18 Best Spring Flowers

The long wait through winter can feel endless, but nothing signals the arrival of spring quite like the first blooms of spring flowers pushing through the cold soil. After planting crocus bulbs last fall, the anticipation of their arrival is nearly impossible. Will they survive the cold of winter? Will their blooms be as lovely as expected? This is an exciting and stressful moment for many gardeners.

As the days grow warmer, those small green shoots finally break the surface, proving that patience and planning have paid off. To guarantee an effective return each year, seasoned gardeners usually suggest leaving the leaves in place long after the flowers have faded. This technique works well for bulbs like lilies, crocuses, and daffodils, which grow over time to produce an even more beautiful show. Learning from older people, like a grandmother’s passion for bulbs, can be a great way for those who are just beginning to grow the legacy of a colorful spring garden or a spring flower bar.

For those ready to expand their spring flowers beyond bulbs, options abound. Native plants like milkweed provide a home for pollinators, and zinnias, pansies, and morning glories add color and vitality to any outdoor space. Even unexpected options, such as artichokes in bloom, contribute amazing beauty.

Careful planning and early planting are both necessary for a beautiful spring display, whether you’re growing in a tiny patio garden or doing a whole landscape makeover. Your yard may be transformed into a wonderful celebration of spring each year with these 18 of the best spring flowers, each of which comes with comprehensive gardening advice.

18. Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)

Daffodils are iconic spring bulbs known for their trumpet-shaped spring flowers in shades of yellow, white, and orange. They symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.

Planting Tips:

• Timing: Plant bulbs in the fall, about 2-4 weeks before the ground freezes.
• Depth: Place bulbs 6 inches deep with the pointed end facing upward.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 3-6 inches apart to allow for growth.
• Soil: Ensure well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot.

Care Tips:

• Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early spring as shoots emerge.
• Post-Bloom: Allow foliage to die back naturally to nourish the bulbs for the next season.

Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring.

Additional Note: Daffodils are deer-resistant and can naturalize over time, creating larger clumps each year.

17. Tulip (Tulipa spp.)

Tulips are beloved for their cup-shaped spring flowers and come in a vast array of colors and patterns. They add elegance and charm to any spring garden.

Planting Tips:

• Timing: Plant bulbs in the fall, 6-8 weeks before the first hard frost.
• Depth: Plant bulbs 6-8 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart.
• Soil: Use well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.

Care Tips:

• Watering: Water after planting and maintain moisture during active growth.
• Fertilization: Apply bulb fertilizer at planting and as growth begins in spring.
• Post-Bloom: Remove spent spring flowers but allow foliage to yellow before cutting back.

Bloom Time: Mid to late spring.

Additional Note: For continuous blooms, consider planting early, mid, and late-season tulip varieties.

16. Crocus (Crocus spp.)

Crocuses are among the earliest bloomers, with cup-shaped spring flowers in purple, yellow, white, and striped variations. They often emerge through the snow, signaling the start of spring.

Planting Tips:

• Timing: Plant corms in the fall, 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
• Depth: Plant corms 3 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space corms 2-3 inches apart.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is essential to prevent rot.

Care Tips:

• Watering: Water after planting; minimal watering is needed afterward.
• Fertilization: A light application of bulb fertilizer in early spring can boost growth.
• Post-Bloom: Allow foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for the next season.

Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring.

Additional Note: Crocuses are excellent for naturalizing in lawns and under trees.

15. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Hyacinths are known for their dense spikes of fragrant spring flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and yellow. Their sweet scent is a highlight in spring gardens.

Planting Tips:

• Timing: Plant bulbs in the fall, 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
• Depth: Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 4-6 inches apart.
• Soil: Ensure soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Care Tips:

• Watering: Water after planting and keep soil moist during growth.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and as growth resumes in spring.
• Post-Bloom: Remove spent flower spikes; allow foliage to die back naturally.

Bloom Time: Mid-spring.

Additional Note: Hyacinths can be grown indoors in pots for early blooms.

14. Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)

Snowdrops are delicate, nodding white spring flowers that often bloom while snow is still on the ground, symbolizing hope and purity.

Planting Tips:

• Timing: Plant bulbs in early fall.
• Depth: Plant bulbs 3 inches deep.
• Spacing: Space bulbs 3 inches apart.

13. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari spp.)

Small, bell-shaped spring flowers that grow in clusters, resembling a bunch of grapes. Colors include deep blue, purple, and white.

• Planting Tips: Plant in fall, 3 inches deep, in well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Low maintenance; allow foliage to die back naturally.

12. Primrose (Primula spp.)

A cheerful, early-blooming perennial with vibrant blooms in pink, purple, yellow, red, and white.

• Planting Tips: Prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade.
• Care Tips: Water regularly and mulch to retain soil moisture.

11. Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)

Also called “Lenten Rose,” these evergreen perennials bloom in late winter to early spring in shades of white, pink, green, and purple.

• Planting Tips: Grow in partial to full shade with rich, well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water during dry spells and remove faded leaves for best appearance.

10. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

A deciduous shrub covered in bright yellow spring flowers before its leaves appear.

• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun for best bloom production.
• Care Tips: Prune right after flowering to maintain shape.

9. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Unique, heart-shaped pink or white spring flowers dangle from arching stems.

• Planting Tips: Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Keep soil consistently moist; foliage dies back in summer.

8. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

Delicate, bell-shaped white spring flowers with a sweet fragrance, blooming on arching stems.

• Planting Tips: Prefers shady areas with rich, moist soil.
• Care Tips: Keep soil consistently moist; spreads easily, making it a great ground cover.

7. Peony (Paeonia spp.)

Large, lush blooms in pink, white, red, or yellow; long-lived perennials with a rich fragrance.

• Planting Tips: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; avoid planting too deep.
• Care Tips: Support heavy blooms with stakes; divide mature plants every few years.

6. Iris (Iris spp.)

Elegant spring flowers with intricate petals in blue, purple, yellow, and white.

• Planting Tips: Plant rhizomes shallowly in late summer or early fall.
• Care Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; divide every few years to prevent overcrowding.

5. Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Glossy evergreen shrubs with rose-like flowers in pink, red, and white, blooming in late winter to early spring.

• Planting Tips: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil in partial shade.
• Care Tips: Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots from extreme temperatures.

4. Anemone (Anemone blanda)

Daisy-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white that bloom in early spring.

• Planting Tips: Plant tubers in the fall, about 2 inches deep in well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water regularly during active growth; drought-tolerant once established.

3. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Shrubs covered in vibrant pink, red, purple, or white flowers in mid to late spring.

• Planting Tips: Prefers acidic soil with good drainage and partial shade.
• Care Tips: Water regularly and apply mulch to retain moisture; prune after flowering.

2. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

Unique, spurred flowers in a variety of colors, loved by hummingbirds.

• Planting Tips: Prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; allow some to self-seed for naturalizing.

1. Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)

Fuzzy, purple flowers with golden centers, often blooming around Easter.

• Planting Tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.
• Care Tips: Drought-tolerant once established; cut back after flowering to encourage bushy growth.

Conclusion

Welcome the season with these beautiful spring flowers! From vibrant tulips to fragrant hyacinths, these blooms will add color and life to your garden or home. Start planting today and enjoy the beauty of spring!