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Spring (March – May)

Spring marks the beginning of Hong Kong’s wet season, with warming temperatures and increasing humidity. Many shrubs, trees, and climbers begin to flower, signaling the start of the active growth period.

Common Species and Flowering Times

• Bauhinia blakeana(Hong Kong Orchid Tree) – March to April
  • Iconic Hong Kong tree, typically blooms in urban parks, roadside plantings, and open forests. Large pink-purple flowers with five petals.
• Bauhinia variegata(Camel’s Foot Tree) – March to April
  • Native tree with striking pink to purple flowers. Prefers sunny, open habitats.
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis(Native Hibiscus) – March to May
  • Shrub species common along trails and secondary forests. Bright red or yellow flowers.
• Ixora chinensis – April to May
  • Low shrub with clusters of small red, orange, or pink tubular flowers. Found in woodlands and gardens.
• Clerodendrum inerme(Glorybower) – April to May
  • Coastal shrub, often seen near beaches or rocky shorelines. White fragrant flowers.
• Melastoma malabathricum(Straits Rhododendron) – April to May
  • Found on slopes and in open forest; bright purple blooms attract butterflies.
• Gardenia jasminoides – March to May
  • Lowland shrub with fragrant white flowers; common in shaded forest edges.
• Murraya paniculata(Orange Jasmine) – March to April
  • Small tree or shrub; fragrant white flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Habitat & Observations

• Lowlands: Hibiscus, Ixora, Murraya – bloom earlier due to warmer temperatures.
• Mid-elevation slopes: Melastoma malabathricum, Bauhinia variegata – bloom slightly later.
• Notes: Spring is a transition season, so some late winter flowers like Camellia may overlap into early March.

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Summer (June – August)

Summer in Hong Kong is hot, humid, and rainy. This season supports rapid growth and prolific flowering, especially in climbing vines and shrubs. Tropical and subtropical species dominate.

Common Species and Flowering Times

• Mussaenda pubescens – June to August
  • Small tree with large white bracts; thrives in forest edges.
• Ixora chinensis var. coccinea – June to August
  • Vibrant red flower clusters; tolerates disturbed habitats and roadsides.
• Allamanda cathartica – June to July
  • Large yellow trumpet flowers; climbing shrub in secondary forest.
• Lantana camara – June to August
  • Often invasive, seen along trails and disturbed areas. Flowers in mixed shades of red, yellow, orange.
• Tabebuia rosea – July
  • Pink trumpet-shaped flowers; planted ornamentally and naturalized in some open areas.
• Clerodendrum paniculatum – June to August
  • Shrub with large orange-red flower clusters; prefers shaded slopes.
• Hibiscus tiliaceus – June to August
  • Coastal tree; yellow flowers with red centers, very common along beaches and mangroves.
• Mussaenda erythrophylla – June to August
  • Small tree; large red bracts attract pollinators.
• Thunbergia grandiflora – July to August
  • Climbing vine with striking blue flowers; often seen in hedgerows and forest edges.

Habitat & Observations

• Rainforest edges & secondary forests: Many Mussaenda and Clerodendrum species flower in clusters during heavy rains.
• Disturbed areas: Lantana and Thunbergia can dominate flowering in open sites.
• Notes: Summer flowers are often adapted to heavy rainfall; petals may be short-lived due to storms.

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Autumn (September – November)

Autumn sees gradually cooler temperatures and less rain. Flowering slows but several species, especially coastal and hardy shrubs, continue to bloom. This season is important for species adapted to dry conditions.

Common Species and Flowering Times

• Hibiscus tiliaceus(Sea Hibiscus) – September to October
  • Thrives along shorelines; large yellow flowers are easily observed.
• Clerodendrum paniculatum – September to October
  • Dense orange-red flower clusters; prefers forest edges.
• Mussaenda frondosa – October to November
  • Medium-sized shrub; white bracts visible in lowland areas.
• Vernonia cinerea – October to November
  • Small purple flowers; often seen in grasslands and disturbed slopes.
• Ixora chinensis – September to November
  • Secondary bloom period for some shrubs.
• Hedyotis corymbosa – September to November
  • Small, delicate white flowers in open areas.
• Fagraea fragrans – October to November
  • Small trees with fragrant white flowers; attract nocturnal pollinators.

Habitat & Observations

• Coastal areas: Hibiscus and Clerodendrum continue to flower due to milder microclimates.
• Grasslands & open slopes: Vernonia and Hedyotis are among the last summer flowers lingering into autumn.
• Notes: Autumn flowering may be less conspicuous than spring/summer but is crucial for supporting late-season pollinators.

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Winter (December – February)

Winter in Hong Kong is cool and dry. Flowering is limited but some hardy shrubs and trees provide color during the drier months.

Common Species and Flowering Times

• Camellia japonica – December to February
  • Large red or pink flowers; mainly on mid-elevation slopes.
• Rhododendron simsii(Azalea) – January to February
  • Small shrubs with clusters of pink to red flowers; open forest slopes.
• Cyrtandra cumingii – December to January
  • Small white flowers; shaded, humid forest areas.
• Bauhinia variegata – January to February
  • Some individuals bloom in late winter; urban and open habitats.
• Dillenia indica – December to January
  • Large yellow flowers; wet lowland areas and streams.
• Hedyotis corymbosa – December to February
  • Often continues flowering sporadically in sunny slopes.
• Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum – January to February
  • Small shrub; pale flowers attract butterflies.

Habitat & Observations

• Shaded forests: Cyrtandra and Camellia bloom during the cooler months, adding color to understories.
• Urban areas: Some Camellia and Bauhinia trees are cultivated but may naturalize.
• Notes: Winter flowers are adapted to cooler temperatures and less rainfall; many are fragrant to attract limited pollinators.

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Additional Notes on Flowering Patterns in Hong Kong

1. Elevation Effects: Higher altitudes bloom slightly later than lowlands. Tai Mo Shan and Lantau Island are good sites for observing mid-to-late blooming species.
2. Coastal vs Inland: Coastal species (Hibiscus tiliaceus, Clerodendrum inerme) bloom longer due to moderated temperatures.
3. Human Influence: Many urban plantings are hybrids (e.g., ornamental Bauhinia) but can help track flowering in city parks.
4. Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, birds, and nocturnal moths influence flowering times. Flowering often coincides with pollinator activity.
5. Climate Variability: Typhoons or dry spells can delay or extend flowering by weeks.

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