Spring’s arrival promises balmy weather, golden sunshine, and the emergence of vibrant, fragrant flowers swaying under soft breezes. In some parts of the world, this floral magic show goes into overdrive, producing what’s referred to as “super blooms.”
What is a super bloom, exactly? This rare phenomenon occurs when mass amounts of wildflowers bloom simultaneously, often in arid zones. From the Death Valley super blooms in California to lush lavender fields in France’s countryside, nature puts on this spectacular, limited-time show each year. Each super bloom showcases its own set of flowers, which range from fiery poppies to tropical hibiscus to buttery tulips and beyond.
To experience this natural wonder for yourself, pencil in a vacation to one of these best places to see super blooms around the world.
Waimea Canyon Super Bloom in Hawaii
- Best Time to See the Bloom: March to April
- Flowers to See: Hibiscus, Ohia Lehua
If Hawaii wasn’t beautiful enough in your mind, it’s about to exceed even the highest of expectations. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific. Add an uprising of native Hawaiian plants sprouting from the ground from late winter to early spring, and you’ve got an enchanting super blooms vision to behold.
Red, orange, and yellow hibiscus interweave with Hawaii’s national flower, the ohia lehua, creating a charmed experience. Tropical birds, such as the endangered Hawaiian goose, soar above colorful canyon walls made of eroded volcanic rock, adding to the ethereal sights. Waimea Canyon is like no other place on earth.
The Namaqualand Super Bloom in South Africa
- Best Time to See the Bloom: August to September
- Flowers to See: Daisies, Vygies, Salvias
When winter’s rains have drenched Southern Africa in biblical proportions, it’s time to witness the Namaqualand super bloom flowers in South Africa. A mystifying, cultural landmark of an experience is among us.
Annually between late August and early September, daisies, vygies, and salvias fill the vast desert space with exploding colors. The rare occurrence is a cultural event for local communities and an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn from indigenous people about the medicinal and culinary uses of the plants. The Namaqualand super bloom is an incredibly joyous event not to be missed.
Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands
- Best Time to See the Bloom: March to April
- Flowers to See: Tulips, Daffodils, Lilies, Hyacinth
Finally, a super bloom showcased as artistically as the flowers themselves. The Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands sees over 7 million flowers unfold each spring. The Keukenhof Gardens does an immaculate job presenting its diverse flowers in special themed areas.
Visitors will wind through sculptures, flower beds, and paths while witnessing different areas displaying the diverse flowers growing in the region. The Keukenhof Gardens are tucked in the center of the Dutch bulb-growing region, packed with tulips, daffodils, and other spring flora. Infinite shades of colors can be seen in tastefully curated settings making the Keukenhof Gardens a must visit.
Wisteria Tunnel in Japan
- Best Time to See the Bloom: April to May
- Flowers to See: Wisteria
In late April until early May, fairy tales come to life thanks to the Wisteria Tunnel in the Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, Japan. This fascinating destination is a naturally formed tunnel made up of Wisteria plants.
Visitors can walk through the tunnel smelling the fresh fragrance of just-bloomed Wisteria. Pink, purple, blue, and white colors tantalize your senses day and night because the park lights up the tunnel at night. Over 150 Wisteria plants can be seen in the park. The Wisteria Tunnel is a magnificent sight for all.
The Cherry Blossom Super Bloom in Washington D.C
- Best Time to See the Bloom: March to April
- Flowers to See: Cherry Blossoms
In 1912, the Mayor of Tokyo gifted cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C. What began as a symbol of friendship has turned into an annual celebration of the coming of spring. Between late March and early April, the city of Washington D.C. erupts in shades of pink and white, marking the beginning of The National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The three-week super bloom festival brings in performers, parades, and people from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the magnetic beauty and cultural significance of the cherry blossom. The Cherry Blossom super bloom is guaranteed to bridge the ever-dividing gap in a city wrought with political and social divide.
The Lavender Fields in Provence, France
- Best Time to See the Bloom: Mid June to Mid August
- Flowers to See: Fine and Grosso Lavender
There is a super bloom that ignites your eyes, nose, and entire emotional state of being. The Lavender Fields in Provence, France, provide visitors with the ultimate super bloom experience. Purple as far as the eye can see and a deep sense of calm enter your body thanks to lavender’s healing properties.
For centuries “Fine” and “Grosso” lavender has grown in Provence. This picture-worthy, iconic super bloom display has offered visitors from around the world a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the therapeutic properties of lavender in an all-encompassing setting.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve in California
- Best Time to See the Bloom: February to May
- Flowers to See: Poppies, Lupines, Goldfields, Coreopsis
Orange and yellow poppies burst from the southern Californian soil between late February and early May in Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. The Poppy Reserve is over 1,800 acres and home to more than 16 million flowers, which makes this famous super bloom in California one of the most epic in the world. You’ll definitely want to pencil this stop in on any West Coast road trip, or make it the destination itself.
Visitors will witness more than just poppies on their visit. Wildflowers such as lupines, goldfields, and coreopsis can all be found in the park. When California receives ample rainfall in the earlier part of the year, it’s a good predictor for a record-setting spring super bloom. The reserve even offers visitors guided nature walks during the super bloom season. Make sure to pencil in a stay at a beautiful California villa, luxury hotel or AirBnB to elevate your getaway stay.
