Iconic Blooms From Film and How to Grow Them in the Lowcountry
Discover five unforgettable flowers from the silver screen with tips for bringing their beauty to Lowcountry gardens and homes.
Some flowers are more than background dressing. On screen they become symbols of longing, excess, danger or hope. Off screen many of those same blooms can be grown in Lowcountry gardens or sourced from trusted local florists, then styled at home with just as much intention. Here are five flowers that made a lasting impression in popular movies, along with tips for when to gather them and how to display them beautifully.
Peonies
On screen: Marie Antoinette (2006) Peonies fill the film’s lavish interiors, reinforcing themes of indulgence, youth and excess. They feel soft, romantic and unapologetically opulent.
When to collect: Late spring. In the Lowcountry peonies are typically sourced from florists, rather than cut from home gardens, due to limited winter chill.
How to display: Let peonies be the star. A wide, low bowl or footed compote suits their full blooms and makes them ideal for dining tables or coffee tables. No filler required.
Poppies
On screen: The Wizard of Oz (1939) In the iconic field scene, poppies blanket the landscape and induce an enchanted sleep. Their vivid red color signals both beauty and danger.
When to collect: Early spring. In the Lowcountry poppies bloom briefly before heat sets in and are best enjoyed as seasonal flowers.
How to display: Poppies are short-lived, so enjoy them as fleeting art. One or two stems in a mug or small vase lets their papery petals shine without expectation of longevity.
Red roses
On screen: American Beauty (1999)
Red roses appear again and again in lush, dreamlike shots, most memorably as cascading petals. They represent desire and illusion, beauty edged with discomfort.
When to collect: Spring through fall, with the best blooms in April-May and again in October. Cut early in the morning when buds are just beginning to open.
How to display: Keep it simple. A tight cluster of long-stemmed red roses in a clear glass vase mirrors the film’s minimalist drama. For a nod to the movie, scatter a few petals sparingly on a tabletop or tray, but restraint is key.
Lilacs
On screen: Little Women (2019)
Lilacs appear in gentle, domestic moments, reinforcing themes of home, memory and fleeting seasons. Their scent does much of the storytelling.
When to collect: Spring. In the Lowcountry lilacs are best sourced from florists, as they require colder winters than our coastal climate provides.
How to display: Strip lower leaves, and split woody stems to help them drink. A vase placed in a hallway or bedroom allows the fragrance to travel, echoing the film’s quiet intimacy.
Daffodils
On screen: On screen: Big Fish (2003) A field of daffodils becomes one of cinema’s grandest gestures, transforming a proposal into a fairy tale moment. The flowers symbolize optimism, devotion and bold romance.
When to collect: Late winter to early spring. Choose heat-tolerant varieties suited to our mild winters.
How to display: Daffodils release sap that can shorten the life of other flowers, so display them alone. A loose armful in a ceramic pitcher or enamel jug feels joyful and unfussy, especially in kitchens or entryways.
