Flower and Tree Tunnels: Cherry, Wisteria and the Tunnel of Love

In some places trees and climbers close over a path to form a living tunnel. In spring it turns pink, lilac or gold, and in summer emerald green. Here are the world’s best-known flower and tree tunnels and the best times to see them.

Spring blossom in a bouquet: peony-style roses and tulips.

View full-size photo

When to go

• Cherry blossom tunnels. In Japan, avenues of flowering cherries along rivers and roads become pink corridors. A similar sight appears each spring on the streets of Bonn’s Old Town in Germany.
• Kawachi Fujien wisteria tunnel (Japan). This private garden in Fukuoka Prefecture is famous for two wisteria tunnels in shades from white to purple. Peak bloom is late April to early May; visits require advance tickets.
• The Laburnum Arch at Bodnant (Wales). About 50 metres of golden chain flowers — one of the oldest and longest such arches in Britain.
• Cypress Tree Tunnel (California). An avenue of Monterey cypresses at Point Reyes whose crowns meet over the road.
• The Dark Hedges (Northern Ireland). An avenue of old beeches with intertwined branches, made famous by film and television.

View full-size photo

Ukraine’s Tunnel of Love

Near the village of Klevan in the Rivne region, trees along an industrial railway line have formed an almost perfect green arch several kilometres long. The train itself keeps the tunnel shape as it passes regularly and breaks off branches. The spot is popular with couples and photographers, especially from May to October.

View full-size photo

A tunnel in your garden

You can create a small flower arch at home with a metal frame and wisteria, clematis, rambling roses or laburnum. Laburnum is poisonous in all its parts, so do not plant it where children play.

View full-size photo

Find more living plant structures in grown furniture and living arches and hedge mazes of the world, and unusual trees in the most unusual trees in the world.

FAQ

When is the best time to visit the Tunnel of Love?

From May to October, when the foliage is dense; in autumn the tunnel turns yellow and orange.

Can you grow a wisteria arch in Ukraine?

Yes. In southern and central Ukraine wisteria grows and flowers given sun and a sturdy support; protect young plants in winter.

View full-size photo

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.