The Botanical Calendar: Month-by-Month Availability Guide

Understanding seasonal availability is one of the most practical skills in botanical design. Working with what is genuinely in season — rather than forcing year-round availability through imports — produces better results at lower cost, with less environmental impact. This calendar maps peak availability for the most commonly specified botanical material, organized by month.

How to Use This Calendar

Peak availability windows indicate when a species is at its best quality and lowest cost in the domestic market. Outside these windows, the species may still be available through imports, but quality will be variable and cost will be significantly higher. The calendar reflects conditions in Southern California and the broader US market; regional variations apply.

Winter (December – February)

• Amaryllis (Hippeastrum): Peak December–January. Dramatic trumpet blooms in red, white, and pink.
• Paperwhite Narcissus: Peak December–February. Fragrant clusters; use sparingly in enclosed spaces.
• Hellebore: Peak January–March. Subtle, downward-facing blooms in dusty rose, plum, and white.
• Forced branches (cherry, quince, forsythia): Available December–February from specialist growers.
• Cymbidium orchid: Peak November–March. Long-lasting, architectural blooms.

Spring (March – May)

• Tulip: Peak March–April. Enormous variety of form and color; short vase life (5–7 days).
• Ranunculus: Peak February–May. Layered, peony-like blooms; excellent vase life (10–14 days).
• Peony: Peak April–June. The defining luxury bloom of spring; fragrant and dramatic.
• Anemone: Peak January–April. Graphic, poppy-like blooms in deep jewel tones.
• Lilac (Syringa): Peak April–May. Intensely fragrant; short season and vase life.

"Working with what is genuinely in season produces better results at lower cost, with less environmental impact."

Summer (June – August)

• Dahlia: Peak July–October. Extraordinary variety of form; the defining luxury bloom of late summer.
• Garden rose: Peak May–October. Superior fragrance and form to commercial roses; source from specialty growers.
• Zinnia: Peak June–September. Vivid color range; excellent for bold, graphic compositions.
• Tropical foliage (Monstera, Heliconia, Bird of Paradise): Year-round availability; peak quality summer.
• Sunflower: Peak July–September. Structural and cheerful; use in bold, high-volume compositions.

Autumn (September – November)

• Dahlia: Continues through first frost; peak quality September–October.
• Chrysanthemum: Peak September–November. Enormous variety; the defining bloom of autumn.
• Marigold (Tagetes): Peak September–October. Rich amber and gold tones; strong fragrance.
• Dried grasses and seed heads: Peak August–November. Architectural texture and movement.
• Autumn foliage branches: Peak October–November. Sourced from specialty growers.