pam Smith, National Gardens Consultant at the National Trust added: ‘The majority of blossoming trees burst into flower before the leaves unfurl which is why it’s so noticeable and is what makes blossom one of nature’s most stunning displays – even more so after the grey and long winter we’ve experienced. After the native blackthorn bursts forth, it’s the cherry plum which many will first experience bursting into bloom in our streets and parks.’

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