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Cherry Blossoms

Coming soon, a magical springtime experience that draws visitors from near and far.

The cherry trees haven’t started blooming yet. Please note that during bloom, access to the cherry allée will be restricted from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends due to construction of the Garden Gateway. At this time, visitors may line up to view the allée from a designated vantage point at its entrance near Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden, but they may not enter the allée. Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding this important change. Given the incredible popularity of cherry blossoms in years past, and knowing the cherry allée is a dead-end path this year due to Garden Gateway construction, we must restrict access during peak visitation for everyone’s safety.

Be sure to check this webpage for the latest information ahead of your visit, and see some of the other amazing cherry trees in the Gardens this season.

When do they bloom?

Flowering cherry trees typically bloom at Duke Gardens in March.

Temperature, precipitation and other weather variations all contribute to the timing of the blooms. These same factors determine how long they will linger. As much as we would like to predict when the cherries will bloom, it is extremely difficult to know in advance. If we experience a stretch of warm weather, cherries and other spring-blooming plants may flower earlier in March; if colder weather persists, they may bloom later in March. 

Each tree remains in flower for just a week or so, and there is no moment when all are blooming at once. Instead, different species and cultivars blossom in succession, allowing many opportunities to savor spring.

When do they bloom?

Flowering cherry trees typically bloom at Duke Gardens in March.

Temperature, precipitation and other weather variations all contribute to the timing of the blooms. These same factors determine how long they will linger. As much as we would like to predict when the cherries will bloom, it is extremely difficult to know in advance. If we experience a stretch of warm weather, cherries and other spring-blooming plants may flower earlier in March; if colder weather persists, they may bloom later in March. Each tree remains in flower for just a week or so, and there is no moment when all are blooming at once. Instead, different species and cultivars blossom in succession, allowing many opportunities to savor spring.

Where are they located?

Download Cherries Map
A single woman with her back to the camera walks down a cherry allee in full bloom.

Cherry Allée

Iconic pathway under a dreamlike canopy of ‘Akebono’ cherry trees. Please note that access to the Cherry Allée will be restricted at peak times this spring (9 a.m. to 7 p.m, Sat. & Sun. during bloom) due to construction of the Garden Gateway. Be sure to check this webpage for the latest information ahead of your visit.

Pink cherry blossoms on and under a tree with a red arched bridge over a pond in the background

Cherries & Flowering Trees in Other Garden Areas

There are a plethora of cherries and other beautiful flowering trees located throughout Duke Gardens. Check this webpage in the coming weeks to see an interactive map of photo-worthy blooms in areas beyond the Cherry Allée

How will construction of the Garden Gateway impact my visit?

Visitors can continue to enjoy the grounds of Duke Gardens throughout construction of the Garden Gateway, with a few important changes. Here are things to know before you visit:

Cherry Allée Restricted Access

When cherries are in bloom, visitors may not enter the cherry allée from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You may view it from a designated vantage point accessed from the Mary Duke Biddle Rose Garden.

Cherry Tree Map
People walking icon

Temporary Entrance

Visitors will enter the Gardens on foot through a temporary pedestrian entrance located at 2000 Lewis Street, one block north of the Gardens’ main entrance (follow the signs along Anderson St.). You may also enter through garden gates leading to Duke’s West Campus along Flowers Drive.

Map of Entrance

No Weekday Parking

There is no visitor parking on weekdays during the construction period. Parking is only available on the weekend in nearby campus lots, including the Duke University H lot. We encourage visitors to use alternative transportation whenever possible, including walking, biking, taking the bus and rideshare.

Alt Travel Options
Bus icon

Parking on the Weekend

If you are planning to arrive by car, please visit on the weekend when visitor parking is available in nearby campus lots, including the Duke University H lot, which is adjacent to the temporary  Lewis St. entrance. Please note that the only payment option is the PayByPhone app on personal phone devices. Cash and credit card are not accepted.

Weekend Parking
Map of Construction-Related Changes

Virtual Cherry Blossom Visit

Questions about cherry blossoms?

Please contact us at gardens@duke.edu.