Are you swooning over French garden flowers and want to bring that magic to your Midwest garden? If you’re like me, you’ve researched the topic to death to make your outdoor space as lovely as possible. This post is all about bringing that romanticism of French flowers to your outdoor space by using French garden plants.
Let’s get started on how we can infuse the French garden into your Midwest landscape, so your blooms are not only beautiful but hardy enough for our climate. As a professional garden designer, this is where I come in. By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you need to have a little slice of France in your own backyard!
This post is about French garden flowers.
What is a French Garden?
A French garden is a balance of elegance, structure and natural beauty, the essence of French culture and style. French gardens are known for their formal and sophisticated design, often with symmetrical lines and geometric shapes that create a sense of order. The beauty of a French garden is in the careful arrangement of ornamental plants and flowers, chosen not only for their beauty but for how they work together.
Whether you’re going for grandeur or country charm, the basics are the same: timeless beauty, elegance and connection to nature. Imagine rows of lavender swaying in the wind, roses in full bloom and perfectly trimmed hedges that lead your eye through the garden. Each element is placed to create a work of art that pleases the senses and gives you a break from the chaos of life.
History of French Gardens
The history of French gardens is long and rich, dating back to the Renaissance when French gardeners were influenced by the formal and symmetrical lines of Italian landscape design. This was the beginning of the French style that would evolve over centuries, using ornamental plants, flowers and geometric shapes to create beautiful landscapes.
One of the most famous French gardens is the Palace of Versailles built in the 17th century. This garden masterpiece has perfectly manicured lawns, ornate fountains and stunning flower arrangements that are the epitome of French garden grandeur. The influence of Versailles is still seen in modern French gardens which continue to evolve by adding new elements and styles while keeping the classic charm and elegance.
French Garden Style for Your Midwest Climate
Getting into our Midwest gardens means getting to know our climate’s idiosyncrasies. We have four seasons and each one brings its own set of gardening challenges and blessings.
First off, spring is a mixed bag of tricks with warm and sunny days that can suddenly turn back into frosty mornings and frozen nights. It’s like nature can’t make up its mind to wake up from winter’s nap or not. What this means is, timing is everything when it comes to planting our French flowers. Spring blooms like peonies are especially important to consider as they bloom after lilacs and add romance to the garden.
Summers are hot and humid but that’s what gives our garden that lush look that other regions envy. It’s the season for many French garden staples to shine. Just make sure they’re not the fussy ones that will wilt at the first sign of heat.
Fall is a showstopper with colors that will make your French flower arrangements pop against the backdrop. And winter, well, our winters are a true test of endurance for any plant which is why it’s good to buy plants grown in our climate. It’s all about survival and planning for a succession of blooms year after year.
So you’re wondering – what’s the plan for French flowers to feel at home here? Selection and adaptation. Choose hardy varieties grown in our climate and get creative with microclimates in your garden. Use a bit of Midwest magic to coax out a little French elegance that can handle a little Midwest chaos. Let’s get started and let’s unfold the secrets to French florals thriving where we live.
French Flower Selection, Planting & Care
Selecting French flowers for our Midwestern soil is like choosing the right outfit for a weather-whimsical day – practical and pretty. Planting these French flowers in well prepared garden beds is key as it ensures optimal growth and beauty in your garden. We’re talking about those flower beauties that can take a surprise frost and still charm the bees off the peonies when the sun comes out.
The Standouts:
Now, let’s picture some of the standouts: Lavender that laughs at drought, Roses that bloom through rain or shine and Peonies that basically plant themselves. These are the toughies that can handle our climate extremes and are asking for a sunny spot in your garden. Mature trees can complement these standout flowers by adding structure and privacy and overall beauty to your French garden.
When to Plant:
When it comes to planting, timing is everything. Most of these French lovelies prefer fall or spring planting – when the soil is just waking up or cozying down for winter. That’s when you’ll get the most natural rainfall to help establish your new garden gem.
Soil & Light:
Moving on to soil care, our Midwestern soil will need a little help with some compost to have the right drainage and nutrient balance. Consistent use of organic matter (compost) in your garden each season will turn your native soil into a home for your new transplants. Most of these plants will do well in full sun all day although some more tender varieties may appreciate a little afternoon shade from the hot sun.
Now let’s get started. Let’s dig deeper into the specifics of each flower. We’ll look at how to coax your French garden florals to bloom to their full potential right here in the Midwest.
