How Singapore Prevails as a “City in Nature” With Flowers All Over the Island

From The Lion City to Garden City, Singapore has quite a few monikers — but they all point to one thing: this small island nation is filled with greenery and life. The city is home to nature parks, botanical gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries, yet its natural beauty doesn’t stop there. In many corners of Singapore, bursts of colour from native and ornamental flowers bloom unexpectedly, adding charm to everyday scenes.

Very much like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, Singapore takes pride in its vibrant flora. The difference lies in how often its flowers are overlooked in favour of the city’s modern attractions. Yet these floral displays — made possible by NParks — are literally scattered all over Singapore and can be enjoyed for free.

Image credit: Lee Jia Hwa via NParks Image credit: Jason Yong via NParks

NParks had hoped to change this by going all out in decorating Singapore’s streets, highways, and other public spaces with all sorts of native and imported flowers. Among them are Cat Claw Ivy, Pink Mempat, Malayan Crape Myrtle, Bougainvillea, and Yellow Saraca. Mostly season-specific, the Singapore flowers have already caught the attention of Singaporeans and Singapore expats alike.

Also read: Capturing Singapore: 15 Instagram-Worthy Locations

Trumpet Tree, Singapore’s own cherry blossoms

While these flowers are certainly eye-catching, locals say that Trumpet Tree is perhaps the most special of them all. Also known by the names, Pink Poui, New World Trumpet, and Rosy Trumpet, these perennial trees are commonly dubbed as the Singapore sakura or cherry blossoms.

Like cherry blossoms, Trumpet Trees have a seasonal flowering characteristic and soft-hued crown flowers (pink or white). Because of this, the trees are easily recognisable from a distance. The name comes from the fact that the flowers actually are shaped like a “large and showy” trumpet which comes with five petals. They can grow from five to eight centimetres long.

Image credit: Hanim Yahman via NParks

“Flowering is typically triggered by heavy rains after a long hot and dry spell, usually between March and April and again between August and September,” NParks says. “Blooms last for several days before wilting. Planted along road sides or in parks, the tree provides shade. Flowers are spectacular, and form a pink carpet on the ground around the tree when they falls.”

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Where to find Singapore sakura and other flowers

As of 2021, some underrated places where you’ll see Singapore flowers include Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1 (Cat Claw Ivy), Tampines Expressway (Pink Mempat and Malayan Crape Myrtle), and Serangoon Park Connector (Yellow Saraca). The same flowers can also be found along Havelock Road and Farrer Road, respectively.

Image credit: Jessica Ong via NParks

Meanwhile, the famous Trumpet Trees are commonly found in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, East Coast Park, Ulu Pandan Park Connector, and Chai Chee Street, among other places. To locate the nearest ones, check the TreesSG page by NParks, where you’ll find a detailed map showing the types and locations of flowering trees across Singapore.

Featured image credit: Hanim Yahman via NParks