Hong Kong differs from some of its neighbors in that it (sort of) has four seasons. These may not be as obvious as say, Japan, but there are distinct changes in temperature and humidity over the year which result in some beautiful seasonal flowers across the city.
So whether you’re just visiting and want to know what’s blooming whilst you’re here, or you’re a local looking to explore your back garden more, here’s where to look for seasonal flowers in Hong Kong.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to see what other factors might influence your visit, check out our guide on the best time of year to visit Hong Kong.
Cherry blossom
February to MarchA firm fan favorite, many HK locals typically travel to Japan to appreciate the cherry blossom season, but there are actually a number of trees here which put on a great show of their own. Different varieties of the tree can be found which bloom in white, light, and dark pink flowers, typically between February and March. The warmer the weather, the earlier the blossom begins and this may also affect how long they blossom for (around 1-2 weeks usually). The trees found in Hong Kong are typically on the shorter side which means you can get that perfect shot for your Instagram.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Hong Kong
- On King Street Park
- Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden
- Shing Mun Valley Park
- Tai Po Waterfront Park
- HK Velodrome Park (Tseung Kwan O)
Purple tabebuia
March to MayOtherwise known as the trumpet tree due to the shape of its flowers, the purple tabebuia is originally from way across the pond in Central and South America. With roots now firmly planted in HK, these tall trees bloom every spring (March to May) with their dense purply-pink flowers taking over the leaves and creating striking views.
Where to see purple tabebuia in Hong Kong
- Butterfly Beach Park (Tuen Mun)
- Cha Kwo Ling Promenade (Kwun Tong)
- Lai Chi Kok Park
Flame tree
June to July
Also known as phoenix trees in Chinese, flame trees are synonymous with summer time in Hong Kong. Originally from Madagascar, they were brought to HK in the early 1900s and have thrived ever since. As the name suggests, their large flowers bloom in shades of bright red, usually from June to July. They say that if the flame trees bloom early, it’s a sign that there will be more typhoons later that summer.
Whatever it means, they definitely start blooming when the heat kicks in and the flowers stick around for a few weeks before carpeting the ground in a sea of red as the flowers start to drop. These trees can be found all across HK and Kowloon, but there are areas where the trees are densely gathered making the bloom more impressive.
Where to see flame trees in Hong Kong
- Carpenter Road Park
- Tuen Mun Park
- Victoria Park
Sweet gum trees
November to DecemberThe change from summer to autumn is quite subtle in Hong Kong. It sort of just goes from insanely hot to a little bit less hot and then suddenly, you’re digging out your winter jacket. So autumnal foliage colors aren’t so much of a thing. That being said, there are some native trees that do reflect the slight seasonal change, such as the sweet gum tree. Growing up to 30 meters, the leaves of these trees almost resemble maple tree leaves so they are often confused.
Technically not a blossom, there are a few parks around HK and Kowloon that have great amounts of these trees planted together so that when the leaves change it makes for some dramatic photography. Summers seem to be lasting longer these days and as a result, the trees don’t typically turn until November or December depending on the weather that year.
The most popular spot is the sweet gum woods where people flock to get that perfect photo. There are other spots with perhaps less trees but less people.
Where to see sweet gum trees in Hong Kong
- HK Zoological and Botanical Gardens
- North District Park
- Tsing Yi Park
Queen crape myrtle
May to July
Native to South East Asia, these flowering trees burst into lush magenta flowers that seem to take over the entire tree and brighten up whatever area they are in. Flowering from May to July, they add a splash of color to the summer and then come winter, the leaves turn red before falling to the ground.
Where to see queen crape myrtle in Hong Kong
- Ma On Shan Park
- Pak Shek Kok Promenade (Sha Tin)
- Sha Tin Park
Tall bottle brush
March to May
A spring tree, the tall bottle brush is named after its spiky flowers resembling brush bristles. Originally from Australia, this highly adaptable tree has done well in Hong Kong and the urban environment. It’s branches droop with bright red flowers from March to May, before carpeting the floor in thousands of individual red bristles.
Where to see tall bottle brush in Hong Kong
- Aberdeen Promenade
- Lai Chi Kok Park
- Sha Tin Park
- Victoria Park
Yellow pui
MarchFrom Central and South America, this tree has become popular in Hong Kong and is known for its golden flowers that are said to resemble wind chimes. With a short flowering period of only one to two weeks, enthusiasts often flock to parks to witness the sea of yellow that takes over the vicinity in March.
Where to see yellow pui in Hong Kong
- HK Velodrome Park
- Nam Cheong Park
- Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club Playground
Bauhinia tree or Hong Kong orchid
November to March
A native tree, the emblem of the region and the centerpiece of the Hong Kong Flag, the bauhinia flower is quite special. It was first discovered in the 1880s and was later chosen as the city flower in 1965. Then is was selected as the regional emblem for the flag in 1997. Its gorgeous reddish-purple flowers have a lengthy blooming period and can be found brightening up the winter months from November to March.
Where to see bauhinia trees in Hong Kong
- Chai Wan Park
- Lai Chi Kok Park
- Kowloon Tsai Park, Kowloon City
- Quarry Bay Park
Frequently asked questions about seasonal flowers in Hong Kong
What is the national flower of Hong Kong?
The bauhinia flower is the national flower of Hong Kong. While the bauhinia has undoubtedly unique meaning to HK, the reason behind this is not always clear. The bauhinia is actually a sterile flower, meaning that it can only reproduce with human help. This may seem like an odd choice then to make it a national emblem, but it is believed that all bauhinias in HK are descendants of the same original tree, which was first discovered in 1880. The bauhinia is also a hybrid flower which some believe symbolizes HK’s strength as a result of its British and Chinese influences.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Hong Kong?
The majority of the cherry blossom trees in HK blossom for one to two weeks in February or March, depending how quickly the weather warms up.
What flower is on the Hong Kong flag?
The Hong Kong bauhinia flower is the region’s national flower as well as the emblem on the flag. The five petals of the flower, each with a star in the middle, represent the five stars of the Chinese flag. The red background also represents China whereas the white flower symbolizes HK and the “one country, two systems” principle.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
