The saucer magnolias are now in full bloom. A few warmer days have brought them fully out. Cooler temperatures through the rest of the coming week is good news for them–it will help prolong their bloom.
The NPS judged that the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin reached peak bloom on March 23, 2023.
The saucer magnolias are now in full bloom. A few warmer days have brought them fully out. Cooler temperatures through the rest of the coming week is good news for them–it will help prolong their bloom.
Here are some photos I took this morning. The first group of photos is at the Enid A. Haupt Garden, which is right behind the Smithsonian Castle. The second group is a smaller grove of saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial, which is right next to the Tidal Basin and close to the Jefferson Memorial.
Saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial.Saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial.Saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial.Saucer magnolias at the George Mason Memorial.Saucer magnolias at the 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:
Rawlins Park (Foggy Bottom—across the other side of the National Mall)
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.
Cape Ivy
Cape Ivy provides warmth, comfort and support to children who have chronic or critical illnesses and their families.
Cape Ivy provides fleece ponchos to children in the hospital because robes, sweaters and jackets don’t work well with IV lines and other medical equipment. Cape Ivy is a resource for families experiencing long-term hospitalization of children.
I've had the pleasure of personally seeing a small glimpse of the impact this organization. They're wonderful people doing wonderful work.
