Every May, many of Hanoi's streets are colored with the romantic purple Lagerstroemia, a sign that summer has arrived. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

The Lagerstroemia flowers are in full bloom under the dazzling sun.

The Lagerstroemia tree is often planted along roadsides to cool the heat in the crowded streets of Hanoi.

Lagerstroemia always blooms in clusters, each with dozens of small purple silky flowers.

Lagerstroemia purple flowers have many different shades such as: light purple, pink purple or white-pale purple, but the trees grown in Hanoi usually have dark purple flowers.

The purple Lagerstroemia conquers the hearts of many girls. They love to take pictures with them to preserve the moments of their adolescence.

The tiny flowers have starred in many poems and songs about Hanoi. The beautiful blossoms, though without fragrance, can still enchant many a romantic soul.

With summer just around the corner, any Hanoi resident away from the city would regret missing out on the scene.