The color of a cherry blossom, or sakura, is often assumed to be a singular shade of pink. While a delicate pink is the most common association, the actual hues span a range from pristine white to vibrant magenta. This variety is a result of both the specific tree species and the flower’s natural aging process.
The Spectrum of Natural Colors
Cherry blossoms display a spectrum of colors in nature. The most frequently observed color is a pale pink, a soft, ethereal shade that often appears nearly translucent on the petals. This color is caused by low concentrations of the pigment anthocyanin, which is responsible for red, purple, and blue hues in plants. Many early-blooming and popular varieties, such as the Yoshino cherry, produce flowers that are pure white, sometimes with only the faintest blush of pink near the stem. On the other end of the spectrum are the double-flowered varieties, which often exhibit a deep pink or magenta color. These more saturated colors are created by a higher density of petals and a greater accumulation of anthocyanin pigments.
Variation Across Species and Bloom Cycle
The specific color of a cherry blossom is determined by its species or cultivated variety, followed by an observable color shift as the flower matures. Different cultivars are genetically predisposed to produce varying amounts of color pigment. For example, the Yoshino cherry (Prunus × yedoensis) is known for its single, pale-pink blossoms that quickly transition to white. In contrast, cultivars like the Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’) reliably produce dense clusters of double flowers that maintain a darker, more saturated pink throughout their display. The color of an individual flower is not static. Many blossoms begin as deep pink or even reddish buds before opening. As the flower opens and ages, the concentration of anthocyanin pigment often decreases, or the pigment breaks down due to sunlight and environmental factors, causing the color to fade to a paler pink or ultimately white just before the petals drop.
The Commercial Definition of the Hue
Outside of horticulture, the term “cherry blossom” has been standardized in commerce and design to represent a specific hue. When used by paint companies, fashion designers, or cosmetic brands, “Cherry Blossom” is nearly always a soft, pastel pink. This commercial color is characterized by high lightness and low saturation, essentially a light pinkish-red. This standardized color is a simplified abstraction of the more complex, natural spectrum, focusing on the most delicate and widely accepted shade of the flower. The hex code \#FFB7C5 is a common digital representation for this hue. This commercial shade serves as a unified symbol, contrasting with the broader range of white, pale, and deep pinks found in nature.