2023 Peak Bloom Predictions
- National Park Service: March 22 - 25
- Washington Post: March 19 - 23
- NBC Storm Team 4: March 15 - 20
These are the current predictions, but it's not unusual for them to be revised as we get closer to peak bloom. You can always find the latest information on the 2023 cherry blossom peak bloom page.
The saucer magnolias at the Enid A. Haupt Garden are starting to bloom. They're not in full bloom yet, but there are plenty of flowers opening. The ones at the George Mason Memorial are just a little behind them.
The warm temperatures for the past few days (and for the winter more generally, for that matter) have moved things along for an early bloom. They've made quite a bit of progress even in just the past few days. Now that we're back to cooler temperatures, the pace will slow a little.
How They're Looking This Morning
These were all taken this morning.
Enid A. Haupt Garden
George Mason Memorial
Where to Find Them
If you haven't been to the Enid A. Haupt Garden before, it's right behind the Smithsonian Castle (or, as my kids call it, Hogwarts). It is a gated garden and closes at night but opens early in the morning.
There are several sections to the garden, including the Moongate Garden. The magnolias are throughout–you can't miss them.
Things Worth Knowing
- Saucer magnolias are also often known as tulip magnolias. Magnolia x soulangeana, if you want to get technical.
- They typically come out around a couple of weeks before the famous Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin.
- You can find saucer magnolias all over the region. Three notable locations within easy walking distance of the Tidal Basin are the Enid A. Haupt Garden behind the Smithsonian Castle on the National Mall, the George Mason Memorial (near the Jefferson Memorial), and Rawlins Park.
- You can see an example of them in full bloom here.
Local Charity Spotlight
Looking to give back? Here's one of the local charities (or with local links) that is well worth contributing to.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen goes to the frontlines of humanitarian, climate, and community crises to provide meals and build the necessary systems and infrastructure to feed those in need.
World Central Kitchen was founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, a long-time area resident who has some wonderful restaurants in the area among his growing portfolio (Oyamel, Zaytinya, and Jaleo are personal favorites).
You can donate directly on their website and learn more about their mission and impact.
