Will cold temperatures affect the Japanese cherry trees?

This season’s weather has been very unpredictable when it comes to peak bloom time for the Japanese cherry trees in Ault Park. According to our expert horticulturists, temperatures dropping below 27° can cause blooms to turn brown more quickly and reduce the overall number of blossoms, shortening the peak bloom period.

Unfortunately, temperatures fell to 21° this morning (03/17). The good news is there’s still time to catch the trees at their peak. If you want to enjoy the blooms, don’t wait—head over to Ault Park soon to experience the beautiful display.

According to Park lore, 1,000 Japanese Cherry blossom trees were given to the city as a gift to Mayor Russell Wilson in the 1930’s. Since then, Cincinnati Parks staff have planted additional trees to maintain the grove’s majestic character. In 2008 the Japan America Society planted 121 Somei Yoshino Trees in the grove at Ault Park. A map of that grove is shown below.

As you enter Ault Park on Observatory Road, you will find the Higan Cherry tree grove on the hillside slopes planted by the Parks team. You continue further and you will find the Japanese Cherry blossom tree grove, located at the park intersection of Observatory Road and Observatory Circle. This site is near the Ault Park Commons. This has become a popular attraction for easel painters and family photos celebrating the coming of spring.

This photo was taken on Monday, March 16, 2026.