The June Edit: Wildflowers Emerge in the Valley

We’re calling it: June is peak fluff.

Peonies are still dancing in the spotlight (but not for long—catch them before they make their dramatic exit). Meanwhile, foxglove continue to charm with their elegant stature and ruffled textures. But the real scene-stealers this month? The summer blooms bring the meadow vibes in full force.

Say hello to the next wave: cosmos, snapdragons, nigella, yarrow, and scabiosa. These summer stars are not only gorgeous and textural, but many of them also dry beautifully, making your bouquets last well beyond the season.

Cosmos

Photos: Liz Meinert, www.floramama.ca, Bad Birdie Blooms, Unknown

• Scientific name: Cosmos bipinnatus

• Family: Asteraceae

• Genus: Cosmos

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Asterales

The ultimate wildflower of summer. Think airy, whimsical stems topped with single or ruffled blooms in soft whites, pinks, sunny yellows, and even two-toned combos. Don’t confuse them with daisies—cosmos have their own dreamy thing going on and they’ll be with us all season long.

Snapdragons

Photo: Unknown, David’s Garden Seeds, Biggergarden.com

• Scientific name: Antirrhinum Majus

• Family: Plantaginaceae

• Genus: Antirrhinum

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Lamiales

Local varieties like Madam Butterfly are nothing like the supermarket snaps you might remember. These are open-faced and azalea-esque, with soft fluttery petals and a sweet bubblegum scent that might just stop you mid-arrangement for a sniff break.

Nigella

Photo: Unknown, Potomac Flower Wholesale, Unknown

• Scientific name: Nigella Damascena

• Family: Ranunculaceae

• Genus: Nigella

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Ranunculales

Also known as Love-in-a-Mist (yes, really), nigella brings something magical to the mix. A rare true-blue flower, these feathery beauties add a misty softness while their sculptural seed pods stretch their vase life and offer something texturally unexpected.

Yarrow

Photo: Floret, Academy Florist, Dutch Grown

• Scientific name: Achillea Millefolium

• Family: Asteraceae

• Genus: Achillea

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Asterales

Not technically an herb, but very much a botanical—with ancient healing roots and ferny foliage that gives you that soft, meadowy base. Yarrow clusters resemble tiny broccoli tops (in a cute way!) and come in every shade from butter yellow and coral to raspberry pink and electric purple. Grows wild, but cultivated versions bring the rainbow.

Scabiosa

Photos: Unknown, Amazon.de, Unknown

• Scientific name: Scabiosa atropurpurea

• Family: Caprifoliaceae

• Genus: Scabiosa

• Kingdom: Plantae

• Order: Dipsacales

We know, the name isn’t doing it any favors—but scabiosa are secret showstoppers. With curved stems, starry petals, and a palette that ranges from neon lavender to deep moody purples, they strike that perfect balance of face flower and texture. They’re quirky, fun, and surprisingly sturdy.

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This is the season of fluff, texture, and resilience. The kind of flowers that don’t just look good—they hold their own. Whether you're arranging at home or picking up a bouquet from the shop, June is full of movement, color, and a whole lot of personality.

Let it be wild. Let it be fluffy. Let June bloom.