Rochester in Bloom: Where and When to Experience The Flower City’s Seasonal Beauty

Rochester in Bloom is your guide to experiencing the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of Rochester’s stunning botanicals throughout the year. From delicate snowdrops heralding the arrival of spring to the fiery hues of fall foliage, Rochester’s diverse flora offers a visual feast for nature enthusiasts. Join us as we explore when and where to find the boldest blooms around the Flower City.

Each flower and tree has a peak bloom time in either spring or fall, but you can also see them emerge and fade in the weeks surrounding their peak season. Please note that peak bloom times will vary based on the weather leading into each season—temperature, wind, and precipitation can affect the quality and duration of a plant’s season in the sun.

Late February

While winter wanes, look for signs of spring in the form of snowdrops peeking up through the snow and shivering in the wind.

As you patiently await spring’s arrival, enjoy indoor flower events, such as the George Eastman Museum’s Dutch Connection and the Buffalo Botanical Gardens’ Lumagination.

Snowdrops

Symbolic of spring’s arrival, resilient snowdrops bloom even in snow. Look for them at Highland Park, near the reservoir and next to the Lamberton Conservatory. Learn more about snowdrops here.

March

Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy nature’s beauty. While many people wait until April and May to appreciate the rebirth of plants and trees, things actually start happening in March. Look for specific plants and trees that begin to show their colors during this time.

You can also attend Rochester’s annual events, such as Plantasia, the Home & Garden Show, and Gardenscape in Rochester. If you’re interested in orchids, check out the shows at Sonnenberg Gardens and Buffalo Botanical Gardens.

Witch Hazel

In early spring, witch hazel flowers bloom with clusters of spidery petals in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, adding a burst of color to the landscape. If you head southeast from Highland Park Reservoir, you’ll see a stunning display of witch hazels in various colors overlooking Rose Valley. Learn more about witch hazel here.

Siberian Squill

These striking blue flowers can be found at Highland Park, specifically on the east side of the reservoir and next to the Poet’s Garden. There is another exceptional patch in front of the Genesee Valley Club at the corner of East Avenue and Alexander Street. Their small, bell-shaped blooms create beautiful carpets of color, particularly when planted in large groups. Learn more about Siberian squill here.

Glory-of-the-Snow

Glory-of-the-snow, named for its early appearance and soft blue-and-white coloring, showcases star-shaped flowers in spring. You’ll find large patches of these tiny flowers in Highland Park’s Rose Valley, east of the reservoir, and near the Japanese maple collection south of the reservoir. Learn more about glory-of-the-snow.

Winter Aconite

Aconites are one of the first signs of spring, with bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that typically bloom before the leaves appear. These flowers add a cheerful splash of color to gardens and are a great way to welcome the new season. You can enjoy these bold yellow flowers next to the parking lot of the George Eastman Museum, right next to the mansion. Learn more about winter aconite here.

Hellebore

Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, bloom during late winter to early spring with flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and green, attracting early pollinators. You can find hellebore in several areas throughout Highland Park, including the Lamberton Conservatory, the Poet’s Garden, and Warner Castle. Learn more about hellebores here.

April

Now’s the time to start looking for springtime’s pink, purple, and white blossoms. From cherry trees to magnolias, it’s a magnificent time to experience nature’s rebirth.

When April showers dampen the outdoors, head inside to the spring floral shows at Lamberton Conservatory, Sonnenberg Gardens, and Buffalo Botanical Gardens. In late April, plan a road trip to the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival.

Ornamental Cherry, Apple, and Pear Trees

The rose family includes apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums, and cherries. These fruit trees bloom in early spring, covering their branches with clusters of delicate white or pink flowers, which marks the beginning of the growing season. The ground under these trees is often covered with piles of pastel petals after a heavy rain or wind storm. You can experience a large variety of these fruit trees in Highland Park along Reservoir Avenue near the Lamberton Conservatory and in the Rose Valley, which is located southeast of the reservoir. Learn more about flowering trees in the rose family here.

