Floral
Timeline
of Hanoi
During my childhood days in Hanoi, I used to see the steps of time in traces of flowers. The instances when I smelled the fragrance of Blackboard tree blossoms, I knew autumn had come, and had left parts of itself on the dark green leaves. Sadly, it was not until I left the city, that I realized those “floral traces” were something very “Hanoian”, and never in another place, did I see the passage of time in the same flowers again.
Hanoi is a city blessed with wonderful soil and climate to grow plants. The great distinction between its four seasons gave Hanoi a variety of charming flowers and sweet scents, bringing a poetic but subtle charisma to the city. And so, it saddens me when others can only think of the city through the lens of regrets for a place that suffered decades of war.
This project is dedicated to the poetic side of my dear city, to a part that cannot be seen but can only be felt and sensed. “The Floral Timeline of Hanoi” explores 12 kinds of flowers that represent each month of the city, their beauty, symbolism, and enchantment.

Month
1
January
Hoa Đào
Peach Blossom
janflower
January, the first month of the year, is associated with Peach blossoms. They symbolize hope, loyalty, wealth, and good fortune. It is believed that having a branch of blooming blossoms inside the house during this month will bring a blessing for the coming year.
2
February
Hoa Ban
Orchid Tree Blossom
febflower
Orchid Tree Blossoms bloom in February, and have been a symbol of Hanoi for many years. The white and violet petals represent purity, love, filial piety, and gratitude.
3
March
Hoa Sưa
Cocobolo Rosewood Blossom
marflower
March comes with the charming milky blossoms of Cocobolo Rosewood. In Vietnamese folk tales, the flower tells a story of unconditional love, and is also connected with fortune, happiness, and hope.
4
April
Hoa Loa Kèn
Lily
aprflower
In Hanoi, Lilies only bloom during April, and therefore, is the call for the beginning of summer. Lilies is the symbol for purity, integrity, and the sweetness of love.
5
May
Hoa Phượng
Royal Poinciana Blossom
mayflower
May comes in the burning red hue of Royal Poinciana blossoms. Since they bloom during the graduation season, Royal Poincianan Blossoms became the representation of youthful memories, as well as departures.
6
June
Hoa Sen
Lotus
junflower
Lotus is the muse of June, an irreplaceable inspiration in art, culture, and religion. In Vietnamese belief, Lotus is a precious flower, the symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, the pride of souls and minds.
7
July
Hoa Sấu
Dracontomelon Blossom
julflower
Dracontomelon blossoms call for the end of summer’s heat. Though “petite” in size, they have a subtle sweet scent, and are the symbol of modesty and simplicity.
8
August
Hoa Dâu Da Xoan
Cantonese Mombin Blossom
augflower
Cantonese Mombin blossoms are the flowers of August. These tiny flowers grow in clusters with a fragile and pure beauty, as well as a subtle sweet scent. Though they don’t specifically symbolize any quality, they are a common ingredient in traditional remedies.
9
September
Hoa Sữa
Blackboard Tree Blossom
sepflower
Blackboard Tree blossom marks the height of autumn. The flower has a distinctive sweet fragrance, which makes it the symbol of love and remembrances. Blackboard Tree blossom is also a great source of inspiration in literature and poetry about Hanoi.
10
October
Cúc Hoạ Mi
Daisies
octflower
Daisies bloom when autumn comes to an end, and winter takes over the city. Though seemingly pure and fragile, daisies represent endurance and lasting friendships, as they could grow in harsh conditions.
11
November
Hoa Thạch Thảo
European Michaelmas-daisy
novflower
Hanoi’s November is often linked with European Michaelmas Daisy blossoms. They are the symbol of faithfulness, sincerity, and deep affection.
12
December
Hoa Cải
Rapeseed Blossom
decflower
Rapeseed Blossom ends winter with its delicate gold petals. Though blooms in the final month of the year, the flower represent purity, happiness, and joy.