[photo credit: The Huntington]
The Japanese Apricot, cultivated for over 1,500 years, holds special significance in Chinese culture. Its five flower petals are said to represent five blessings: wealth, health, love of virtue, old age, and natural death.
The featured cultivars—including the Peggy Clarke Japanese Apricot and Prunus serrulata ‘Pink Cloud’ cherry—flourish in both gardens. The Japanese Garden features a koi pond, lotus plants, and an authentic Japanese moon bridge. The Chinese Garden showcases the Hall of the Jade Camellia teahouse, where camellias are carved into the wood.
Nicole Cavender, Telleen/Jorgensen Director of the Botanical Gardens, notes the scale of collections spans far beyond this single event. “If you can believe it, we have more than 84,000 living plants here. The Botanical Gardens are the entryway to The Huntington, connecting the three collections—the art, library, and plant collections,” she said.
The Huntington operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, closed Tuesdays. Peak bloom is subject to change based on weather patterns, rainfall, and high winds. The Huntington advises visitors to follow bloom reports on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Now Blooming: Flowering Fruit Trees will run Saturday, January 10, 2026 through Sunday, February 22, 2026 at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108. For more information, call (626) 405-2100 or visit https://www.huntington.org/event/now-blooming-flowering-fruit-trees. Ticket prices: Adults $29; Seniors (65+) $24; Students and Military (with ID) $24; Youth (4-11) $13; Children (under 4) Free; Free admission with valid membership or on Free Day (first Thursday of every month with advance reservation).