Magnolia

Magnolias are known for their large, showy flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow, which often appear before the leaves, creating a dramatic springtime display. Find a stunning magnolia collection at Highland Park and a beautiful row of white and pink magnolias along Oxford Mall between Monroe and Parke Avenues. Learn more about magnolias here.

Tulips

The most extensive collection of tulips in Rochester can be found in Highland Park near Lamberton Conservatory at the corner of Reservoir and South Avenues. Expert gardeners plant new bulbs each year, creating a unique display of vibrant colors, shapes, and patterns for everyone to enjoy throughout April and May. Learn more about tulips here.

Daffodils

Bill Whitney’s Daffodil Project has been planting tens of thousands of daffodil bulbs around the kettle at Mount Hope Cemetery for several years, centered on the Whitney headstone that reads, Nothing Gold Can Stay. Their goal is to have nearly 50,000 bulbs planted by 2025. There are several daffodil varieties with varied bloom times, which helps to extend their visual display from mid-March through late April. You can also find daffodil collections throughout Highland Park and in the Daffodil Meadow at Powder Mills Park. Learn more about daffodils here.

Pansies

Pansies are a beloved annual flower that is planted during the cooler months. They come in a range of colors, often with unique “faces” that feature contrasting shades, adding a touch of whimsy to springtime gardens. If you’re looking to admire a beautiful collection of pansies, be sure to head down to Highland Park and take a stroll along Highland Avenue. The park’s skilled gardeners work tirelessly to plan and plant thousands of pansies each year, creating new patterns and color schemes that are sure to impress. Learn more about pansies here.

Forsythia

Forsythias are early spring bloomers with bright yellow flowers that cover the branches before the leaves appear, signaling the end of winter. If you want to see some beautiful forsythias, you can visit Highland Park where there are two big collections. One is located near the corner of Highland Avenue and Goodman Street, and the other is on South Avenue across from Frederick Douglass Memorial Plaza. Learn more about forsythia here.

May

May is synonymous with lilacs in Rochester. Add to that the wisteria, golden chain tree, buckeyes, rhododendrons, azaleas, and bluebells, and May is dripping in pinks, purples, and blues, with splashes of yellow and white.

In addition to enjoying May’s blooms in the parks, you can attend events dedicated to celebrating them, like the Rochester Lilac Festival and Williamson Apple Blossom Festival in mid-May. Plan a road trip to Sycamore Hill Gardens in Marcellus, near Skaneateles, for their annual Mother’s Day Garden Tour. During Peony Weekends in late May and early June, you can appreciate the colorful collections at Linwood Gardens.

Take home some beautiful blooms during Flower City Days at the Market on Sunday, May 5, 12, 19, and 26, Friday, May 24, and Monday, May 27.

Lilacs

Highland Park, the host of the Rochester Lilac Festival in May, boasts the largest collection of lilacs in the United States, with more than 500 varieties spread across 1,200 shrubs. Lilacs are known for their fragrant clusters of flowers, which come in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. The Rochester lilac strain is unique for its feature of having eight to twelve radials, which is a significant increase compared to older varieties that typically only have four radials. Learn more about lilacs here.

Wisteria

Wisteria vines are known for producing beautiful flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white, which create stunning mid-to-late-spring displays. You can experience exceptional wisteria blooms at the George Eastman Museum and on the west side of Parcel 5. Learn more about wisteria here.

Peony

Peonies are beloved for their large, fluffy blooms in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow, often fragrant and long-lasting in gardens. But no one does peonies like Linwood Gardens! During Peony Weekends in late May and early June, you can appreciate their colorful collections alongside other flowers and trees that fill their formal gardens and arboretum. Ellwanger Garden hosts their Peony Weekend the first weekend in June. Learn more about peonies here.

Golden Chain Tree

Known for its cascading clusters of yellow flowers, the golden chain tree adds a touch of golden splendor to spring landscapes. These rare examples are worth going out of your way to find. Even in Highland Park, they are tucked behind trees below the reservoir. You’ll find other lovely specimens at Parcel 5 (next to the wisteria mentioned above) and in Lyons Central Park. Learn more about golden chain trees here.

Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs with large clusters of showy flowers in various colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Wander through Rhododendron Alley east of Highland Park Reservoir. Learn more about rhododendrons here.

Azaleas

All azaleas are rhododendrons, but not all rhododendrons are azaleas. Azaleas are a type of rhododendron with smaller, more delicate flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, orange, or white. While the highest concentration of plants with the largest color variety is found at Highland Park with the rhododendrons, you’ll also find them sprinkled throughout the park, including in the pinetum. Learn more about azaleas here.

Apple Blossoms

Drive along the lakeshore through Orleans, Monroe, and Wayne County, and you’ll discover the most productive farmland for apple-growing in the Greater Rochester region. For almost two weeks in mid-to-late May, hundreds of acres of apple trees burst into a colorful display of pink and white petals, making for an enjoyable drive. Look forward to the apple harvest in August. Learn more about apple trees here.

Trillium

Trilliums are woodland wildflowers with three-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or yellow. They are often found in shaded, moist habitats. You can find significant patches of this endangered flower at Breese Park in Henrietta and Powder Mills Park in Perinton. Learn more about trillium here.

Bluebells

Bluebells are beautiful bell-shaped flowers that create stunning carpets in shades of blue or pink during spring, forming a magical woodland scene. If you’re looking for bluebells, Mertensia Park in Farmington is the perfect place to go, as it bears their scientific name. You can follow a woodland trail off the Auburn Trail along Mud Creek to enjoy the flowers. Another great option is Henrietta’s Breese Park, located along the Genesee River, which is home to a forest full of bluebells nestled among thick ferns. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join the Genesee Valley Conservancy’s guided hike of private property near Geneseo, but be aware that it typically sells out as soon as it’s announced, so you’ll need to be diligent in securing your spot. Learn more about bluebells here.

Buckeyes and Horse Chestnuts

Highland Park’s collection has over thirty species and hybrids of Aesculus, a genus that includes both horse chestnuts and buckeyes. These trees produce showy clusters of white or pink orchid-like flowers from late May through mid-June, followed by spiky fruits or shiny brown nuts in August. You’ll find Highland Park’s Buckeye Collection west of the reservoir between Reservoir Drive and the Magnolia Collection. Learn more about buckeyes and horse chestnuts here.

June

Several stunning blooms take the stage in June, including flowering dogwood, tulip trees, and buckeyes. Others, like roses, fill the air with their fragrance from June to November, depending on the variety.

Attend the Landmark Society’s annual House and Garden Tour, where you’ll have the chance to explore exceptional private homes and gardens, as well as unique public spaces in various neighborhoods.

Flowering Dogwood

Flowering dogwoods feature iconic white or pink blooms in spring, followed by attractive foliage and colorful berries in fall. Various trees and shrubs begin showing color in May, extending through late June. Look for flowering dogwood trees at Highland Park and Durand Eastman Park Arboretum. Learn more about flowering dogwood here.

Smokebush

Smokebush, sometimes called smoketree, produces fluffy feather-like flower clusters in late spring to early summer, creating a unique and eye-catching display. Highland Park’s smokebush collection below the reservoir showcases an airy color pallet ranging from white to deep purple. Learn more about the smokebush here.

Tulip Poplar

More closely related to the magnolia, the tulip poplar is neither a tulip nor a poplar. Native to eastern North America, the American tulip tree is a fast-growing shade tree that blooms tulip-shaped flowers in June. Close to home, you can find excellent specimens in Highland Park along the path across from Lamberton Conservatory and at the Genesee Country Village overlooking the Great Meadow. Plan a day trip to Green Lakes State Park, located east of Syracuse, and visit the Tuliptree Cathedral. It’s an old-growth forest situated at the southwest end of Round Lake. Learn more about the tulip poplar here.

Roses

Roses bloom in a wide range of colors, textures, and fragrances from late June through mid-November. Find Rochester’s most significant rose display in the Maplewood Park Rose Garden. Plan a trip to visit the Dr. E.M. Mills Rose Garden in Thornden Park near Syracuse University. Learn more about roses here.

