5 Perfect Summertime Flowers

To Brighten Your Home

Summertime is here in Los Angeles (well, it's officially June, so you know what I mean). Summer is associated with a lot of things, such as warm(er) days at the pool, long nights on the patio, busy sports schedules and so much more. It's the time of year when we have the most festivities and events to attend and we inevitably end up spending a lot of time outside.

But when the heat gets a little too intense, we unstick ourselves from our activities and quickly head into our AC'd home. And while the sun beats down outside, it sometimes leaves the insides looking...well, a little dull in comparison.

Arranging your home with flower arrangements, and/or potted plants is an excellent way to give your home that fresh, welcoming feel while you wait out the 100-degree days. Below you will find a list of 6 summer-friendly florals that you can grab at your local store or farmers market now to help you bring some of the beauty indoors without getting scorched.

1. Peonies

IT'S FINALLY HERE, I REPEAT, PEONY SEASON IS HERE! Do not wait a moment longer before stopping at your closest Trader Joe's and grabbing yourself a bundle (or two)!

Cultivated in China for more than 4000 years, peonies have earned our #1 summer spot with their spectacular colors, varietals, and fragrances. A simple vase filled with peonies will capture any room and leave it smelling divine for days. Grab some soon- they don't last very long!

2. Garden Roses

If you're looking for an elegant, classic look for your floral arrangements, you should know that The Hidden Garden turns to garden roses when peony season has ended.

Garden roses are the most popular variety of rose because they have a timeless charm and lush, full blooms that make them ideal for weddings and other formal events. They're also incredibly fragrant, which makes them perfect for romantic occasions (anniversaries, Valentine's Day, Wednesdays...).

They're often used as filler in bouquets and centerpieces, but are fantastic as a stand-alone bouquet because they're so versatile: you can mix them with other flowers like tulips or sunflowers for an elegant look, or you can use them all on their own for a simple design that's still full of color and life!

3. Hydrangea

Native to Asia and the Americas, the hydrangea is a beautifully common filler flower but don't let that deter you from picking up a bundle.

Hydrangea is a flower that comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors, but in the summertime, we often see them in shades of white, blue, lavender, or light pink (the more acid the soil, the bluer, and the more alkaline the soil, the pinker the flowers are! Neat, huh?).

We know them for their huge soft, fluffy head of petals- and use these flowers' simplicity to your advantage! Place in a calming spot in your home to complete the room.

4. Lavender

Speaking of lavender, this herbaceous plant is native to the Mediterranean and Asia, but it has been cultivated in many other places for its floral scent. In some areas, such as the idyllic southern fields in France, it is grown commercially for the production of essential oils used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Because it's known for its calming effects, lavender can be used in cooking, as a natural remedy, or as an essential oil. Having a sweet, fruity aroma makes it the perfect addition to any arrangement (especially next to the bedside).

5. Dahlias

Dahlias are a beautiful addition to any floral arrangement, whether you're planning a wedding or just want to add some color to your living room.

Dahlias are unique in that they come in so many different varieties. You can get them in a range of colors and tones, so they'll fit whatever aesthetic you have in mind. They also come in different shapes and sizes, such as the pom pom varietal vs the dinner plate!

Dahlias also have a long vase life, which means you can keep them around for longer than other flowers, too.

If you're looking for a beautiful flower that will last a long time and look great in any setting, then adding dahlias to your floral arrangements is the way to go!

Bonus Pick: Sunflowers!

What kind of list would this be if we didn't include the beautiful sunflower! Sunflowers are a staple of the floral industry for a reason: they're beautiful, versatile, and easy to work with. When you include sunflowers in your floral arrangements, here are some of the main reasons why you'll be glad you did:

They're easy to work with—you can use them in wall arrangements, centerpieces, and more.

They come in a wide range of colors that complement both warm and cool palettes.

You can use sunflowers to create a variety of styles: from romantic to whimsical and even rustic.

Today's takeaway? Don't forget about summer-time florals when you're stuck inside the heat, thinking of your wedding arrangements, or just want a quick bedside bouquet.

Always Keep Blooming,

Amy