SINGAPORE - There is now no need to travel overseas to see the famous cherry blossom, with more than 20 varieties of the plant blooming here in Singapore.

The flowering cherry trees, or sakura, are part of the experimental floral display "Blossom Beats" at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay.

About half of the trees have started to bloom, and the trees are expected to continue doing so over the next one to two weeks. Visitors can look forward to seeing varieties of blooms of a range of shades from white to pink.

In addition to cherry blossoms, peach blossoms are in bloom, too. One unusual variety on show is the Prunus Genpei Shidare which has both red and white flowers growing on the same plant.

The display is styled after a traditional Japanese garden, featuring Japanese elements such as a traditional torii gate and Japanese screens.

Mr Felix Loh, chief operating officer of Gardens by the Bay, said the gardens "delights visitors with flowers not commonly seen in Singapore". "With this in mind, we decided to bring in a variety of cherry and peach blossoms."

Visitors can check Gardens by the Bay's Facebook page for updates on the blooming. The floral display is expected to run until March 27.