Iris

Irises feature striking, sword-shaped leaves and showy flowers in various colors, including shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white, adding grace to gardens. Find stunning irises at the Ellwanger Estate Garden if you visit during Peony Weekends and in Highland Park’s Iris Friendship Garden near the daylily and magnolia collections. Learn more about irises here.

July

Summer showcases an abundance of flowers in every color, from brilliant oranges to bold purples.

Enjoy the intense aroma of lavender during Wickham Farm’s Lavender Days and Lavender Festival at Ol’Factory Lavender Farm. Head to Bergen Water Gardens & Nursery for LotusFest at the end of July to witness dozens of unique lotus varieties in bloom.

Daylilies

Daylilies are hardy perennials with trumpet-shaped flowers in a variety of colors. They bloom prolifically in summer and often rebloom throughout the season. You can find Rochester’s most significant daylily collection at Webster Arboretum. Learn more about daylilies here.

Lotus

Lotus flowers have multiple layers of petals in white, pink, or yellow hues with unique centers that might trigger trypophobia. In late July, make sure you don’t miss LotusFest at Bergen Water Gardens & Nursery. You can experience dozens of unique blooms alongside waterlilies and carnivorous plants. Learn more about lotus here.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas produce large clusters of flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, or white, and the blooms often change color depending on soil pH. Find glorious hydrangea bushes scattered throughout Highland Park, with a significant collection southeast of the reservoir. Learn more about hydrangea here.

Lavender

Lavender is prized for its fragrant, purple-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, commonly used in gardens for its beauty and herbal properties. Three area flower farms specialize in this seasonal beauty: Wickham Farms in Penfield, Bristol Hills Lavendar & Flower Farm in Bloomfield, and Ol’Factory Lavender Farm in Red Creek. Learn more about lavender here.

Wildflower Meadows

In fields and meadows throughout the region, look for the bold yellows of goldenrod and strong purples of beebalm, Queen Ann’s lace, wild parsnip, and coneflowers. Tinker Park and Oatka Creek Park offer significant wildflower meadows to experience summer colors along with the birds and insects. Learn more about New York wildflowers here.

Please refrain from picking wildflowers. Not only do they serve a vital purpose in their environment, but some wildflowers, such as wild parsnip, can even be harmful to humans. According to nyis.info, when the skin comes in contact with the leaves, stems, flowers, or fruits of a certain plant, it can cause intense burning, rash, severe blistering, and discoloration in the affected area. This is due to the presence of furanocoumarin in the plant’s sap, which leads to a condition known as phytophotodermatitis. It’s important to note that this is not an allergic reaction but rather a chemical burn caused by an increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

Summer Variety

Wherever you go, you’ll find formal gardens overflowing with bold blooms on dozens of flower varieties. Flowers you may find in these gardens may include lantanas, zinnia, cosmos, delphiniums, larkspurs, echinaceas, dahlia, and foxglove, to name a few, plus variegated leaves and grasses. It’s all about variety, and some gardens, like Cornell Botanical Gardens, showcase a diverse collection of flowers you may not come across in other public gardens. Closer to home, you can enjoy the variety found at Highland Park, the George Eastman Museum, and Webster Arboretum.

August

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are known for their large, cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, or red, which follow the sun throughout the day and attract pollinators. Rochester’s most significant sunflower fields can be found at Hopkins Farm in Pittsford, at the corner of Clover and Calkins, and at Wickham Farms in Penfield. Learn more about sunflowers here.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are known for their vibrant colors and varying bloom shapes, making them a popular choice in fall gardens and landscapes. You can enjoy their diversity at local garden centers and farmers’ markets. You’ll also find photo-worthy displays at Wickham Farms, Stokoe Farms, and Powers Farm Market, as they create a beautiful backdrop for fall family fun. Learn more about chrysanthemums here.

Goldenrod

Goldenrod begins blooming in late summer and continues into fall, with some varieties starting to bloom in September. Their bright yellow flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Oatka Creek Park is one of my favorite places to observe these bold fields of gold. Learn more about goldenrod here.

