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Is there anything better than seeing the first flowers of spring peeking out after a long, cold winter? Even when there's still snow on the ground, your garden can bestow early spring bloomers like glory of the snow, snowdrops, and crocuses, reminding us all of the long awaited sunny days ahead. But for that, you've got to start planning your plants! Whether you choose annuals to replant each season or perennials that come back year after year, including a variety of spring flowers in your landscaping ideas will provide constant blooms from early spring until the warmer days of summer arrive.
But first, the most important factor when planning your garden or flower beds is making sure you give your plants exactly what they need. To start, you'll want to clearly read the plant's label. Full sun means six or more hours of direct sunlight; part sun means about half of that. On the other hand, full shade means no direct sunlight or only a tiny bit of mild morning sun. Sun lovers will not bloom in shade, and shade lovers will sizzle if you plant them in direct sun. Finally, make sure when you’re planting perennials that you choose those that can survive winters in your USDA hardiness zone. You should also note that some spring-flowering plants must be planted in the fall to bloom the following spring, but others can be planted right as spring dawns.
And before you do any work in your garden to get those beautiful spring blooms, make sure you have the right gear. Grab a pair of gardening gloves and gardening shoes along with all the best gardening tools, then get to work!
1
Spring Flower: Daffodil
These cheerful yellow flowers are a sure sign spring has arrived. Their bright, bobbing heads come in many different heights and forms, including single and double flowers. You can also grow them in plenty of other pretty colors like white, pink or orange. Best of all? Rodents don’t like daffodils so they’re less likely to get dug up unlike other spring-blooming flowers. That, and they require very little care. Plant them in the fall in a spot that gets lots of sun exposure.
2
Spring Flower: Tulip
Tulips come in many colors and shapes, including single form, multiple flowers on a stem, and doubles—whatever your choice, they're sure to be showstoppers! They're usually treated as annuals because the second year's bloom can be a bit lackluster. Because of this, new bulbs are often planted every fall. They’re also tasty to rodents, so if this is a problem in your garden, plant them in pots or underneath less delectable bulbs such as daffodils. Full sun is ideal when deciding where to plant the colorful blooms.
3
Spring Flower: Grape Hyacinth
A tiny-but-mighty little bulb, grape hyacinth naturalizes readily, so you’ll have more and more of these charming purple or white flowers every year. That means the clustered star-shaped flowers can easily become, well, the star of your garden! Plus, their scent is slightly reminiscent of, yes, you guessed it: grapes! Plant in the fall for spring flowers and make sure they're in a spot where they'll get full sun. They're toxic to pets though, so make sure their planting area is away from your furry friends.
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4
Spring Flower: Crocus
These cup-shaped, colorful blooms are some of the first to appear in spring. Don’t be surprised if you find the sweet-smelling crocuses other than where you planted them, like under bushes. That’s because rodents like to dig them up and bury elsewhere! Plant them in pots or underneath bulbs rodents tend to ignore, such as hyacinths and daffodils. And be sure to place them in the ground during fall to watch them bloom in the spring. Crocuses need full sun to thrive.
5
Spring Flower: Lily of the Valley
An old-fashioned perennial that’s fallen slightly out of favor because it can become quite aggressive, lily of the valley still is a darling spring bloomer. Its tiny white bells dangle on long stems and have a sweet scent in mid-spring. Though the flowers will only bloom for about three weeks before developing into small reddish berries. Plant it in a mostly shaded area where it has room to spread as a ground cover, but not too near other perennials.
6
Spring Flower: Iris
Irises, which come in many different forms and colors, have striking sword-like foliage and dramatic-looking flowers. They'll make a beautiful statement on the garden border. Plus, they multiply and come back year after year. The shortest varieties bloom as early as mid-March, but taller irises bloom from mid-May to June. As for planting, don’t bury them too deep as their rhizomes need to be close to the surface (about three inches deep). Irises will thrive in full sun exposure. Also, they attract bees and hummingbirds but are toxic to humans and pets.
