London Seasonal Flowers: What Blooms When and Where to Find Them

London’s parks and gardens change colour every few months, but most visitors don’t know the exact timing. Knowing which flower is in season helps you pick the right day, avoid crowds, and snap the best photos.

Spring – Tulips, Daffodils and Cherry Blossoms

Early March to late May brings a burst of colour. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, plants dozens of tulip varieties that peak in mid‑April. Walk the Palm House and you’ll see bright daffodils spilling over stone walls. For a quick pink hit, head to St James’s Park – the cherry trees bloom around the first week of April, perfect for a short stroll.

Summer – Roses, Lavender and Sunflowers

June through August is the hottest flower window. The Victoria and Albert Museum’s garden showcases English roses that stay strong until early September. If you love scent, the lavender beds at the Chelsea Physic Garden hit full fragrance in late June. For a splash of yellow, visit Regent’s Park’s open‑air meadow, where sunflowers line the pathways from late July onward.

Autumn – Chrysanthemums, Asters and Japanese Maple Leaves

September to November brings rich, warm tones. The Chrysanthemum Show at Kew normally runs the first two weeks of October, offering a range of shapes from daisy‑like to spiky globes. Asters thrive in the garden at Greenwich Park and keep the colour alive well into early November. Don’t miss the Japanese maples in Holland Park – their leaves turn deep red and orange from late October.

Winter – Holly, Snowdrops and Camellias

Even when it’s cold, London still has flowers to show. Snowdrops pop up in the squares of St John’s Wood near Hampstead in late January. If you prefer evergreen, the holly bushes in Hyde Hyde’s Winter Garden are trimmed and bright throughout December. Camellias at the Imperial War Museum’s garden flower from December into February, adding a splash of pink against the grey sky.

Quick tips for every season: bring a small umbrella in spring – rain can be sudden, and a waterproof coat in winter – you’ll stay comfortable while waiting for a bloom to open. Use a lightweight tripod for low‑light shots in autumn and winter; it steadies the camera without adding bulk.

Planning your flower walks is easy with public transport. Most major gardens are near tube stations: Kew Gardens (District line), Victoria (Circle, District, and Victoria lines) for the V&A garden, and Camden Town for Regent’s Park. A day pass or an Oyster card saves money and gives you flexibility to hop between spots.

Finally, respect the plants. Stay on marked paths, don’t pick the flowers, and keep dogs on leashes where required. Following these simple rules keeps the gardens beautiful for future visitors.

Whether you’re chasing the first tulip of the year or the last camellia before snow, London’s seasonal flowers give the city a fresh look all year long. Pack your camera, check the bloom calendar, and head out to experience the ever‑changing colours of the capital.