France is well-known for its many cultural and culinary treasures. However, a lot of people don’t realize that France is also home to a beautiful variety of flowers that only grows there.
French flowers brighten up any garden with their grace and beauty. Many of these blooms also require little in the way of care, making them ideal for novice gardeners.
Today, we’ll learn more about 12 native French flowers. We’ll talk about the significance of each, along with some helpful growing advice.
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12 Native French Flowers
1. Capucine/Nasturtium
The Nasturtium flower earned its French name, capucine, because of its uncanny resemblance to a hood. The unique shape of the flower is reminiscent of a capuchin monk’s hood, hence the name.
This plant is a real showstopper! With its big, circular leaves and vibrant red, orange, or yellow blooms, it’s sure to turn heads whether you plant it in a border or display it in a container or hanging basket.
This is also a low-maintenance plant that can easily flourish without much attention. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a beautiful garden without the hassle of constant upkeep. Even if you forget to water it or give it fertilizer, this hardy plant will still thrive and add a pop of color to your outdoor space.
Plus, Nasturtium flowers are not only beautiful but also edible. These vibrant blooms have a distinct peppery flavor that can add a unique kick to your salads or garnishes.
2. French Daffodil
The stems of French daffodils can reach a height of 3 feet. Their gorgeous blossoms come in a spectrum of colors, from white to yellow to orange, for which they are renowned.
The French daffodil is an annual bulb that produces yellow flowers in the spring. It thrives in either partial or full shade and wet soil.
These blossoms are equally at home in the ground or in containers carried inside for the winter. Make sure to plant these flowers at a depth of at least 2 inches so they can establish themselves in the ground before the cold weather sets in.
3. French Marigold
The blossoms of French marigolds are highly prized because of their exquisite beauty. The plants are often used to create stunning landscapes and decorative plants.
French marigolds can reach a height of 1.6 feet and a width of 1 foot under ideal conditions. They begin to bloom in September and continue until the first deadly frost.
Hermaphroditic insects, notably beetles, are responsible for pollinating their flowers. Oil glands in the leaves of French marigolds produce a strong odor when the leaves are broken.
Marigolds can have red, yellow, orange, or bicolored (yellow and red) flowers. They contain overlapping layers of petals, and the petals become smaller and more densely packed as they move toward the flower’s center.
4. French Peony
The French Peony is a well-loved flower for its aesthetic value in the country’s landscape. These are the ideal decorative flower because of their large, colorful petals.
The fragrant French peony is one of spring’s most anticipated blooms. In recent years, peonies have seen a 20-year renaissance in France. It’s the second most popular flower purchased for Mom on Mother’s Day, after roses.
Southern France is ideal for growing peonies. The plant thrives in the outdoors here thanks to the chilly evenings and sunny days.
In addition to their natural habitat, peonies do well in containers or gardens. Note that French peonies thrive best in well-drained soil and lots of sunlight.
5. French Rose
For centuries, the French rose, scientifically known as rosa gallica or apothecary’s rose, has been a beloved addition to gardens throughout France. Its popularity dates back to medieval times, and it’s easy to see why. With its stunning blooms and rich history, the French rose is a true treasure of the gardening world.
These beautiful flowers grow on low, dense shrubs that can be used to create stunning borders or edging around your garden.
Not only do they look great, but they’re also easy to care for, making them a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
To ensure a bountiful display of vibrant blooms, these rose bushes thrive in soil that is rich in nutrients. So, make sure to provide them with fertile soil that is packed with all the necessary minerals and organic matter.
6. Gerberas
Since the 18th century, Gerberas have been cultivated in France. The French term ‘gerbe D’or,’ literally translated as “straw of gold,” relates to the variety of shades that the petals can take on.
Gerberas are perennial herbs that have straight stems and leaves that are alternately placed. They develop flat-topped clusters of flower heads, with ray florets on the outside and disc florets in the middle.
The ray florets of various species can be any of several colors, including white, yellow, orange, and pink. The disc florets are typically yellow, but other colors are possible.
