30 Native French Flowers and Wildflowers to Admire

Identified for its lovely cities and well-known artistic endeavors, you may not notice that France can be house to a number of beautiful native flowers. What’s extra, many of those native flowers could make fantastic additions to your backyard. On this article, you’ll uncover 30 fabulous native French flowers.

France Native Vary and Rising Zones

France is located in Western Europe with coastlines alongside each the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. You may discover varied habitats in France, starting from fields and forests to the breathtaking mountains of the Alps and the Pyrenees.

Most of France experiences a temperate local weather, whereas Southern France enjoys a hotter Mediterranean local weather. France’s local weather zones correlate to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10.

How Are France’s Native Flowers Outlined?

France’s native flowers are outlined as crops that naturally happen in France. Many native flowers have been current in France since not less than the top of the final ice age. Nevertheless, it is best to be aware that many non-native crops launched by people at the moment are widespread in France.

30 Beautiful Native French Flowers: 

1) Alpine Aster

Alpine asters are fantastic herbaceous perennials from the aster or daisy household (Asteraceae). These asters develop in clumps of darkish inexperienced lanceolate leaves and blue, pink, or purple daisy-like flowers. As their title suggests, these flowers are native to the Alps.

I like Alpine asters as a result of they’re extremely versatile. They work exceptionally effectively in rock gardens, however you too can develop them in borders and containers.

2) Alpine Overlook-me-not

Dazzling drifts of tiny pale blue flowers with yellow facilities outline the Alpine forget-me-not. Rising from clumps of lance-shaped leaves lined in positive hairs, these beauties are members of the borage household (Boraginaceae).

As short-lived herbaceous perennials, they possess a novel trait: they self-seed simply. This makes them a favourite for backyard borders and rock gardens. For optimum progress, guarantee they’re planted in moist, well-draining soils. The Alpine forget-me-nots improve backyard magnificence and thrive with minimal fuss.

3) Alpine Sea Holly

Often known as the queen-of-the-Alps, the Alpine sea holly boasts giant, vibrant flowers. The Eryngium alpinum crops showcase dense umbels of minuscule blooms encased in feathery blue or purple bracts.

Complementing their placing look are their shiny, heart-shaped leaves. They’re not simply visually pleasing; the Alpine sea holly is a magnet for bees and butterflies, making them excellent for alpine or wildlife borders. A real backyard royalty that not solely beautifies but additionally helps native wildlife.

4) Bee Orchid

Bee orchids are lovely however uncommon orchids with a intelligent trick up their sleeve. Bee orchid flowers have three purple sepals and an intricate labellum that resembles a bee. These fascinating flowers even produce pheromones that replicate the scent of feminine bees.

Lured in by these pheromones, male bees mistake the labellum for a feminine bee. This tips them into touchdown on the flower and pollinating it.

5) Broomrape

Broomrapes are a bunch of roughly 200 uncommon crops. What makes them distinctive? They lack the power to provide chlorophyll. This deficiency causes them to behave as parasites, latching onto the roots of neighboring crops to siphon off important vitamins and water.

As a substitute of the everyday inexperienced foliage, broomrape crops showcase yellow stems adorned with triangular scales, taking the function of leaves. Moreover, they flaunt tubular flowers in shades of yellow, purple, or white, all of that are delicately lined in brief hairs. A genuinely intriguing specimen within the plant world!

6) Carnivorous Sundew

Carnivorous sundews are fascinating crops that kind rosettes of reddish-green rounded leaves. These evergreen perennials are lined in sticky hairs that lure bugs. As soon as an unlucky insect is trapped, the leaf curls in on itself and digests the insect utilizing enzymes.

Carnivorous sundews inhabit moist, acidic soils in boggy or marshy areas. Nevertheless, you too can develop them indoors.

7) Widespread Poppy

Widespread poppies are lovely annuals which have giant, scarlet flowers with papery petals and black central florets. The flowers are accompanied by furry stems and deeply divided pinnate leaves.

I like rising these poppies as annuals in a wildflower mattress or meadow. Widespread poppies are additionally a poignant image of remembrance for fallen troopers, particularly those that died in World Conflict One.

8) Crocus neapolitanus

Are you a fan of spring blooms? If that’s the case, Crocus flowers would possibly simply turn into a cherished addition to your backyard, particularly the Crocus neapolitanus selection.

Originating from areas of France, Austria, and Italy, this crocus species is actually fascinating. Every flower presents with beautiful purple petals, numbering six in complete, and stands out vividly with its vivid yellow stamens. Complementing its bloom are the slender inexperienced leaves marked with distinctive white central stripes.

For them to flourish, you’ll want to make sure they’re nestled in moist, well-draining soils. Add some Crocus neapolitanus to your backyard, and revel within the magnificence they carry every spring!

