What’s bloomin’, Greenville? Spring is right around the corner, so let’s all stop and smell the flowers. Here are local blooms you can find in South Carolina.
Arrowwood Viburnum | These flowers are a flat-topped cluster of several small, white buds. Be sure to pick these whimsical blooms quickly before the flowers turn into berries ripening in the early fall.
Atamasco Lily | Better known as a Rain Lily, this one takes a little prep – if you plant a bulb this spring, then it will bloom next March or April. The long grass-like leaves will form around the base and single flowers will bloom with long white petals.
Black-Eyed Susan | This is one of the most popular wildflowers that grows in North America. It is a member of the Aster family + can grow to be over 3 feet tall, with leaves of 6 inches, and flowers 3 inches in diameter.
Camellia | There are around 300 species of camellia. Some are perfect for a beautiful bouquet while others are just right for tea leaves and cooking.
Carolina Aster | These purple blooms flower late in the season + can also be referred to as Climbing Aster since they tend to grow and lean vertically.
Columbine | These blooms come in a variety of colors + can be spotted nearly all year. #ProTip: These beautiful flowers are a hummingbird favorite.
Common Yarrow | Known scientifically as Achillea Millefolium, this flower is made of a cluster of small blooming white buds. Together the buds form a flat dome-like shape that sits atop a long thin stem.
Coral Honeysuckle | Also known as a Trumpet Honeysuckle, with its bold colors + trumpet like shape, this twining vine can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 20 feet long.
Crested Iris | These short-stemmed flowers feature vibrant colors, including lavender and white-gold petals. These plants also display beautiful organic movement.
Dogwood | To quote Darius Rucker, “Picking me a bouquet of dogwood flowers.” Dogwoods are easy to distinguish by their white and pink blossoms + are plentiful in South Carolina. Their wood is extremely shock-resistant and has been used to make spools, jeweler’s blocks, and mallet heads. Native Americans also used the bark and roots of dogwoods to treat malaria.
Ferns | You may know that ferns are common in South Carolina, but did you know that you might be able to find nine local types of ferns in your own backyard? Each of these indigenous species has a similar look — a series of small green leafs branching from a center stem — with slightly varying leaf patterns.
Magnolia | Magnolias are a beautiful part of the traditional southern landscape. Southern Magnolias produce fragrant, white flowers in the summer that bloom around 9 a.m. and close at nightfall for two to three days.
Noisette Roses | Noisettes originated in Charleston, dating back to the early 1800s. They are vigorous climbing roses with elegant foliage. The blooms showcase pastel colors, including yellow hues.
Wild Hydrangea | These large shrubs can be spotted all around town. Some clusterings of the small flowers are so heavy they can weigh the stem to the ground.
Wild Indigo | Pay homage to South Carolina’s history in a bouquet with these indigo sprigs. It’s no surprise these flowers were once used to dye clothing with their rich violet hue.
Yellow Jessamine | We can’t talk about South Carolina flowers and not mention the state flower, adopted in 1924. The yellow jessamine features trumpet shaped, yellow blooms, which you can begin to spot in early spring. This flower also appears on our state quarter from the US Mint along with our state bird — the Carolina Wren.
Wanting more local blooms? Check out this list of South Carolina’s native plants.
Not sure where to pick up a bouquet locally? Here are a few suggestions.
Shoppe Fields South, traveling flower truck
Meg’s Flower Bar, traveling flower truck
Twigs, multiple locations
Roots, 2249 Augusta St.
Philo Floral, 2309 Old Buncombe Rd.
Urban Petals Lifestyle Boutique, 101 Victoria St., Greer
Poll
