Beautiful purple crape myrtle flowers blooming in Hanoi

In May, when the sound of cicadas signals the advent of summer, giant purple crape-myrtle flowers (known as bang lang) bloom in many streets of Hanoi. (Photo: VOV)

The purple flowers have been a symbol of the city, and make people nostalgic. (Photo: VOV)

The crape-myrtle flowers are native to Asia, and can be seen in many countries in Southeast Asia, including cities in Vietnam. (Photo: VOV)

Crape myrtles are chiefly known for their colorful and long-lasting flowers, which occur in summer. Most species of Lagerstroemia have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance that arises from having bark that sheds throughout the year. The leaves are and simple, with entire margins, that vary from 5–20 cm. While all species are woody in nature, they can range in height from over 30 meters to under 30 cm–most, however, are small to medium, multiple-trunked trees and shrubs.

Flowers are borne in summer and autumn in panicles of crinkled flowers with a crepe-like texture. Colors vary from deep purple to red to white, with almost every shade in between. Although no blue-flowered varieties exist, the flowers trend toward the blue end of the spectrum with no orange or yellow except in stamens and pistils. The fruit is a capsule, green and succulent at first, then ripening to dark brown or black dryness. It splits along six or seven lines, producing teeth much like those of the calyx, and releases numerous, small, winged seeds.

Crape-myrtle trees are tall with large foliage, and long branches. (Photo: VOV)

Crape-myrtle flowers often grow into clusters with a length of 20-30 cm. Each flower has six thin and light petals. (Photo: VOV)

The crape-myrtle flowers show off their exquisite beauty under the sunlight. (Photo: VOV)

The flowers bring back childhood memories. (Photo: VOV)

Crape-myrtle flowers have different colors, including purple, pink and pale white. However, purple crape-myrtle flowers are most familiar to Hanoians. (Photo: VOV)

The flowers, with colors symbolising faithfulness, have become an indispensable part of life in the capital. (Photo: VOV)

Only a few days after blooming, the colours of crape-myrtle flowers will fade and then finally fall from their branches. (Photo: VOV)