Flower Appreciation in Singapore

Casting your eye over the numerous lofty buildings that clamour for space in the open skies, it’s easy to appreciate one of the key differences between the urban landscape here and in other countries. The sheer density of greenery all around the city makes the city pleasantly shady in the day and cool at night, despite the presence of pervasive concrete that has absorbed and retained heat throughout the day. However, despite being known as the Garden City, Singapore does seem to have a suspicious lack of variety when it comes to flowering plants. Nevertheless, there are at least five types of flowering plants that are strategically planted to brighten nooks and crannies across the island.

Orchids

The most identifiable of all flowers in Singapore, orchids are lovingly grown in many gardens here. They are a popular choice for locals as the plants are hardy, and the flowers are plentiful and beautiful. Today, the Singapore Botanic Gardens hosts the island’s largest collection of orchids in the National Orchid Garden. With over 1000 species and 2000 hybrid species of orchid, this is one garden that’s not to be missed. Look out for Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, while you’re there.

Hibiscus

Commonly found in tropical regions and warm temperate climates, the hibiscus can be found lining pavement edges or planted on road dividers here. The attractive flowers come in pink, yellow, red, and even purple. Not only are these flowers are beautiful, they can also be made into herbal tea. This refreshing drink is particularly popular in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, and even at certain eateries in Singapore.

Bougainvilleas

When driving under an overhead bridge, it’s not uncommon for one to spy great hanging boughs of pink or purple bougainvillea drooping downwards. These attractive plants are very common in Singapore, and are sure to brighten up almost any environment as the numerous flowers on each bush catch the eye with their bright pink, purple, or orange shades. This beautiful plant survives almost anywhere, and is thus planted frequently along in boxes lining overhead bridges, and is also commonly found in parks and open neighbourhood spaces. If you walk along the river from the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, to the Gardens by the Bay, you will be able to see some extraordinary bougainvillea hybrids of rainbow hues.

Ixora

Like a small but vibrant tropical cousin of the hydrangea plant, ixora flowers fare extremely well in the warm and wet climate of Singapore. This plant can usually be found beautifying natural spots and urban spaces alike, and they are also used as hedges and dividers as the plants do not grow very tall. The flowers are also an important part of Hindu worship. Being grown in many public school gardens, the plant’s flowers are a popular diversion for idle students. By inspecting the multitudinous ixora flowers, one may sometimes come across ‘lucky’ flowers with five, six or even seven petals instead of the usual four.

Pink Mempat

When weather conditions and timing are just right in Singapore, it is possible to witness some of the most beautiful sights that might have come straight out of a Japanese drama. Twice a year, when a cool and wet spell closely follows a dry season, Mempat trees in the affected area sometimes blossom together at once. When the flowers are in full bloom, the entire tree appears to be covered in pink or white blossoms and a gentle breeze whistling through the boughs is enough to cause petals to scatter through the air. When the Jurong Lake Gardens are open, visitors to the area will be able to stroll through a grove of 53 Mempat trees and admire Singapore’s very own version of cherry blossoms.

20 Oct 2024
Singapore Expats