Contributed by Olive Dawson
Whether you’re using a florist for your upcoming nuptials, or plan to grow your own bouquet, there are plenty of gorgeous native flowers to choose. Southern California is home to some of the most vibrant and unique styles of flowers not available to other brides across the country. Using native flowers, or those that already grow naturally in the L.A. area is the best option for your budget as well. Check out these six native flowers perfect for your L.A. wedding:
1. Monkey Flower
This bloom is a native staple in Southern California. There are plenty of varieties to choose from, ranging in colors from red and orange to yellow, and white. The flower has a long season from winter through summer, making it a natural choice for any L.A. wedding. Monkey flower would look stunning as an accent in a bridal bouquet as well as in centerpieces. It's easy to grow your own in the backyard. For best results, plant monkey flower in any type of well-drained soil in a partly shaded spot of the garden.
2. California Aster
This perennial herb is part of the sunflower family, making it a bright and cheery addition to your big day. The California aster is a small bloom that features a beautiful yellow center and slender white petals. It flowers in the summer and goes great in bouquets and in hairpieces. They grow fast, so plant them in the spring in a partly shaded area, and they'll be ready for your summer wedding.
3. Buckwheat
Who needs baby's breath or other fillers when California gardens are full ow buckwheat? There are so many varieties in the area, making it a great choice for any L.A. wedding. This delicate flower grows on a larger shrub that blooms from spring through fall. The flowers grow as a cluster and can come in a variety of colors from white, cream, pink, and yellow. Use any type of buckwheat as a delicate hair piece or in a flower girl bouquet. The intricate flowers can also fill in spots of your bridal bouquet. Make sure you give the flower plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil when planting your own buckwheat.
4. Bush Poppy
This is the perfect California native for winter and early spring weddings. This delicate flower grows in a solitary bloom on a larger bush and features yellow teacup-sized flowers. Bush poppy may get folded or damaged in a bouquet, so it's best to use it in a large centerpiece or tablescape. It's a little tougher to grow at home and does best on rocky clay soils with excellent drainage.
5. Showy Penstemon
You'll find this native flower growing wild in woodland areas throughout Southern California. This gorgeous flower features elongated pinkish-lavender petals with erect stems. Showy penstemon is an excellent choice when cut long to make a rustic bouquet as well as cut short to fit into larger centerpieces. The flower packs a punch when in bloom because of all the flowers that line the stems. It prefers dry and arid conditions, but you can grow it in your L.A. garden as long as the soil is dry and fast draining.
6. Golden Yarrow
This native beauty features small bright yellow flowers for a stunning but simple bouquet. Golden Yarrow comes from the daisy family and can be either an annual or perennial plant. This gorgeous flower can make a statement in a centerpiece given the many blooms that cluster together at the end of the stems. Use it as a filler for a bridal bouquet or arrange a few stems together to add both height and drama to a reception centerpiece. Golden yarrow blooms in the winter through summer.
Choosing the right flowers for your wedding can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be with these native options. From simple to dramatic, you'll find plenty of blooms to add to your big day.
Olive Dawson is a gardening and landscape design writer and environmentalist. She is always searching for new ways to reduce waste and grow food organically. She is most proud of her native flower and vegetable garden.
