Various kinds of flowers give Hue residents more choices for Tet decoration. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

THUA THIEN - HUE (VNS) — Thousands of local residents in Hue flock to the flower fair set up annually in front of the flag tower of the former royal citadel on threshold of the Lunar New Year.

The fair meets locals' need of flowers and flora, including trees, plants, cut flowers and flower in pots, and offers Hue residents chance to enjoy various species of flowers as well.

As Tet tradition, people buy fresh flowers for home decoration. This tradition is for the wish of a brighter new year and for respect to their ancestors by decorating the altar with fresh cut flowers.

Traditionally, Hue people prefer cut flowers of gladiolus, tuberose, and chrysanthemum; ochna tree with yellow blossoms; and daisy in pots.

Hue residents are shopping for chrysanthemum. — VNS Photo Phuoc Buu

However, local plantations failed to have the flora bloom in time due to extreme weather in the locality last year. This has driven the import of many other flowers.

According to owner of Hoang Thao plantation in the outskirts of Hue, almost no ochna trees have yellow blossoms. Locals get ochna tree from Binh Dinh Province instead.

Le Tuan Nhan, a grower of chrysanthemum in Hung Thuy District said unpredictable weather prevented the growth of his plants, resulting in short bodies of the plants.

Consumers hesitate with the flowers grown at the locality and they turn to Taiwain origin varieties of water rail, poinsettia, torch lily, and orchid; as well as kumquat trees and peach blossoms from other provinces.

According to shops selling flowers of tulip and lily grown in foggy Da Lat City in the Central Highlands, they run busy business as consumers favour these kinds of flowers. — VNS