Nancy – 20 July 2026: The European research programme URBLOOM aims to make urban flower beds more resilient to prolonged heat and water shortages. The three-year initiative brings together research institutions, municipalities and experts from France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. It is examining plantings that keep cityscapes attractive, require less watering and at the same time provide food for insects.
Nine cities from three European climate zones are participating: Paris, Villeneuve-d’Ascq, Nancy, Toulouse and Marseille, as well as Berlin, Munich, Geneva and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Different flower combinations will be tested under comparable conditions in public green spaces. The results are intended to show which combinations remain stable under drought stress and are sustainably practical for municipalities.
URBLOOM is coordinated by the University of Lorraine. The scientific consortium includes Sorbonne Universite, the University of Lille, Aix-Marseille University, the Technical University of Munich, the Basque Centre for Climate Change, HEPIA Geneva and the Museum of Natural History Berlin. According to the participating organisations, the project will run from 2026 to 2029.
The focus is on a trade-off affecting many cities: seasonal floral displays are appreciated by residents, but can require considerable maintenance and water during high temperatures and periods without rain. At the same time, suitable plants provide food for wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hoverflies. URBLOOM therefore aims to assess aesthetic, ecological and maintenance-related requirements together.
The research teams will record, among other factors, flower colour, flower shape and flowering time, as well as the resilience of species under water shortages. Standardised research methods are intended to make data from the participating cities comparable. In addition, a non-invasive method is planned to identify important groups of flower-visiting insects without having to kill the animals for examination.
Nancy has a special role in the project. From 2027, five sites there are to be equipped with experimental flower beds. Plant selection is planned jointly with municipal parks departments, scientific partners and other participating cities. Regular observations are intended to document both plant development and the number and diversity of insects on the flowers.
In addition to ecological measurements, URBLOOM also takes public perspectives into account. Park visitors, school pupils and green-space maintenance staff are to be involved in observation and evaluation. If the trials produce robust results, European cities could align their planting schemes more closely with water conservation, biodiversity and climate adaptation, rather than planning flower beds primarily as decorative seasonal displays.
Sources
- franceinfo
- Info du Jour
- University of Lorraine