If you’re dreaming of spring photos filled with gorgeous blooms, this guide is for you. Whether you’re planning family photos, a fun weekend outing, or just want to soak up the season, this cheat sheet has everything you need to know. From peak bloom times to hidden gem locations, here’s your go-to resource for chasing flowers across Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland—with tips designed to make planning easy.
Pink Saucer Magnolias
These early spring beauties bring serious European garden vibes without leaving DC. With their big, blousy petals and soft pink hues, saucer magnolias create a romantic, storybook setting—perfect for dreamy family photos with a touch of magic.
When They Bloom: Mid-March (about a week before the Yoshino Cherry Blossoms)
How Long They Last: About a week, if the weather is nice
Where to Find Them:
- Rawlins Park | Washington, DC
- Smithsonian Castle “Enid A Haupt” Garden | Washington, DC
- National Arboretum | Washington, DC
Cherry Blossoms
The crown jewel of DC springtime, Yoshino cherry blossoms are iconic for a reason. They bloom around the Tidal Basin with stunning views of the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument—just be ready for crowds and plan ahead to catch peak bloom!
When They Bloom: Late March
How Long They Last: Totally Weather Dependent. Can last up to 2 weeks if we don’t have windy or snowy weather
Where to Find Them:
- Tidal Basin | Washington, DC
- (Note: Construction currently impacting most iconic cherry blossom locations)
- Stanton Park | Washington, DC
- National Arboretum | Washington, DC
- Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
- Anacostia Park | Washington, DC
- Lower Senate Park | Washington, DC
- Glenview Mansion | Rockville, MD
Tulips
These bold, colorful blooms are a favorite for adding pops of color to your spring photos. Found in local gardens and parks, tulips are cheerful, classic, and a great pick for moms who want timeless photos full of personality and color.
When They Bloom: Late March to Early May
How Long They Last: about 2-3 weeks
Where to Find Them:
- Burnside Farms | Nokesville, VA
- Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral | Washington, DC
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | Vienna, VA
- Netherlands Carillon | Arlington, Virginia
- Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
Kwanzan Cherry Blossoms
If you missed the Yoshinos, don’t worry—Kwanzan cherry blossoms bloom just a little later and bring even fluffier pink petals (yes, really!). They’re less crowded, just as beautiful, and ideal for a more relaxed spring session with the kids.
When They Bloom: Early to Mid-April (10-14 days after Yoshino Cherry Blossoms)
How Long They Last: about a week
Where to Find Them:
- Hains Point | Washington, DC
- Glenview Mansion | Rockville, MD
Bluebells
Looking for something whimsical and a little wild? Virginia bluebells bloom in beautiful clusters along forest trails and riverbanks, offering a fairytale feel without the fuss. These fleeting blooms are perfect for playful, barefoot moments in nature.
When They Bloom: Mid-April
How Long They Last: about 2-4 weeks, gone by the time there are leaves on the trees
Where to Find Them:
- Riverbend Park | Great Falls, VA
- Bull Run Regional Park | Centreville, VA
Wisteria
This cascading purple beauty adds instant drama to any setting. Wisteria season is short but stunning, and if you time it right, you can capture family photos under delicate purple arches that feel straight out of a storybook.
When They Bloom: Late April to Early May
How Long They Last: about 2 weeks
Where to Find Them:
- Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral | Washington, DC
- Old Town Alexandria | Alexandria, VA
- Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
- Georgetown (35th St and Prospect St) | Washington, DC
Azaleas
Azaleas bring a burst of bold, bright color to gardens all over the DMV. These blooms come in a rainbow of pinks, purples, and corals—and they stick around long enough to give you some scheduling flexibility. Bonus: they photograph so well!
When They Bloom: Late April (warmer weather brings an earlier bloom, cooler weather will delay)
How Long They Last: 3-4 weeks
Where to Find Them:
- National Arboretum | Washington, DC
- Green Spring Gardens | Alexandria, VA
- Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
- Meadowlark Botanical Gardens | Vienna, VA
Peonies
Peonies are spring’s showstoppers—big, lush, and romantic. If you’re hoping for soft, feminine florals in your family photos, these blooms are totally worth planning around. They’re a well-known favorite for a reason!
When They Bloom: May – Early June
How Long They Last: 2-3 Weeks
Where to Find Them:
- Green Spring Gardens | Alexandria, VA
- Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral | Washington, DC
- Seneca Creek State Park | Gaithersburg, MD
Roses
Classic, timeless, and available well into summer, roses are a beautiful option for family photos with a little extra elegance. From manicured gardens to casual parks, they add just the right amount of charm to your photos.
When They Bloom: Mid-May
How Long They Last: Many roses will last through the summer and sometimes into the fall
Where to Find Them:
- Bon Air Park Rose Garden | Arlington, VA
- River Farm | Alexandria, VA
- Bishop’s Garden at the National Cathedral | Washington, DC
- Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
- National Arboretum | Washington, DC
- Hillwood Estate | Washington, DC
Lavender
Craving a little calm? Lavender fields bring dreamy purple hues and relaxing vibes that are hard to beat. These late-spring-to-early-summer blooms are perfect for playful, barefoot sessions with your little ones.
When They Bloom: Early June – Mid-July
How Long They Last: about 3-4 weeks
Where to Find Them:
- Seven Oaks Lavender Farm | Catlett, VA
- Kharis Lavender Fields | Gaithersburg, MD
- Soleado Lavender Farm | Dickerson, MD
Sunflowers
Late summer is all about sunflowers—tall, golden, and full of joy. These blooms make for vibrant, sunny family photos with a fun, carefree feel. They’re great for adventurous families who love to run, play, and laugh together.
When They Bloom: Late July – August
How Long They Last: about 2-3 weeks per planting (many farms stagger plantings to extend the season)
Where to Find Them:
- Burnside Farms | Nokesville, VA
- Mckee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
- Sunflowers of Lisbon | Woodbine, MD and Fulton, MD
Hydrangea
With their full, fluffy blooms and soft pastel colors, hydrangeas are a summer favorite. They’re perfect for creating light, airy portraits in a classic garden setting—and they bloom long enough to make planning easy.
When They Bloom: June – September (exact bloom bates depend on variety)
How Long They Last: several weeks to months, depending on variety and care
Where to Find Them:
- Wollam Gardens | Jeffersonton, VA
- Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
- Your own yard / neighborhood!
Spring and summer in the DMV are overflowing with beautiful blooms—it’s just a matter of knowing where (and when) to find them. Whether you’re planning your next family photo session or just want to get outside with your crew, this guide has you covered. Want a printable version of this cheat sheet? Grab your freebie below and let the flower chasing begin!
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