Shanghai has welcomed the arrival of spring as the first white magnolia flowers bloom at the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

"This year's first bloom is finally right on schedule," said Yao Enyang, an official from the Shanghai Botanical Garden.

According to phenological records, the white magnolias in Shanghai Botanical Garden typically bloom from late February to early March. However, over the past six years, the flowers have deviated from this pattern — blooming as early as Feb 9 in 2020 and as late as March 4 in 2024.

Meteorological data shows that from 2015 to 2020, the maximum temperature in January exceeded 15 C in four years, even reaching 21.6 C in 2020, leading to the early blooming of white magnolias, said Yao.

Since 2022, the timing of the first blossoms has gradually stabilized, with fewer abnormal temperature spikes in late winter and early spring.

In addition to climate factors, plant genetics also influence flowering time.

The magnolia tree that produced this year's first bloom at the Shanghai Botanical Garden is a hybrid variety containing genetic traits from an early-blooming magnolia species.

Only a small number of magnolias have bloomed so far, experts said, noting that cloudy weather with temperatures around 15 C is generally most favorable.

The best viewing period for white magnolias in Shanghai is expected to last until March 2.

China has cultivated magnolias for more than 2,500 years. Known for blooming despite the chill of early spring, the flower symbolizes resilience and enterprising spirit. In 1986, Shanghai officially designated the white magnolia as its city flower.

Under the city's 2024 to 2026 three-year action plan to promote the white magnolia, Shanghai plans to expand its presence across the urban landscape, including constructing a magnolia-themed cultural park, developing or renovating more than 20 specialty magnolia gardens, and adding 30 magnolia-lined roads.

Currently, more than 30,000 white magnolia trees grow in Shanghai's parks and along its urban roads.

Urban planners are also relocating suitable trees to more prominent public spaces to enhance visibility and strengthen the white magnolia's presence in the cityscape.

Source: Shanghai Observer