Many native species from France have been adopted in gardens across the world. These are some of the most beautiful French flowers that make lovely additions to home landscaping.
Iris
Found throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere, Iris is a diverse species that has become representative of France. Though the fleur-de-lis, a widely recognized symbol of the country, translates to the “flower of the lily,” the flower depicted is a yellow iris. These flowers come in numerous varieties, prized for their vast range of colors.
Lily
Like Irises, Lilies are found all over the North Hemisphere in temperate and some subtropical areas. These plants are associated with France due to the fleur-de-lis and are a favorite of gardeners for their long petals and color variance.
Gourdon Flowers
Named for its prominence in Gourdon, France, these flowers climb walls throughout the country. These plants sprout wherever they can, producing vibrantly purple flowers shaped like bells. Gourdon Flowers would be a good option for a rock garden.
French Rose
Found throughout southern and Central Europe, the French Rose was one of the first cultivated rose species. Typically, these flowers are bright pink, but there are all ranges of color from white to purple. French Roses appeared in gardens in Ancient Greece and Rome. Modern roses are a hybridization of these roses.
Lavender
Lavender is another plant prized by humans since antiquity for multiple reasons. Not only doesn’t the plant bloom with fragrant purple flowers, but it also has antimicrobial properties. The shrub can grow at least 3 feet, and some varieties become twice as tall. Lavender has long been used as a perfume, and the herb may help reduce stress.
Hyacinths
These flowering plants are native to the Mediterranean. Hyacinths bloom in various colors, but the most common is purple. The plants are grown from bulbs, and care should be taken when handling them. Bulbs are poisonous to consume, and touching them causes mild skin problems.
Marigolds
While a variety native to the Mediterranean exists, the bright orange Marigold seen most often today is indigenous to Central America. This species was brought to France, where they were cultivated into a new variety. The French Marigold is more resistant to cold than others like it. These flowers also attract and eliminate insects that would otherwise act as garden pests.
Narcissus
A beautiful flower with white and yellow petals, these flowers form an almost cup-like shape. Daffodil is one common name for this flower with Mediterranean origins. These plants grow from bulbs and have been cultivated since ancient times for medicinal properties. Narcissus are used commercially for floriculture as well as for continued medical use.
Lilacs
Lilac is a flowering shrub that is a member of the olive family. The origins of this plant trace back to the Balkan Peninsula but have been used in European gardens to the point they are considered naturalized. French cultivars of Lilacs are prized for a wide variety of colors not present in other types.
Rosemary
A shrub native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary is evergreen with herbaceous-smelling leaves. The herb has been used in cooking for centuries. Rosemary shrubs bloom with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers in the spring in temperature areas. When you grow the plant in warmer areas, it sometimes blooms all year long.
Jasmine
One of the most popular scents for fragrances, Jasmine is a plant with hundreds of varieties. The plant is native globally in tropical and subtropical regions. You can sometimes use these flowers to make tea, and they come in variations of white and yellow. These are great options for most gardens as they find most soil tolerable.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley may share a name but is not related to true lilies. This plant produces small white bell-shaped flowers and thrives in cool temperatures. They are an attractive choice, but be cautious. These are invasive species in some parts of North America.
Poppy
The Poppy was domesticated in Europe before the Stone Age and has been used since. While you can use the flowers for aesthetics, the plant has other purposes. Ancient Egyptians used the seeds to relieve pain, and they are still cultivated to make medicine today. Poppies come in several colors, the most iconic of which is the red poppy associated with Remembrance Day.
Wisteria
While Wisteria isn’t native to France, it has been introduced and is a prevalent choice for gardens in the country. These plants have woody vines and a robust root system. They can cause damage when grown close to structures. These evergreen vines produce beautiful purple flowers.
French Flowers: Final Thoughts
As you decide which flowers to grow in your home garden, consider planting one of these beautiful French flowers!