Embrace Elegance: The Green Cherry Blossom – Gioiko Cerasus Serrulata

Gioiko Cerasus serrulata, a plant of the Rosaceae and cherry genus, is a rare variety of cherry blossoms that bloom green. Its floral language represents “full of intellect and etiquette, graceful”.

As a unique green cherry blossom, Gioiko was cultivated in the Ninna-ji in Kyoto during the Edo period. Its blooming period is later than that of the Somei Yoshino cherry, around late April, with about 10 to 15 petals in colors between white and light green.

There are red lines in the middle, which are not very prominent when blooming, but the red gradually intensifies.

I. Basic Introduction

Gioiko Cerasus serrulata is a rare cherry blossom of the Rosaceae and cherry genus that blooms green. Its floral language is intellect, etiquette, elegance, and beauty. Gioiko, as a green cherry blossom, has been discovered by people since ancient times.

It has been cultivated in the Ninna-ji in Kyoto since the Edo period. The name Gioiko was named in the middle Edo period, derived from its flower color resembling the color of “Moyogusa” in noble costumes. Moyogusa refers to the tender green color when spring grass sprouts new buds.

II. Common Varieties

One of the cherry blossoms, there are over 300 varieties of cherry blossoms, of which there are 8-10 biological classifications (in Japan). The flower colors mainly vary from pink to white, with only two exceptions: “Yukin” and “Gioiko”.

Gioiko blooms later than the Somei Yoshino cherry, around late April. The diameter of the petals varies by location. Gioiko can be seen in over 170 places throughout Japan. In Kyoto and Yuki City, the petal diameter is 2 to 2.5 centimeters.

In Hokkaido, the petal diameter is 4 centimeters. The petal count is around 10 to 15. The color is between white and light green. There are red lines in the middle, which are not very prominent when blooming, but the red gradually intensifies.

The green color of the petals is due to chlorophyll. Yukin is another green cherry blossom. Since 1990, three more varieties have been discovered: Sumaura Fugen Dazou, Kuriyamizaki Yellow Cherry, and Kuriyamizaki Green Dragon.

Gioiko’s floral language: full of intellect and etiquette, graceful.