30 Spring Flowers to Plant Right This Instant for a Sensational Garden
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Whether it’s contained in a flower box or cheerily lining the path to your front door, a garden planted with pretty spring flowers is the ultimate way to welcome warm weather. Since plants flower more at this time of the year, why not go all out by choosing colorful, fragrant blooms that will make your outdoor space extra inviting?
The thing is, we totally get if you’re overwhelmed by all the different plant options out there, which is why we’ve put together an easy-to-follow cheat sheet of this season’s foolproof florals. Our picks include a wide range of blooms, whether you prefer stunning yet fleeting annuals or favor perennials that will regrow season after season. As soon as these springtime beauties start to bloom, you can even whip up your very own cut flower bouquet for yourself or for a friend. Excited to make your yard or balcony blossom? Read on for our favorite flowers to grow this spring.
Tulip
Tulips are a classic spring flower, but they don’t grow instantly. According to the Home Depot, it’s ideal to plant them in the fall so they’re ready for spring. If you missed that boat, don’t stress because stores offer potted tulips that can easily be replanted wherever you want. Nab a few and spruce up your front step.
Snowdrop
Given how unpredictable spring weather can be, it’s practical to have flowers that stay fresh no matter the conditions. This is what you’ll get with snowdrops because even if there’s transitional spring snow on the ground, they’ll peep through.
Iris
Like snowdrops, irises also begin to bloom during early spring. If you’re one of those impatient plant parents who can’t wait months for flowers, these beauties were made for you. Irises are typically planted during the late summer months, but you can also plant rhizomes (the iris’s horizontal, rootlike structure) in early spring.
Lilac
Next up on the list are sweet-smelling lilacs. They’ll need plenty of direct sunlight to bloom, so keep that in mind when finding a spot for them in your yard.
Cherry Blossom
It’s no secret that cherry blossoms are some of the most spectacular and well-known spring flowers. While they seem delicate and high-maintenance, you can actually grow them yourself. You simply need lots of sunlight and well-drained soil.
Lily of the Valley
May is usually when these lilies bloom. The bell-shaped perennials have an unforgettable scent, but make sure you don’t scorch them in the sun, as they prefer being in a well-shaded spot.
Daffodil
Nothing beats the eye-catching yellow hue of daffodils. More is more when it comes to these radiant perennials, so don’t be afraid to plant a whole bunch altogether. These bulbs are best planted in the fall, but you can certainly buy bunches in planters this spring to add a splash of sunshine to your patio.
Begonia
Begonias are shade-loving plants and, depending on where you live, are generally planted as annuals. Once you get them to bloom in the spring, they’ll keep growing and growing, making them perfect for anyone who loves flower arranging.
Geranium
Blooming geraniums are a surefire sign of spring. Better still? They’re low maintenance. If you’re a beginner, stick with these showy perennials.
Snapdragon
Not only will snapdragons take your bouquets to the next level, but spring is when these annuals shine (the blooms take a break from flowering as soon as summer hits). Pro tip: Plant them closer together so you end up with longer, flowering stems.
Pansy
Despite needing at least six hours of sunlight a day, these annuals actually love the cold. They’ll even start blooming in the snow. Available in a range of bright hues, from purple and white to a deep crimson, these flowers will suit any color palette.
Crocus
Another early bloomer, crocuses, with their bright purple petals, are best planted in individual pots because of their appeal to garden pests.
Hyacinth
Best in small pots where you can control their moisture levels (hyacinths prefer well-drained but well-watered soil), these spring blooms provide vibrant and early color.
Primrose
Another species that thrives in spring’s early, colder months is the hardy primrose. Because there are countless varieties, ask your local flower shop or hardware store which type is best suited to your geographic area.
Marigold
Known for their striking orange hue, marigolds are also natural mosquito repellers. Plant in full sun with fertilized soil for the best results.
Petunia
Often seen in hanging porch baskets or window boxes, petunias can also be used as spring ground cover. The best part: These vibrant flowers have a long flowering life and don’t tend to start wilting until late summer.
Zinnia
Ideal for late summer, heat-loving zinnias are native to the Southwestern United States. Their colorful blooms grow in large bushes and are sure to bring a smile to any gardener’s face.
Allium
Beloved by bees and gardeners alike, these bulbous perennials stand tall and look great whether cut into arrangements or left in the garden to their own devices.
Sweet Pea
A charming climber, use a fence or trellis to support these fragrant blooms. But despite liking full sun exposure best, too high temperatures will cause them to wilt, so early spring (or even starting them indoors) is best.
Gladiolus
Spring is the ideal time to plant these late-bloomers as they prefer to flower later in summer. Available in nearly every color imaginable (reds to yellows to blues), gladiolus are perfect for adding a pop.
Hydrangea
While most of the flowers on this list need to be planted before they bloom, hydrangeas are best when planted after they start to flower. Because of the overwhelming amount of variation, this is simply to ensure that you get the colors and types you like.
Daylily
Like their name suggests, daylilies prefer total sunlight and the more sun you provide, the more golden blooms you can expect.
Coneflower
Blooming fully in midsummer, coneflowers are the tough cousin of the delicate daisy. These perennials are also incredibly easy to care for with minimal watering and average sunlight needs.
Hollyhock
Needing full sun and very moist soil, Hollyhocks can be quite finicky for a first-time gardener. However, their towering, pink blooms are ample reward come spring’s transition into summer.
Flowering Stock
A rich, clovelike scent defines these annuals. Place stocks, which are available in deep jewel tones such as violent and fucshia, in containers or beds near a walkway or entrance to enjoy the fragrance all season long.
Summer Lily
When buying lilies, maintenance drastically depends on the type—Oriental or Asiatic. The first offers large, heavily perfumed flowers that need staking to keep from falling over, while the latter appears in small, vivid blooms that are hardy on their own.
Sedum
These upright flower clusters change colors from bud to bloom to end fading for a full season show. Plant in front of windows to enjoy the vibrant hues all season long—peak blooms will appear in late summer.
New England Aster
A beloved native plant in its namesake region, the colorful New England aster will bloom in early fall, perfect for those late-season pollinators.
Monkshood
An herbaceous wildflower, Monkshood (named for its striking similarity to a monk’s cloak) has made a transition into residential gardens. However it can be highly poisonous, so avoid growing around pets or children and never cut stems for bouquets.
Weigela
This old-fashioned shrub produces a striking number of red flowers in summer and into the early fall months. Best flowering occurs when you provide full and bright sunlight.
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