9) European Pasqueflower

Belonging to the buttercup household (Ranunculaceae), these herbaceous perennials are famend for his or her magnificence. For optimum progress, plant them in chalky, loamy, or sandy soils.

You’ll be captivated as they kind rosettes of soppy, grayish-green leaves, every delicately lined in hairs. And when spring rolls round? Count on your European pasqueflowers to showcase nodding bell-shaped blossoms with pink or purple petals, fantastically highlighted by vivid yellow central florets.

10) European Sea Rocket

European sea rocket is an annual succulent that belongs to the cabbage or mustard household (Brassicaceae). These crops thrive in coastal areas and require sandy soils and full solar. Nevertheless, they are often invasive.

European sea rocket has prostrate branched stems lined in succulent obovate or rectangular leaves. Throughout the summer season, these crops produce small white or purple flowers which have 4 petals.

11) European Water Lily

European water lilies are aquatic perennials that work effectively as pond crops. These water lilies are recognized for his or her giant white flowers, vivid yellow stamens, and refined, delicate perfume.

These water lilies even have giant, rounded lily pads that may develop as much as 12 inches large. When rising these crops in ponds, use aquatic fertilizers to supply additional vitamins.

12) French Honeysuckle

Though broadly grown as animal fodder, French honeysuckle can be a beautiful decorative plant. These short-lived herbaceous perennials belong to the legume or pea household (Fabaceae).

French honeysuckles have pinnate, compound leaves consisting of as much as 15 grayish-green rectangular leaflets. Throughout the summer season, these crops have dense racemes of pea-like crimson flowers. These flowers emit a powerful, candy scent.

13) French Lavender

Also referred to as Spanish lavender, French lavender is one in every of France’s most well-known native flowers. These early-blooming lavender shrubs have fragrant grayish-green leaves which have a number of makes use of. French lavender additionally has darkish purple flowers which are topped with gentle purple bracts.

French lavender thrives in unfastened, well-draining soils, so it really works very well in Mediterranean or herb gardens. You may as well develop it in containers.

14) French Sorrel

Planning so as to add a zesty contact to your backyard? Take into account French sorrel.

This herbaceous perennial, hailing from the buckwheat household (Polygonaceae), boasts spreading clumps of arrow-shaped leaves complemented by spikes of dainty pink or white flowers.

Not only a visible deal with, the younger leaves of the French sorrel are edible, delivering a tart, lemony burst of taste. They shine brightest when integrated into soups and salads. However, a phrase of warning: these leaves comprise oxalic acid. To get pleasure from their tang with none draw back, make sure you don’t eat them in giant portions. Add a contact of French culinary aptitude to your backyard and dishes with French sorrel!

15) Globe Daisy

Contemplating a placing addition to your backyard? Meet the Globe daisies.

Originating from the plantain household (Plantaginaceae), these fascinating flowering shrubs stand out with their blue or purple globe-like flower heads, true to their title. Complementing these blooms are their small rectangular leaves.

Of their native French habitats, Globe daisies showcase their vibrant blooms from winter by way of spring. Given their choice for dry, alpine environments, they’re a high decide for rock gardens. In case you’re after an attention grabbing and resilient plant, Globe daisies may very well be your subsequent backyard favourite.

16) Lily of the Valley

In France, lily of the valley flowers are referred to as muguet. These elegant flowers take heart stage in a public vacation referred to as La Fete du Muguet. Throughout the competition, held on Could 1st, sprigs of lily of the valley are exchanged as items to advertise good luck.

These herbaceous perennials have nodding racemes of delicate, bell-shaped white flowers. Plus, you’ll love their candy perfume. 

17) Marsh Gentian

Marsh gentian is a member of the Gentianaceae household that thrives in marshy habitats. These wildflowers have giant, bell-shaped blue flowers with white stamens. The flowers emerge on upright stems amid clumps of slim inexperienced leaves.

These native French flowers bloom from late spring till early summer season. These wildflowers are native to components of Europe, together with France, Britain, and Spain.

18) Meadow Clary

Also referred to as meadow sage, meadow clary works effectively in borders or wildflower meadows. These lovely native French wildflowers have darkish blue flowers which are nice at attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

These herbaceous perennials belong to the mint or sage household (Lamiaceae). Meadow clary grows in clumps of furry stems and grayish-green rectangular or lanceolate leaves.

19) Meadow Saffron

Also referred to as the autumn crocus, meadow saffron is a herbaceous perennial from the Colchicaceae household. These crops develop from underground corms and have lengthy, lance-shaped leaves.

Throughout the summer season, meadow saffron has pale purple or pink flowers that resemble crocus flowers. Nevertheless, these crops aren’t really associated to true crocus flowers. These crops are additionally extraordinarily poisonous.

20) Mountain Arnica

Mountain arnica is a herbaceous perennial that grows in meadows and woodlands. These wildflowers belong to the daisy household. Though usually utilized in conventional drugs, mountain arnica is definitely poisonous, particularly when utilized to the pores and skin.

