Japanese cherry Shirotae at the Jardin des Plantes: the remarkable tree with dazzling white blossoms

At the Jardin des Plantes in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, the celebrated Shirotae Japanese cherry tree is blooming this spring 2026. This remarkable tree, with its immaculate white blossoms and delicate fragrance, is drawing admirers earlier than usual this year and is currently in full bloom.

There are springtime moments you should never miss. The Shirotae cherry at the Jardin des Plantes is definitely one of them. In the late March and early April 2026 window, this extraordinary tree in the 5th arrondissement of Paris is in full bloom, and the spectacle it offers right now is as generous as it is fleeting. Its clusters of immaculately white double flowers, delicately scented, will last only a few weeks before giving way to the foliage. In short, don’t wait.

What makes the Shirotae cherry tree unique in Paris?

What immediately grabs your eye about this cherry tree is its silhouette. While most trees strive upward, this one stretches out horizontally. With its arched branches spanning more than 15 meters wide yet only about 4 meters tall, it resembles a giant leafy parasol more than a traditional tree. In full bloom, this white swath along the Perspective avenue takes on the look of a living painting. It’s easy to see why cameras instinctively rise to capture it as you wander the path.

That’s why it was officially labellisé arbre remarquable by the National Museum of Natural History, a distinction that isn’t handed out lightly.

What is the story behind the Shirotae cherry tree?

Planted in 1950 in the Perspective squares, this Japanese cherry Prunus Groupe Sato-zakura 'Shirotae' belongs to a centuries-old lineage. The variety originated in Japan in the 16th century, before being introduced to France in the early 20th century. Its name, Shirotae, literally means "bright white" in Japanese—a promise the tree fulfills every spring with disarming fidelity.

What many people don’t realise is that its flowers start as pale pink buds. As they unfurl, they turn pure white, in a subtle gradient that adds an extra touch of grace to the whole display. And if you stroll by on a quiet day, a soft, lightly sweet fragrance wafts through the air, inviting you to pause for a moment—just as garden regulars do, returning year after year to watch this bloom unfold.

What else is there to see at the Jardin des Plantes right now?

The Shirotae isn’t the only star this spring 2026. Right opposite, a pink cherry tree also catches the eye, and the pairing of the two hues along the same avenue creates a striking contrast.

Throughout the flower beds along the borders, tulips and poppies spill color in swaths that recall Monet’s Impressionist canvases. We end up walking slowly, inspecting more closely—pretty much the whole spirit of a stroll in the Jardin des Plantes.

A tip: come on weekdays if you can, preferably very early in the morning. You’ll get a close-up view and benefit from the low-angled light that brings out the lush bloom.

The Jardin des Plantes, freely accessible to all, opens every day from 7:30 a.m. It sits at 57 Rue Cuvier in the 5th arrondissement, just steps from the Seine and the Tino-Rossi Garden. For details on the garden’s cherry trees and their precise locations, the MNHN’s official site offers a detailed bloom map.

This discovery speaks to everyone who loves unexpected botanical detours: the naturally curious, photography enthusiasts, families with children, or visiting Japanese guests who recognize, in the heart of Paris, a strong symbol of their culture. A simple, free outing that leaves a real impression.

Two more spots to discover this spring: To extend your springtime stroll amid Parisian greenery, the Mail de Bièvre in the 13th arrondissement offers a beautiful, flowering, and calming avenue, ideal for the season. And for a more countryside vibe right in the heart of Paris, the Jardin de Reuilly in the 12th, with its generous lawns and blossoming trees, makes a lovely option for family-friendly springtime outings.

Where to see cherry blossoms in Paris and Île-de-France: Hanami and Sakura tips for 2023
Spring has arrived a bit early this year, with cherry blossoms and other flowering trees blooming ahead of schedule. We’re sharing the top spots for a stroll amid the sakuras (Japanese cherry trees) and experiencing hanami—the traditional cherry blossom festival—during these months of March and April. Whether you're there to capture photos or simply to enjoy a magical walk, here are our favorite places to admire the cherry blossoms in Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]