Victoria Year Round Flower Gardens

There’s nowhere else in Canada quite like it when it comes to flowers. I’ve spent my entire life watching this city bloom, even in the middle of winter. That’s not something most Canadians get to say, and why after many folks visit Victoria, they seriously think about moving to Victoria from Alberta, moving to Victoria from Ontario and moving to Victoria from New Brunswick, the three most popular provinces at the moment. We’re known here as Victoria the Garden City for a reason, and it’s not just hype, it’s reality. You’ll see tulips in February, roses in June, and even gardens still going strong in November.

I'll give you a local’s take on why folks here tend their Victoria flower gardens all year long, what makes it possible, and what kinds of blooms you’ll see throughout the seasons. Whether you're just visiting or thinking of moving to Victoria, this might just be one of the things that makes you fall in love with the place, it certainly was for me.

A Milder Climate Than the Rest of Canada

Let’s start with the obvious - Victoria’s weather is just different. It’s no surprise that we get flowers year-round when the rest of the country is shoveling snow. Our winters are mild, our summers aren’t too hot, and thanks to the ocean and the mountains, the climate stays pretty balanced all year.

• Winter temperatures usually stay above freezing (averaging 4–7°C / 39–45°F in January)
• Snowfall is rare and doesn’t usually stick around
• Rain in winter keeps everything green and happy
• Summers are warm and dry, perfect for keeping gardens healthy

All of this means we get an incredibly long growing season. I’ve had flowers blooming in my yard in December, and I’ve seen crocuses pop up before February hits. It’s one of those quiet little luxuries of living on the Island.

Victoria’s Tourism Industry Loves Flowers

As a real estate guy and a lifelong Victorian, I know that flowers are more than just pretty, they’re a major part of what brings people here. Tourists love them, and let’s be honest, so do we locals. You can’t walk downtown in summer without seeing visitors snapping photos of the hanging baskets or strolling through the gardens near the Empress.

Our flower-lined walkways, waterfront paths, and big public parks like Beacon Hill and Government House are part of the experience. They’re built for visitors, but we get to enjoy them every day. It's one of the reasons I feel so lucky to call this place home.

Plus, flowers are a huge part of our local identity online. People share their spring blossom pics like clockwork and it keeps Victoria in the spotlight year after year.

A Community That Loves Gardening

This city isn’t just full of gardens, it’s full of gardeners. You can see it in every neighbourhood. And many locals have everblooming flower gardens! I’ve been in and out of hundreds of homes around Victoria through my work, and whether it's a condo balcony or a big front lawn, there’s almost always some kind of garden happening.

A lot of our residents are retirees, sure, but younger folks are getting into it too whether it’s edible gardening, pollinator planting, or just making their space look beautiful. Victoria has a dozen garden clubs, community garden plots, plant swaps, and workshops year-round. If you like gardening, this city welcomes you with open arms.

The Early Start of Spring

Here in Victoria, spring comes early, like really early. It’s a running joke among locals that we’re counting flowers while the rest of the country is still shoveling sidewalks. You’ll see snowdrops and crocuses in January, daffodils in February, and cherry blossoms by March.

By April, the whole city looks like a postcard. Tulips, hyacinths, magnolias and it’s all blooming. I’ve got neighbours who plan their gardens around each season’s colours, and the long growing window means you can actually make it work.

Even when the weather cools off, the gardens don’t quit. It’s not unusual to see something blooming every month of the year.

Flowers That Thrive in Victoria and the West Coast

One of the best parts of gardening in Victoria is the variety. Because our climate is so unique, we can grow everything from tropical-looking blooms to classic English garden staples.

Popular Flowers in Victoria Gardens

• Roses – Long bloomers that thrive all summer.
• Rhododendrons & Azaleas – Practically a rite of spring around here.
• Lavender – Hardy, fragrant, and a magnet for bees.
• Camellias – Some varieties bloom in winter!
• Hydrangeas – A backyard favourite with those huge colourful blossoms.
• Daffodils & Tulips – You’ll find them in just about every yard in spring.
• Geraniums & Petunias – Go-to’s for hanging baskets and patios.
• Cherry Blossoms – Whole streets are lined with them here.

Winter Bloomers

Yep, even in winter, we get a few bright spots. Some of my favourites include:

• Hellebores – Also called “Christmas Roses,” they’re one of the few flowers I’ve seen blooming in snow.
• Winter Heather – Hardy and cheerful during the grey months.
• Winter Camellias – Pink and white blossoms in January? Yes please.

City Planning and Landscaping

It’s not just the locals who keep the city blooming, the city itself does a fantastic job too. Victoria puts a lot of time and effort into landscaping. You’ll see it in the flower beds downtown, the traffic roundabouts, and even in some of the busier commercial districts.

Over 75,000 flowers get planted by the city each year. Hanging baskets are the most famous, but there’s so much more. Even our public schools and libraries often have nice garden beds out front. It makes the city feel welcoming and alive.

Year-Round Gardening Culture

If you love being outdoors and getting your hands dirty, this is your kind of city. Gardening doesn’t stop when summer ends, it just shifts gears. Fall is bulb season, winter is for pruning and planning, and spring? Well, that’s when things go nuts again.

I always tell people, if you’re moving to Victoria, get a pair of gloves and a few planters. Before long, you’ll catch the gardening bug and you’ll have the weather to keep it going.

Victoria is one of the only places in Canada where flower gardens bloom in every season. Whether it’s tulips in spring, roses in summer, or camellias in winter, there’s always something colourful growing here. And it’s not just because of the climate, it’s because the people here care about beauty, nature, and community.

If you're thinking about making Victoria your home, you’re coming to a place where gardens are part of the culture. They’re in our neighbourhoods, on our sidewalks, and part of our everyday life. And for a flower lover, that’s pretty hard to beat.

Want to learn more about life in Victoria, BC? Check out the rest of this site Moving To Victoria BC for local insights, tips, and stories from someone who’s been here their whole life. I hope to see you around - maybe in a garden!