These French native flowers have ovate, furry basal leaves, and lance-shaped higher leaves. Throughout the summer season, these crops have golden-yellow daisy-like flowers with yellow central florets.

21) Purple Toothwort

The purple toothwort is an uncommon plant that doesn’t have leaves and might’t produce chlorophyll. As a substitute, it siphons vitamins from host crops by attaching itself to their roots. Surprisingly, the host crops aren’t adversely affected.

Apparently, you gained’t discover any inexperienced components on purple toothwort crops. As a substitute, these parasitic crops have lengthy, purple flowers. In France, purple toothwort is also called clandestine.

22) Pyrenean Buttercup

Pyrenean buttercups are enticing members of the buttercup household. These deciduous perennials are additionally fashionable as bedding crops. I like planting these buttercups in spring borders due to their elegant flowers.

These native French flowers develop in clumps of bluish-green lanceolate leaves. Throughout the spring and summer season, these perennials have lovely white flowers with golden-yellow central florets.

23) Pyrenean Lily

Also referred to as yellow Turk’s-cap lilies, Pyrenean lilies are vibrant flowers that thrive all through the Pyrenees. These bulbous perennials work fantastically as reduce flowers, though they do have an odd, musky perfume.

Pyrenean lilies have upright stems that bear whorls of grayish-green lance-shaped leaves. These lilies produce roughly 12 yellow flowers with recurved petals and reddish-orange stamens.

24) Pyrenean Saxifrage

Also referred to as encrusted saxifrage, Pyrenean saxifrage is an evergreen perennial that works effectively in alpine or rock gardens. I like that these crops kind dense rosettes of shiny inexperienced leaves with silvery edges.

After a number of years, Pyrenean saxifrage produces a stem topped with a spike of tiny white flowers. These perennials are native to the Pyrenees.

25) Pyrenean Scabious

Generally referred to as discipline scabious, Pyrenean scabious is one in every of my favourite native French flowers. I like including these lovely flowers to my wildflower borders and containers.

Pyrenean scabious types clumps of upright stems and pinnate leaves. Throughout the summer season, these wildflowers have pale blue flowers with pincushion-like central florets. The stems, leaves, and flowers are all lined in stiff hairs.

26) Pyrenean Violet

Pyrenean violets are powerful however lovely members of the Gesneriaceae household. These evergreen perennials thrive in dry soils and might even survive extreme droughts. As such, Pyrenean violets are excellent for including some shade to rock gardens.

These native French flowers develop in rosettes of oval-shaped leaves with wavy margins. Throughout the spring, these crops have beautiful purple flowers with 5 petals and vivid yellow facilities.

27) Spherical-headed Leek

Most alliums make glorious decorative crops, and the round-headed leek is not any exception. These alliums have tall stems topped with small, densely packed globes of tiny reddish-purple flowers. As such, this species is also called the drumstick allium.

Spherical-headed leeks develop from egg-shaped underground bulbs. Plant the bulbs within the fall to get pleasure from a superb show from late spring to early summer season.

28) Sea Lavender

Sea lavender is a herbaceous perennial from the leadwort household (Plumbaginaceae). Regardless of its widespread title, sea lavender isn’t really associated to true lavenders. These crops thrive in sandy or salty soils.

Sea lavender has basal rosettes of darkish inexperienced, oval-shaped leaves and upright stems. From summer season till fall, sea lavender has gentle purple flowers protected by white bracts.

29) Wild Pansy

Wild pansies are among the world’s hottest bedding crops. These cheery little annuals or short-lived perennials work effectively in backyard borders. The flowers are additionally edible and work finest in salads.

Wild pansies have deeply lobed oval-shaped leaves and tricolor flowers. The higher petals are purple, and the center ones are gentle purple. What’s extra, the yellow decrease petals even have purple markings.

30) Wooden Anemone

Wooden anemones are a few of my favourite spring flowers to develop in partial shade. These elegant flowers are native all through Europe and components of Western Asia. Wooden anemones usually develop in historical woodland habitats.

These native French herbaceous perennials develop in clumps of compound palmate leaves with three lobes. All through the spring, wooden anemones produce fantastic white flowers with a number of sepals and yellow facilities.

Wooden anemones unfold by way of underground rhizomes and ought to be planted within the fall. These woodland wildflowers thrive in fertile, moist soils that also present good drainage.

Native French Flowers FAQs:

Wrapping Up

France is blessed with a number of fabulous native flowers that additionally work effectively in most gardens. A few of my private favorites are French lavender bushes, Pyrenean scabious flowers, and wild pansies. Most of France’s native flowers thrive in USDA Zones 6 to 10. Lots of them can be grown in containers.

Edd is a budding content material author and gardener residing in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Inventive and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s captivated with nature and sustainability with a concentrate on gardening and wildlife.