Summer in full bloom: your ultimate guide to the season’s best flowers
As the days get longer and the mercury starts to rise, Christchurch transforms. The Port Hills turn that familiar shade of golden yellow, the barbecues are dusted off, and the city’s gardens burst into life. For the team at Court Florist, summer is arguably the most exciting time of the year. It is a season of abundance, vibrancy, and fragrance.
While we love the delicate promise of spring and the cosy textures of winter, summer is when Mother Nature really likes to show off. From the short-but-sweet peony season to the enduring elegance of hydrangeas, the variety of fresh flowers available in New Zealand during the warmer months is simply spectacular.
Whether you are planning a summer wedding, looking for the perfect end-of-year gift, or simply want to bring a bit of that sunshine indoors, this is your guide to navigating the floral joys of a Canterbury summer.
Why summer flowers are simply superior
There is a reason so many people choose to get married or host parties between December and February. The sheer volume of flower varieties available means you are spoilt for choice.
In winter, we often rely on hothouse blooms or imports to keep bouquets looking lush. In summer, however, our local growers are working overtime. This means that when you order flowers online for a Christchurch delivery, you are likely getting stems that were in the field only hours before.
Seasonal flowers are not only fresher, but they are also generally more robust. They have grown with the sun on their petals, resulting in deeper colours, stronger stems, and often a more potent fragrance. Plus, buying in-season is often more cost-effective, allowing you to get more impressive arrangements for your budget.
The stars of the summer show
If you are looking for flower delivery in Christchurch over the coming months, you might be wondering what is in season. While availability can fluctuate depending on the weather (and those pesky nor’westers), these are the blooms that typically define a Kiwi summer.
The precious peony
If there was a celebrity of the flower world, it would be the peony. These ruffled, romantic blooms are incredibly popular, but they are famous for being a little elusive. The peony season in New Zealand is notoriously short, typically running from late October through to December. This exclusivity makes them all the more special. They are the perfect flower for a romantic gesture or a luxe wedding bouquet. If you see them in our Victoria Street store, grab them while you can.
The hardy hydrangea
Nothing says New Zealand summer quite like a massive hydrangea bush in full bloom. These structural giants are fantastic for filling space and adding a splash of nostalgia to any arrangement. Available in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, they are thirsty flowers that love water but reward you with a long vase life if treated well. They are particularly popular for event styling and large corporate flowers arrangements because of their volume and visual impact.
The radiant rose
While roses are available year-round, they are at their absolute peak in summer. This is when you get the greatest variety of garden roses, which tend to have a higher petal count and a more intense fragrance than their winter counterparts. A bouquet of summer roses feels less formal and more whimsical, making them ideal for birthdays or anniversaries.
The sunny sunflower
You cannot help but smile when you look at a sunflower. They are the epitome of joy and warmth. Sunflowers are incredibly durable and can withstand the heat better than more delicate blooms, making them a great choice for outdoor events or for sending to someone who might not have the greenest thumb.
The lovely lily
From Christmas lilies that scent the entire house to the vibrant Asiatic varieties, lilies are a summer staple. They add an element of architectural elegance to any bouquet. A word of advice from our florists though: if you have cats at home, let us know, and we can suggest pet-safe alternatives, as lilies can be toxic to our feline friends.
Summer wedding flowers in Christchurch
Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region is a premier destination for weddings, and the vast majority of these celebrations take place in summer. If you are planning your big day, choosing seasonal summer flowers is the best way to ensure your blooms look fresh from the first photo to the last dance.
Summer weddings allow for bold colour palettes. While white and green themes remain timeless, we are seeing a shift towards 'sunset' tones—corals, peaches, pinks, and warm yellows. These colours look incredible in the bright New Zealand sunlight and photograph beautifully.
One challenge with summer weddings is the heat. Delicate blooms like lily of the valley or sweet peas can struggle if the temperature climbs into the late 20s. This is where trusting your local florist is essential. We know which flowers have the stamina to survive being held during photos and sitting on tables in a marquee. We often recommend using hardy varieties like proteas, roses, and lisianthus which handle the heat with grace.
Caring for fresh flowers in the heat
We all know how dry the air can get in Christchurch when the wind picks up. Just as you need to drink more water in summer, your cut flowers have a higher thirst requirement too. The heat increases the rate of transpiration (water loss) from the petals and leaves, which can lead to wilting if you aren’t careful.
To keep your summer flower delivery looking its best for longer, you might need to adjust your care routine slightly:
Check the water daily In winter you can get away with topping up the vase every few days. In summer, check it every morning. If the water looks cloudy, change it completely and give the stems a fresh cut.
Watch the placement That spot on the windowsill might be perfect in July, but in January, direct sunlight will scorch your flowers in a matter of hours. Keep your vase in a cool, shaded spot away from windows and air conditioning units, which can dehydrate the blooms.
A cool night If you have a particularly hot house, consider moving your flowers to a cooler room (like a laundry or garage, provided it is safe) overnight to give them a break from the ambient heat.
The art of summer gifting
The summer months are packed with social occasions. There are end-of-year breakups, Christmas parties, teachers' gifts, and BBQs with friends. It can be hard to know what to bring, but flowers are the one gift that fits every single one of these occasions.
For a dinner party or BBQ host, a bouquet of fresh flowers is a lovely gesture of thanks. It adds to the festive atmosphere of the gathering. We recommend opting for a flower arrangement that is already in water, like our Posy in a Jar, so your host doesn’t have to stop what they are doing to hunt for a vase.
For teachers and end-of-year thank yous, bright and cheerful posies are always a hit. It is a busy time of year, and a small gesture of appreciation goes a long way.
And let us not forget Christmas. While we have a dedicated range of festive blooms, summer flowers in red, green, and white can create a subtle nod to the season without being overtly Christmas-themed if you prefer a more modern look.
Why professional delivery matters in summer
You might think about picking up a bunch of flowers from a roadside stall or the supermarket on your way home. While this is fine for a quick fix, there is a risk involved during the summer months.
Flowers are incredibly sensitive to temperature shocks. Sitting in a hot car for even twenty minutes can cause irreparable damage to delicate petals. The 'greenhouse effect' of a parked car can cook a bouquet before you have even handed it over.
When you use a professional flower delivery service like Court Florist, your order is transported with care. We understand the logistics of keeping blooms cool and hydrated from our Victoria Street store right to the recipient's door. We treat every delivery as if it were perishable food, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition regardless of the temperature outside.
Allergies and summer blooms
As we mentioned in our guide to hay fever, summer can be a sniffly time for some. If you are sending flowers to someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, you don't have to avoid flowers entirely.
Summer offers plenty of low-pollen options. Roses, hydrangeas, and orchids are generally safe bets. Avoid heavy pollen producers like certain lilies or daisies if you are unsure. If you are ordering online and are concerned about allergies, simply leave a note in your order or give us a call. We can curate a 'sneeze-free' arrangement that captures the beauty of summer without the side effects.
Trust the local experts
With years of experience serving the Christchurch community, the team at Court Florist knows a thing or two about navigating the seasons. We have seen trends come and go, but the joy of a fresh summer bouquet remains constant.
Whether you are looking for the best florist in Christchurch to handle your wedding, or you simply want same day flower delivery to surprise a friend, we are here to help. We take pride in selecting the best blooms the region has to offer.
So, embrace the season. Open the windows, let the warm air in, and fill your home with the colours and scents of summer.
If you are ready to order, you can browse our summer collection online or pop into our store on Victoria Street. If you have something specific in mind, or just want advice on what is looking best at the market today, call us on 03 379 8255. Let’s make this summer the most beautiful one yet.
