When do native plants bloom in British Columbia?

Native bloom in British Columbia peaks in June, when 253 native species are in flower. This calendar shows what is in bloom every month of the year.

British Columbia native planting calendar | Hortus

The British Columbia native planting calendar

341 plants native to British Columbia carry bloom across the growing year, peaking in June. This calendar shows what is in flower each month and when to plant it, so your garden feeds pollinators and birds from the first spring thaw to the last of the fall asters. Planted together across the year, they help bring back the Olive-sided Flycatcher and 4 species at risk that still range through British Columbia.

When to plant in British Columbia

The coast has a long, mild season; the interior is shorter and colder. On the coast, fall and even winter are prime planting time; in the interior, wait for spring to settle.

Month by month

Map your garden free →

The bloom year at a glance

Taller bars mean more natives in flower. Peak: June

Jan
1Feb
17Mar
86Apr
192May
253Jun
201Jul
96Aug
40Sep
12Oct
Nov
Dec

January

Planning season. Leave last year's stems and seed heads standing, they shelter overwintering insects and feed birds.

February

1 in bloom

Order seed and sketch your beds. Hold off on any cutting back while the cold holds.

Osoberry

March

17 in bloom

Wait for a warm stretch before cutting back, so overwintering insects can emerge. Start hardy seed indoors.

April

86 in bloom

Direct-sow hardy natives and plant bare-root stock as the soil thaws and dries.

May

192 in bloom

Plant out most natives once the frost risk passes. Water them in well.

JunePeak

253 in bloom

Keep new plantings watered through their first summer. Enjoy the early bloom.

JulyThis month

201 in bloom

Peak of the season. Deadhead for a second flush, or leave blooms to set seed for the birds.

August

96 in bloom

Water through dry spells and note any gaps in your bloom to fill this fall.

September

40 in bloom

Prime planting month: cool air over warm soil. Put in perennials, shrubs, and trees.

October

12 in bloom

Collect and sow ripe seed, and keep planting woody stock while the soil is workable.

November

Mulch new plantings and leave the garden standing. The seed heads carry wildlife through winter.

December

Rest and plan. Standing stems and leaf litter are winter habitat, not mess.

Build your British Columbia garden

Pick the natives that suit your yard, get a free report card of the wildlife they bring back, and find a nursery near you that carries them.

Start your free garden →Browse British Columbia natives

Wildlife & habitat in British Columbia →Check your sun & shade →Find a native plant nursery →

Calendars for other provinces

Ontario Quebec Alberta Manitoba Saskatchewan Nova Scotia New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador