Stroll down the charming streets of Charleston, and you’ll be greeted by a spectacular display of nature’s finest artwork: lush trees adorned with blossoms, vibrant shrubs bursting with color, and window boxes overflowing with fragrant flowers. This floral extravaganza is best experienced by taking a leisurely walk along the Battery, exploring the streets south of Broad, and meandering through Charleston’s enchanting parks.
Camellias
The camellia’s evergreen beauty graces Charleston year round, welcoming a blaze of pinks, reds, and whites in January and February. While some 250 species of camellia exist, C. japonica may be known best among locals. Home to some 4,000 camellias, Middleton Place proudly hosts specimens more than 220 years old, including the revered “Reine des Fleurs” or “Queen of Flowers,” one of four plants gifted to the Middleton family by French botanist André Michaux in 1786.
Azaleas
Amidst our myriad of blossoms, azaleas steal the spotlight in spring. Charleston boasts thousands of varieties of these common shrubs, which drape yards, gardens, and parks in swaths of hot pink, red, and white when in bloom. While azaleas may go unnoticed during much of the year, their vibrant springtime display demands attention. Look for these captivating blooms from mid March through late April in prominent locations such as White Point Garden, Hampton Park, and Middleton Place.
Wisteria
A climbing vine that can reach up to 70 feet in length, wisteria drapes Charleston in a breathtaking shawl of lilac blooms in the spring. While the vine’s cascading flowers do create a stunning spectacle, the plant’s invasive nature can potentially harm other vegetation. Enjoy the enchanting beauty of the wisteria throughout the city from mid to late March.
Jasmine
Commonly found in the coastal regions of South Carolina, Confederate jasmine perfumes the air with an intoxicating scent. This plant’s fragrant clusters of white and yellow flowers bloom on twining stems, ensuring a sensory delight for anyone fortunate enough to encounter it. You’ll likely smell it before you see it. Keep your eyes peeled and your nose on alert for jasmine blooming from April to June.
Crepe Myrtle
A Southern staple, the crepe myrtle announces the imminent arrival of spring with its arching branches and vibrant displays of bright pink, red, and white blossoms. Flowers can begin as early as May and continue throughout the summer.