September

Autumn Crocus

Autumn crocus, also known as meadow saffron, are flowering plants that look similar to spring crocus. However, they bloom in September and have no leaves during their blooming period. You can spot these bold blooms at Highland Park along the paved pathway located south of the reservoir. Learn more about autumn crocus here.

October

Although you may not encounter new flowers in October, you will witness the vibrant hues and fascinating changes of fruits and foliage as they near the end of their life cycle. The most brilliant colors can be seen around Rochester from late October to early November, but it’s important to keep an eye on the weather conditions, as strong winds and heavy rain can cause the leaves to fall prematurely.

Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are highly valued for their exquisite fall foliage in shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow. You can explore some exceptional Japanese maple collections in two parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted: Rochester’s Highland Park and Buffalo’s Delaware Park. Learn more about Japanese maples here.

Peak Fall Foliage

As you drive through the countryside or enjoy a woodland walk, you’ll see various trees with leaves turning red, orange, yellow, and purple, such as sugar maples, oaks, and poplars, resembling the variety of summer gardens.

Dead Man’s Fingers

Decaisnea is commonly referred to as dead man’s fingers, blue bean plant, or blue sausage fruit. During late summer, you may come across plump fruits that resemble green peapods, but as Halloween approaches, they transform into a blueish-gray color, earning them the eerie nickname of “Dead Man’s Fingers.” You can find an example of these fruits alongside the paved pathway south of the reservoir in Highland Park. Learn more about dead man’s fingers here.

November

Before transitioning into stick season, if the wind and rain have been kind to Rochester, fall makes its final stand with the bold golds of the Ginko and Katsura Trees.

Gingko Trees

Ginkgo trees have fan-shaped leaves that turn brilliant golden-yellow in early November, creating a stunning display of color. You can’t help but notice them as you drive along city streets and through cemeteries. However, its leaves go quickly from tree canopy to ground carpet. It is important to watch out for the berries as they emit a strong vomit scent—if you step on one, the stench will linger. You can find exceptional specimens of Ginkgo trees at Mount Hope Cemetery, Highland Park, and the George Eastman Museum. Learn more about ginko trees here.

Katsura Trees

Katsura trees have heart-shaped leaves that turn shades of yellow, orange, and pink in fall. They emit a sweet fragrance reminiscent of caramel or cotton candy. You’ll find the most significant collection of these trees in Katsura Glen at Durand Eastman. Look for New York State’s largest katsura tree at Highland Park overlooking the pansy bed. Learn more about katsura trees here.

Beech Trees

Beech trees have smooth gray bark and produce small, spiky fruits known as beech nuts. Visit the Beech Tree Trail at Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve to truly appreciate the copper color of the leaves. Learn more about beech trees here.

More Opportunities to Enjoy Rochester in Bloom

If you’re looking for color inspiration throughout the summer season, Rochester and the surrounding regions offer several opportunities.

Garden Centers

Find inspiration at a local garden center. Not only will you be able to explore unique plants and trees, many of which are native to the area, you could start planting the garden of your dreams. Here are a few garden centers that are truly inspirational:

• Bergen Water Gardens & Nursery
• Broccolo Garden Center
• Frear’s Garden Center
• Garden Factory
• Sara’s Garden & Nursery
• Van Putte Gardens
• Wayside Garden Center

Cut Flowers

In high summer (July–August), you’ll find a rainbow of flowers in many varieties, with seasonal availability. Among those typically available, you may find asters, cosmos, dianthus, lavender, lilies, snapdragons, strawflowers, sunflowers, and zinnias. Spend time with the birds, bees, and butterflies as you select your favorite blooms.

• Bristol Hills Lavendar & Flower Farm
• Sunscape Farms, Greece Location
• Wickham Farms

Year-Round Indoor Gardens

• Stacy K Floral + Winter Swan Coffee
• Strong National Museum of Play’s Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden

More Sources

• Sonnenberg Garden’s Blooming Schedule
• Highland Park Botanical Collections

Where are your favorite places to witness Rochester in full bloom?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.