The SoCal weather allows for gorgeous plants all year round in Los Angeles. Its most emblematic tree is obviously the palm tree even though it isn’t native to California. “In the 19th and early 20th centuries, L.A. decorated itself with a diversity of palms to enchant newcomers,” explains Jared Farmer, the author of “Trees in Paradise”. Palm trees were imported from all over the world like many other species found in Los Angeles. Indeed, in California “90% of the plant material used for landscaping comes from other parts of the world,” write Mrs. and Mr. Asakawa, the authors of the “California Gardener’s Handbook”.

Palm trees lines in Santa Monica, California. © By Pauline Mornet

If you have the chance to visit the city from April to June you will enjoy the beautiful Jacaranda trees. Originally from South America these trees are a purple dream. Their color is superb and transforms the ground in a violet carpet. If you want to know more, this article explains it all.

A blooming Jacaranda tree on UCLA Campus in Westwood. © By Pauline Mornet

Bougainvillea are very present in Los Angeles. You can enjoy their beautiful flowers throughout the year, although the most intense blooming is from May to July. There is also a winter blooming in December. I adore seeing bougainvillea flowers, they feel very summery and bring life to the gardens. The flowers are usually bright crimson, but also pink, purple, white and yellow.

A blooming bougainvillea next to the entrance of a Los Angeles home. © By Pauline Mornet

A massive bougainvillea in the garden of a Los Angeles home. © By Pauline Mornet

You can also spot many birds of paradise which are the official flowers of Los Angeles. The tropical plant, native to South Africa, became the floral emblem of the city in 1952 to celebrate the city’s 171st birthday (note that bougainvillea were also considered!)

The floral emblem of Los Angeles: bird of paradise.

It’s very impressive to see so many blooming giant hibiscus flowers in the streets of Los Angeles. Originated from Asia these flowers usually thrive in tropical climates. But according to the L.A. Times: “In most of the Los Angeles Basin, Orange County and the San Diego area, hibiscus will do well if they’re in full, hot sun.”

Large hibiscus flowers in the streets of Westwood in Los Angeles, California. © By Pauline Mornet

Yellow Hibiscus flower near UCLA Campus in Los Angeles, California. © By Pauline Mornet

You will often encounter another typical tropical plant in Los Angeles: the banana tree. Their leaves are not just on the walls of the Beverly Hills Hotel. I have one just down my apartment building. Sometimes the leaves are in a very distinctive natural fan-shaped arrangement.

A banana tree in a street of Westwood in Los Angeles, California. © By Pauline Mornet

Banana leaves and Lei flowers give Brentwood, California, a very Hawaiian feel. © By Pauline Mornet

Red flowers and banana tree near Bel Air in Los Angeles, California. © By Pauline Mornet

It’s always a delight to see a citrus tree in the area, they are part of the Southern California identity. The mild Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing fruit trees. You can also spot pomegranates, peaches, persimmons…

A beautiful lime tree in Brentwood, California. © By Pauline Mornet

Sun shining on a lemon tree in Los Angeles, California. © By Pauline Mornet

A blooming orange tree in Los Angeles, California. © By Pauline Mornet

Many other species are found in the city. Among my favorites are olive and eucalyptus trees which are extremely scented. It feels like most of the gardeners outdo themselves and I admire their work during my walks. Roses grow very well and their blooming season is pretty long from spring to late fall.

Here is a little medley to end our journey in the floral Los Angeles.

L.A. Bloom