If you’re planning to visit the Biltmore Estate in the Spring or Summer and wondering what will be blooming each month, then this post is for you!

The Biltmore Estate Gardens have the most stunning blooms and backgrounds that Asheville and Hendersonville have to offer and make the most GORGEOUS backdrop for bright and colorful family photos!

I’m going to break down what is blooming each month so you can easily plan for your Spring Family Photoshoot at the Biltmore Estate and already know which blooms to expect!

Late March to Mid April

Daffodils, Tulips & Dogwoods

The tulips in the walled gardens (in front of the Conservatory building) are planted all at once in late March! Tulip colors can vary and are planted in large groups in between intersecting brick paths.

Lighting is best first thing in the morning and in the evenings because the gardens receive full sun throughout the entire day! It also may be important to note that most surrounding trees are still bare around this time (mid-late April is when they finally get dressed up) and temperature can vary greatly from cold to warm, even hot!

When planning for March and April sessions in WNC, it is best to plan outfits that can be added to/reduced from in order to accommodate a 50 degree day and a 70 degree day! Denim jackets, cardigans, boots, sweaters with dresses, and under-layers are all great additions to accommodate cooler days!

Mid April to Mid May

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Mountain Laurel and Wisteria

The Azalea Gardens are an absolute DREAM to see in full bloom! I hosted mini sessions here this past April on National Azalea Day (April 18th, 2026) and the beauty of it all made me so giddy.

To find the Azalea Gardens on property, you will want to park behind the Conservatory building and walk a little further down the main road toward the exit. You’ll find them nestled downhill with a paved trail. You will want to plan for a fair amount of walking with stairs and elevation changes to view these gardens.

And if you haven’t been around Azalea Gardens before, one thing I wanted to mention is that there are a LOT of bees around the flowers, especially midday! They did not approach me at all as I walked between rows of bushes, but if you or someone you are with are allergic or scared of bees, it could definitely impact your experience!

May and June

Roses, Peonies, Hydrangeas and Black-Eyed Susans

The rose gardens are always abundant with so many rose blooms in the Summer! Pinks, reds, yellows, whites, there is such a gorgeous variety!

Like everything within the walled gardens, I always recommend planning your photoshoot for first thing in the morning and later in the evening since it gets full sun throughout most of the day!

And if you’re up for a little bit of walking, this patch of black-eyed susans makes for a dreamy sunset session with all of the best summer vibes!

July and August

Sunflowers, Crepe Myrtles

Be my first official sunflower session client! These are a little challenging to coordinate because the timing of the sunflower blooms varies from year to year so it helps if you are local and have a flexible schedule!

And bees love sunflowers too so make sure everyone in your family is aware that there may be bees flying around!

Thanks for Reading!

Xoxo,

Rachel