French Garden Design Principles
Okay, let’s get into the art of French garden design. It’s all about mastering structure, color and a dash of je ne sais quoi. Let’s begin.
First up is structure, the foundation of any classic French garden. Think rows, geometric shapes and defined paths. This isn’t about rules to follow but more about giving you a canvas for beauty to unfold with intention.
Now color. Your color palette is what will give you that Provencal feel. Soft lavenders, bright greens and warm earthy tones all come into play. It’s like painting with plants, each color adding a brush stroke of countryside charm.
And textures? They are the subtle nuances that make the whole thing pop. The contrast of soft petals against rough bark and feathery foliage against smooth leaves. It’s these little details that give your garden its depth and character that makes it a welcoming space.
Now let’s put it all together. Symmetry adds balance, simplicity is tasteful but what about elegance? It’s the easy elegance of your garden’s essence. It’s about creating a space that feels both peaceful and alive. A place where everything works together. A well designed French garden can also be the perfect setting for a garden party, the charm and ambiance of French outdoor living.
As we move on, let’s get into our new garden. We’ll share the details and tips to bring French paradise into your Midwestern garden.
French Country Garden
A French country garden is all about the natural and easy charm of the French countryside. Unlike the more formal gardens, a French country garden is relaxed and organic, often with a mix of wildflowers, herbs and ornamental plants. Start with plants that are native to the French countryside, like lavender, roses and thyme. These will add beauty and a dash of authenticity to your garden.
Add natural elements like stone walls, wooden fences and gravel paths to add texture and visual appeal. These will give your garden a rustic and cozy feel that’s both timeless and warm. Don’t forget to include a focal point, a pretty fountain or a beautiful statue to draw the eye and create some drama. This focal point is the heart of your garden, everything else is arranged around it to make it look good and important.
By combining these you can have a French country garden that has the same elegance and charm as the gardens in the French countryside, a peaceful and pretty retreat in your own backyard.
French Flowers & Companion Planting
Ready to play matchmaker in your garden? Pairing French garden flowers with the right companions is like finding the perfect partner for a dance – each one makes the other look better and more beautiful. Consider the French garden plants for companion planting to create a sophisticated outdoor space. Let’s get started.
This is a springtime beauty with the full blooms of Sarah Bernhardt Peony alongside the soft hues of Wesuwe Salvia. This combo engages the nose and the eyes with the drama of peonies and the calming presence of purple salvia for a sensory experience.
Lavender & Catmint
Lavender and Catmint together with their blue and purple spikes is a dreamy combination. Varieties to consider are Munstead Lavender or Sweet Romance Lavender for smaller spaces and containers. For Catmint try Blue Wonder or Little Titch for smaller gardens.
Roses, Catmint & Lavender
Abraham Darby Rose with the calming effect of Blue Wonder Catmint and Bloomerang Lavender is a visual feast. They also work together to support each other and repel pests.
Boxwood, Hydrangea & French Iris
Annabelle Hydrangea’s fluffy blooms, Boxwood’s structure and French Iris’s height make for a great garden trio. This combination offers texture, contrast and a cohesive color palette.
Note on Annabelle Hydrangea: This variety will flop after heavy rain, I like that. If you prefer the hydrangea to stay upright try the white Incrediball Hydrangea variety.
Wisteria & Geranium
For our last combo imagine Geraniums in a planter or window box and American Wisteria aka Wisteria frutescens overhead or nearby. There’s nothing quite as magical in spring as the hanging blooms of a Wisteria vine.
Note on Wisteria vines: Wisteria frutescens is not as invasive as other species but they will still require some support once full grown. Make sure to grow it on a robust structure.
Each of these combinations goes beyond looks to create a mutually beneficial relationship where one plant helps the other with pest control, soil improvement or growth enhancement.
Stay with us as we continue to show you how to implement these combinations in your Midwest garden and turn it into a French country garden.
Get Started Today
Ready to add some French garden elegance to your Midwest haven? Start now! Choose one French flower from our list and imagine where it would go in your garden. Every great garden starts with one plant and your journey to a French inspired paradise begins with this first step.
Comment: As you start this journey we’d love to see it. Share your progress, experiences and photos with us @FrenchPetalGardens. Use the hashtag #MidwestFrenchGarden to connect with other gardeners. Let’s inspire and learn from each other and make our Midwest gardens a blooming French garden!
Start your French garden today and watch your dream garden come to life one bloom at a time. Happy gardening!
