NC Flower Timeline: A Guide to What’s Blooming When
Planning a wedding in North Carolina means embracing the rich diversity of flora that graces the state throughout the year. Seasons play a crucial role in determining the local availability , vibrancy and quality of any cut flower. Spring and fall are Raleigh’s busiest wedding seasons — not too hot, usually decent weather and lots of local flower choices!
In this guide, I’ll cover some of the best wedding flowers for spring and fall weddings in NC. Hint: They’re probably different than what you’re seeing on Pinterest!
Spring Splendor: A Burst of Color and Fragrance
As the winter recedes, spring in North Carolina’s Piedmont region brings a stunning array of flowers, infusing weddings with freshness, color and often, fragrance.
Every year and farm is different, but here’s a look at what’s often available in spring on our flower farm in Pittsboro, NC (Chatham County).
Early Spring Flowers (March/April)
Narcissus, tulips, ranunculus, anemones, delphinium, sweet Wiliam, bachelor's buttons, rosemary, iris, orlaya, poppies, Bells of Ireland, foxglove and snapdragons.
Mid Spring (April/May)
Most of the early spring flowers in greater quantities plus: hydrangeas, early peonies, scabiosa, peonies, sweet peas, stock, buplureum, mint, nigella, honeysuckle, saponaria, statice, spirea and poppy pods.
Late Spring (May/June)
Many early spring flowers have finished but there are usually good quantities of mid spring flowers plus: ammi, roses, Canterbury bells, sunflowers, monarda, feverfew, echinacea, strawflower, rudbeckia, lillies, yarrow, and zinnias.
Take a Summer Break
Summers in our area are hot. School’s out and so people head to the beach or mountains or wherever summer vacation takes them. Life gets back to normal in September after Labor Day and the fall wedding and flower season heats up.
Fall Foliage: Nature's Spectacular Palette
I’m a little biased. Fall is my favorite. I love how North Carolina transforms into a canvas of warm and rich hues, creating a picturesque backdrop for fall weddings. In the change of season, new flowers come to life, offering an abundance of options for couples seeking a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
Early Fall (September/October)
Dahlias, dahlias, and more dahlias! I don’t know if we really need anything else, but there is: hydrangeas, lisianthus, moody sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, gomphrena, goldenrod, scented geraniums, celosia, marigolds and amaranth.
Mid/Late Fall (October/mid-November)
Still so many dahlias and all of the early fall flowers plus asters, sedum, rose hips, snapdragons, leaves, eucalyptus and heirloom chrysanthemums.
What about Native Flowers for NC Weddings?
North Carolina has a host of native wildflowers and foliages that are wonderful additions to wedding palettes.
Spring natives include dogwoods, redubds, magnolias. In the fall, goldenrod, asters, wild Queen Anne’s Lace, coralberry, grasses, possumhaw and Black-Eyed Susans, add a touch of the state's natural beauty to wedding arrangements. Incorporating these local blooms not only celebrates the season but also embraces the unique charm of North Carolina's landscapes.
A Note About Natives
Commercial cut flower varieties were bred and selected for their bloom quality and vase life. Natives were not. While beautiful, some of them don’t last well in arrangements. For weddings or events that may not matter as much as an everyday arrangement, but it’s important to bear in mind when making your selections.
Creating Your Signature Seasonal Arrangements
If you’re interested in using local flowers for your NC wedding, you’ll want to embrace North Carolina’s seasons. Like planning a seasonal food menu, a local floral palette captures a moment in time celebrating the unique colors and beauty of each season.
But don’t just stop with your flower selection, consider the color palette too. Pastels or bright saturated colors are a natural fit for spring. You’ll find most flowers blooming at this time naturally reflect these hues. In fall, embrace the waning daylight and opt for deep, moody colors that reflect the harvest season.
When planning a wedding in North Carolina, it's essential to consider the climate and the unique beauty each season brings. Both spring and fall offer an abundance of choices for creating exquisite floral arrangements that reflect the essence of the chosen season.
Consulting with local florists and flower farms can provide valuable insights into the availability of specific blooms and help in creating arrangements that seamlessly blend with the chosen season and the unique character of North Carolina.
Crafting a Blooming North Carolina Wedding
Choosing wedding flowers that align with the seasons in North Carolina not only enhances the visual appeal of your celebration but also connects your special day with the natural rhythms of the state. From the delicate blossoms of spring to the rich and warm tones of fall, North Carolina offers a captivating floral tapestry for couples seeking to infuse their weddings with the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
By selecting seasonal blooms, you not only celebrate the time of year but also create an unforgettable experience that captures the heart and soul of North Carolina's diverse and enchanting flora.
Want to Know What We’re Growing This Year?
I spend hours making great plans for our annual flower calendar, but sometimes life and the weather throw curveballs. It’s a look at what I have planned for this year. But take it as a guide not a guarantee. If you’re interested in a specific flower or color, please send me an email to inquire.
