Cherry Blossom Tree Colouring

Cherry blossom trees are ornamental members of the genus Prunus, a group that includes cherries, plums and related trees. Many famous flowering varieties were developed in East Asia, especially Japan, although wild cherry species occur across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Garden trees are often 5 to 15 metres tall. Their lifespan varies greatly by species and conditions; many ornamental cherries live for several decades, while a few old specimens survive much longer. In early spring, clusters of five-petalled or double blossoms open along still-bare twigs. New leaves follow, and some varieties later form small fruits, though ornamental cherries are grown mainly for flowers. The bloom can be brief. Warm sunshine opens buds, then wind or rain sends petals drifting down after a week or two. Bees collect early nectar and pollen, and small birds such as Japanese white-eyes visit flowers for nectar or insects. The rabbit beneath the tree is a gentle sign of spring activity. Flower viewing teaches careful observation, but visitors should stay on paths, avoid shaking branches and leave nesting birds undisturbed. Children should not taste flowers, leaves or fruit from an unknown ornamental tree. Choose pale pink, rose pink, white with pink centres, or even soft lavender for the blossoms. Buds can be a deeper pink than open flowers. Colour the few young leaves bronze, reddish brown or spring green. The trunk may be warm grey, reddish brown or deep brown with lighter horizontal marks. Japanese white-eyes are usually olive green with a clear white eye-ring and pale undersides; the rabbit can be tan, grey, brown or white. Give the butterfly two bright spring colours. Make the stream soft blue, the bridge warm red, brown or stone grey, and the distant shrubs fresh green. Use small circular strokes around flower centres, smooth colour across petals and long curved strokes following the trunk. Leave some petals almost white so the blossom clouds feel light. Colour drifting petals in several pink tones, then add pale shadows beneath the rabbit and stones. Keep the background softer than the flowering branches so the short, special cherry-blossom season stays at the centre of the page.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.