The ultimate guide to seasonal flowers in France

The importance of choosing local seasonal flowers

Did you know that a bouquet of roses imported from Kenya emits up to 10 times more CO₂ than a local arrangement? With 85% of cut flowers sold in France coming from abroad, returning to natural cycles is becoming urgent.

Discover how to combine floral beauty with respect for the environment.


5 good reasons to choose seasonal flowers:

✅ Reduced carbon footprint

✅ Better freshness (2x longer lifespan)

✅ Support for local producers (+15% increase in flower farms since 2020)

✅ Preservation of biodiversity

✅ Respect for natural cycles (no heated greenhouses)

Our guide to local flowers: month by month.

Learn about flowering throughout the seasons.

January flowers

Viburnum, a stunning flowering shrub with snowball-shaped flowers, will accompany you through winter. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees.

Snowdrops, hellebores, and winter jasmine brave the cold.

Forced bulbs (daffodils, hyacinths) bloom in unheated greenhouses at some dedicated horticulturists.

Virone

February flowers: Valentine's Day special

Wild violets are out! They bring a touch of colour to the winter season.

To give seasonal flowers to your loved one, choose a bouquet containing: 

- Mimosa
- Anemones
- Ranunculus (similar to peonies)
- Tulips, if available

Don't buy roses! Often imported from Kenya, they are not in season in France.

Renoncule

Flowers of March

The month of yellow is upon us: daffodils, narcissi and mimosas brighten up gardens and meadows.

Crocuses and botanical tulips kick off the season of bright colours.

Eco-tip: Choose untreated tulips from French producers (labelled ‘Fleurs de France’) or those from Holland for more choice while staying in Europe.

Crocus

Flowers of the month April

Daisies carpet the meadows. It's also time for the sublime peonies to bloom.

April is also the season for Dutch tulips, with over 80 heritage varieties to choose from. Which one will you pick?

This month, we also see the return of Caen anemones. Wisteria and lilacs fill gardens and public spaces with their fragrance—a real delight!

Key figures: a French peony emits 0.3 kg of CO₂, compared to 3 kg for a Kenyan rose. So choose peonies!

Glycine

May flowers

The ever-present lily of the valley and the arrival of irises celebrate spring.

The first old roses (centifolia, gallica) reveal their intoxicating scents.

The history of lily of the valley

Lily of the valley, a small white flower shaped like a bell, is much more than just a symbol of spring: it has a rich history and traditions deeply rooted in France and Europe. Its history dates back to the Renaissance.

In 1560, during a visit to the Drôme region, King Charles IX received a sprig of lily of the valley as a gift from the knight Louis de Girard de Maisonforte. Charmed by this gesture, the king decided the following year to give a sprig of lily of the valley to each lady of the court as a good luck charm, thus starting a tradition that continues to this day.

But lily of the valley is also a flower steeped in much older symbolism. In ancient times, it was associated with the renewal of spring and good harvests. In France, its small white bells evoke gentleness and humility, often associated with the Virgin Mary.

Every May 1, offering a sprig of lily of the valley has become a symbolic gesture of luck and happiness. This tradition has also become intertwined with Labor Day celebrations, although lily of the valley and Labor Day have distinct origins.

Today, France produces around 60 million sprigs of lily of the valley each year, mainly in the Loire-Atlantique region, where the cultivation of this flower generates several thousand jobs!

muguet

Flowers of June

It's peak season for roses, which are now in bloom! Sweet peas, delphiniums, and hydrangeas also herald the arrival of summer. Bright red poppies colonize the fields, symbolizing the harvest.

rose

Summer flowers: July and August

Sunflowers, lavender, and dahlias can withstand the heat. Asters and meadowsweet thrive on the edges.

Infographic: A local dahlia consumes 5 times less water than an imported lily.

tournesol

The flowers of September and October

Chrysanthemums and poppies color the gardens.

Virginia vines blaze with color.

Chrysanthèmes

Flowers for November and December

Make way for heather, a small plant with shades of pink that appears during this season. Dried flowers (statice, immortelle) replace fresh arrangements. Fir trees and holly are back to accompany us throughout the winter.

Tip: Make your own Advent wreath with local ivy and pine cones collected during a walk.

Here is a tutorial to inspire you, but you can find others on YouTube to help you make the one that suits you best.

Houx en fleurs

3 Iconic flower festivals to discover in Europe

Keukenhof (Netherlands): A park filled with 7 million bulbs covering 32 hectares, open from March to May.

Flower Festival (Madeira): Parades and plant sculptures – May.

Flower Carpet (Brussels): 1 million begonias on the Grand Place – August.


Be sure to check local guides to see if there is a flower market planned near you!

Flower markets are usually held in mid-April.

How can we take action on a daily basis?

● Identify labels: Fleurs de France, MPS (sustainable production method)

● Growing your own flowers: “Local Flowers” seed kits (poppies, cornflowers)

● Choose committed florists: Casa Flores platform for eco-friendly arrangements

“Nature does nothing in vain” – Aristotle. By following its rhythm, every bouquet becomes an ecological act.


Here is a small table summarizing the impact of flower imports.

Natural cycle vs. heated greenhouse.

Sources: ADEME, Interflora, MNHN, Atelier Aimer, Calendrier Bricoleur Pro, eDreams flower festivals, Étude Plus de Fleurs, CasaFlores, jardinagepagesjaunes.fr

Are you environmentally conscious? So are we!

Aatise, eco-friendly clothing made in France

Just as you choose local seasonal flowers to brighten up your home, opt for ethical and sustainable fashion.

Our eco-friendly clothing collections are designed using natural, environmentally friendly materials for a style that makes sense and lasts. Because we can be stylish and responsible together.


Here's a quiz to find out what outfit suits you best based on your favourite flower: 

Lien des produits : Zesi - Zéfi - Zolanta - Zandre - Zargot - Zinon