flowering

1 of 2

adjective

flow·​er·​ing ˈflau̇(-ə)r-iŋ 

1

: producing or bearing flowers

a flowering cactus

a flowering branch

: capable of producing flowers

a collection of flowering plants

flowering trees

2

: covered with or full of flowers

a flowering meadow

flowering

2 of 2

noun

1

: the act or state of producing flowers : the period during which a plant produces flowers

the flowering of the iris

a plant that should be pruned only when flowering ends

Early flowering was followed by heat waves in July and August …

—James Suckling

2

: an unfolding or development

the gradual flowering of his talent

: a flourishing state or period of new development or growth

… when Christians, Muslims and Jews lived and worked together in peace and friendship, producing a rare flowering of art, science and commerce.

—Liesl Schillinger

… the theatre is a wonderful testimony to the city's artistic flowering in the era of art nouveau.

—Robert Fox

Examples of flowering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But this recently discovered preserved pollen came from non-flowering gymnosperms, a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers such as pine, fir and spruce trees. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Mar. 2023

Why Grow Moss in a Garden? Mosses are non-flowering plants that produce spores rather than seeds. —Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 28 Feb. 2023

If the roses are grafted, non-flowering rootstock suckers could be taking over the plants, although this would tend to occur more sporadically on a couple of plants in a large planting of roses, versus all of the plants. —Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 6 Nov. 2021

Some enthusiasts say hardneck garlic has a richer, more pungent flavor than non-flowering types, but not all gardeners agree, Bubl said. —oregonlive, 27 Sep. 2021

Cohen also said 18- to 34-year-olds bought more flowering and leafy houseplants last year than any other age group. —BostonGlobe.com, 18 Apr. 2021

Noun

Red and blue light are especially beneficial for plant growth: blue light promotes leaf and stem growth, while red light encourages flowering and fruiting. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024

Here are some tips from the National Audubon Society to attract hummingbirds to your yard: Plant native flowering plants: Hummingbirds are attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers rich in nectar. —The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024

Research found when microorganisms release the nutrients from the Milorganite pellets, some of the phosphorous that promotes flowering and potassium — which is good for disease resistance and hardiness — bound to the soil are made available to the plant. —Melinda Myers, Journal Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2024

Pansies tumble out of window boxes at downtown bars and restaurants, peonies burst from front yards in the historic districts in the spring, and even the occasional flowering weed pops up from the sidewalk with cheery and hospitable flair. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 2024

Since most of these species show their best flowering (and even bark color in the case of the red-stemmed dogwoods) annual rejuvenation pruning improves plant health and promotes maximum show in the garden. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Mar. 2024

Each flower lasts only a few days, but the Easter lily usually ships with unopened buds, so flowering can continue for two weeks when the plant is kept in bright light. —Derek Carwood, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2024

Full sun will help with the flowering, but pentas will bloom in partial shade as well. —Marissa Wu, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024

The Italian Renaissance saw a flowering of great art, music, and literature that is nearly unrivaled in Western culture. —Norman Weinstein, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing flowering

• flowering dogwood
• flowering plant