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7
Spring Flower: Forsythia
The brilliant yellow of forsythia is enough to bring a cheerful blast of color to any garden as the springtime starts. They low-maintenance and fast-growing shrubs will start blooming in early spring, but are best planted in the fall in full sun. While some varieties will grow to be just a few feet tall, most can grow up to ten feet long with arching stems—perfect for the butterflies and bees that love them. You can even cut the flower stems to make beautiful arrangements!
8
Spring Flower: Azalea
They're one of the most popular flowering shrubs for a reason! Just look at the blazing, bright pink petals. You can also find the trumpet-shaped flowers in lavender, white, salmon, and red. But no matter the color, they'll be an attractive addition to your porch or yard when used as hedging, a potted plant or even spread throughout your landscape. Plant them in the spring or fall, but be sure they get partial shade. You should also note that they're toxic to you and your pets.
9
Spring Flower: Lilac
The cone-shaped clusters of four-petalled flowers that make up lilacs instantly remind us of magical cottage-style gardens. What's even more magical? They're exceptionally hardy, low maintenance, and long-lived. Choose from shades of white, purple, pink, blue, or yellow, then plant them in early spring or in the fall before it freezes—in a place that gets full sun. Because they're excellent pollinator flowers, the fragrant blooms will likely bring buzzing bees to your yard come springtime.
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10
Spring Flower: Magnolia
Depending on the variety, magnolias can bloom from late winter to mid-spring. So, if you want a head start to the season, look to these trees for their big and beautiful blossoms. You'll find a variety of types, including both evergreen and deciduous, so be sure to choose one that will thrive in your hardiness zone. Because they're wide-spreading, you'll also want to choose a spot in your yard that has plenty of space for their branches and flowers to take shape.
11
Spring Flower: Diascia
These delicate flowers are perfect for using in hanging baskets because of their trailing growth habit. They come in a variety of pretty pink shades, including mauve, rose, and coral, and flower nonstop from late spring into the autumn.
12
Spring Flower: Snowdrop
This cheerful flower is one of the first to bloom in the spring. It's extremely easy to care for and can be planted in a variety of places in your yard. Plant snowdrops in early to late fall, depending on where you live.
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13
Spring Flower: Wallflowers
These fragrant blooms are easy to grow and would make great additions to any garden. Plant them 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost in your area, in a sunny position with well-draining soil.
14
Spring Flower: Bluebells
You know spring is in full swing when you see these pretty blue-violet flowers in full bloom. In addition to beautifying your garden, they also make great cut flowers.
15
Spring Flower: Forget-Me-Nots
These sweet blue blooms spread on their own and will grow fast in your garden. They're also known for attracting butterflies, only adding to their beauty!
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16
Spring Flower: Foxglove
This striking plant grows tubular pink, white, or purple blooms with colorful speckles, making it a standout in any garden. They usually don't flower until their second year but they'll be well worth the wait!
17
Spring Flower: Peonies
These spring bloomers are known as the “queen of flowers” in their native China, and it's easy to see why. With their beautiful scent and showy blooms, they're sure to be the stars of your garden.
18
Spring Flower: Columbine
Unusual flowers and delicate foliage make this perennial a must-have for a garden in late spring. Columbines are available in many different exotic-looking forms and saturated colors including pink, purple, coral, and red. They thrive when given part sun.
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19
Spring Flower: Snowflake
These plants, also called leucojum, bloom profusely. They have a wispy, baby’s breath-type effect and will naturalize well. They’re also pest-resistant and tolerate a wide range of soils and exposures. They like part shade to full sun.
20
Spring Flower: Flowering Quince
This flowering shrub boasts beautiful red, orange, white, or pink flowers that bloom for about 10 to 14 days and are followed by tiny fruits that can be used in jellies. Any plant that can go from beauty to fruity is okay by us! 😍