When properly cared for, gerbera plants bloom continuously throughout the summer. They are beautiful when grown in hanging baskets or other containers on a patio or balcony, and they also make great cut flowers.
7. Iris
The iris is France’s national flower. It’s a stunning flower with a wide range of colors, and it can be found all throughout the country. For ages, the Iris has stood in for France on everything from coinage to the country’s coat of arms.
The Iris is a spring-blooming perennial plant. Although blue and purple are the most common colors for irises, white and yellow variants also exist.
They require nothing in the way of upkeep and are very resilient. Although iris blooms thrive in bright sunlight, they can also grow in dappled light. Once an iris plant is established, it can survive with only occasional watering. Additionally, these blossoms are resistant to most common diseases and pests.
8. Lavender
Did you know that French lavender is a tough plant that can withstand a lot of neglect and mistreatment? This makes it an excellent choice for those who are new to gardening or have a busy schedule. Even if you forget to water it or give it too much sun, French lavender is likely to survive and thrive.
This plant thrives in soil that is rocky and well-draining, making it a great choice for gardens with these conditions. Additionally, it has a remarkable ability to withstand drought, making it a low-maintenance option for those who live in dry climates.
The word “lavender” has its roots in the Latin word “lavare,” which means “to wash.” This is because lavender has been traditionally used for its cleansing and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and other personal care products.
Lavender has a rich history of being used as a versatile and delightful fragrance. From adorning clothing and skin to enhancing the aroma of soaps, sachets, and potpourris, this plant has been a go-to for centuries.
Related Read:
Beautiful Lavender Fields In France
9. Lilac
The French lilac is a symbol of rebirth and one of the most prominent spring flowers. The common lilac, sometimes known as French lilac, is a shrub in the Oleaceae family that is also native to southeastern Europe and western Asia. There are over 30 different kinds, ranging from blue to parma via white and pink.
Between April and June, lilacs bloom in profusion, creating a fragrant vaporous mist that wafts through the air. The scents are strong, clean, floral and fruity, and somewhat musky.
The four-petaled florets that make up French lilac are grouped together in drooping clusters called thyrses. Its deciduous leaves are also attractive ornaments. Second flowerings in September are seen in several lilac cultivars, notably the small-leaved ones.
10. Lily
It’s no surprise that the national flower of France is the lily, which has long symbolized majesty and authority among the French people. The “fleur-de-lis” symbol has come to be used as a representation of national pride and independence.
Lilies are bulbous plants with tuber-like roots that can live for multiple growing seasons if given the correct care and climate. Depending on the species and environmental factors, they can get as tall as six feet.
Large, fragrant, and available in a rainbow of hues, lilies most commonly come in shades of red, yellow, white, orange, and pink. The plants often begin blooming in the late spring and continue through the summer and occasionally into the middle of September.
11. Lily-of-the-Valley
Fête du Muguet, which falls on May 1st, is a special occasion to commemorate the delicate and fragrant lilies of the valley. May Day in France is a special occasion where men express their love by gifting bouquets of sweet smelling flowers. This tradition was initiated by King Charles IX and has gained immense popularity over time.
This is a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in shady areas. Plus, the sweet, lingering fragrance of the lily-of-the-valley is sure to captivate your senses and leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits your garden.
This plant spreads quickly through rhizomes, making it perfect for filling in shady areas under trees or adding to containers.
Plus, its delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance will add a touch of elegance to any space. It’s important to keep in mind that every part of this plant is poisonous, so it’s crucial to exercise caution when handling it.
12. Pansy
The pansy, a tiny flower native to France, is a welcome sight in many gardens and on patios and balconies from fall through summer. It belongs to the genus Viola Tricolor because its petals can have up to three different hues (white, yellow, and blue), often blending together to form an unexpected pattern.
This French flower is a semi-perennial plant with a dynamic personality. In the summer, especially in the month of August, this winter bloom withers and bends forward, giving the impression that it is thinking or reflecting.
The petals of this flower also have a velvety texture, which is a distinguishing feature. Pansies thrive in full sun or bright, indirect light. They thrive in regular soil, especially one that is airy and humus-rich.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.