30 Best Spring Flowers to Spruce up Your Garden

Awaken Your Garden with a Symphony of Spring Flowers: A Burst of Color and Fragrance after Winter's Slumber

Spring Flowers, bird, apple tree,bird watching,songbird,luscinia svecica,

Spring gardens are a celebration of renewal, bursting with color and life after the winter’s rest. This season is marked by the emergence of an array of beautiful flowers, each contributing its unique charm. As temperatures warm and days lengthen, gardens awaken with vibrant hues and sweet fragrances. Spring flowers are not just visually stunning. They also play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing early nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The beauty of a spring garden lies in its diversity. From the first crocuses poking through the snow to the full bloom of peonies, each flower has its moment to shine. Gardeners often anticipate the arrival of spring blooms as a reward for their year-long care and planning. These flowers vary in size, shape, and color, offering endless possibilities for garden design. Whether planted in borders, beds, or containers, they bring joy and color to any space.

Choosing the right flowers for your spring garden depends on several factors, including climate, soil type, sunlight availability, and personal preference. Many spring flowers are perennials, coming back year after year, while others are annuals or bulbs that need to be planted annually.

Guide Information

Plant Type	Annuals, Bulbs, Perennials
Genus	Salvia, Syringa, Trillium, Muscari, Allium, Viola, Tulipa, Primula, Rhododendron, Clematis, Helleborus, Iris, Galanthus, Geranium, Dicentra, Crocus, Astilbe, Aquilegia, Anemone, Paeonia, Narcissus, Myosotis
Season of Interest	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early)

Early to Mid Spring Flowers

Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)

In late winter, before crocuses emerge, Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) brings delightful bursts of color to the garden. Its bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers, surrounded by leafy bracts, create a charming display. The rich green foliage, divided into lobes, emerges after the flowers, and the plant goes dormant by late spring.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4" (10cm)
Spread	6" (15cm)

Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot)

Sanguinaria canadensis (Bloodroot) is a perennial known for its striking white flowers. Blooming in spring, the flowers have yellow stamens and usually eight petals. The plant’s blue-gray leaves unfurl as the flowers emerge, and the foliage remains attractive until summer. Sanguinaria canadensis spreads through rhizomes, forming a beautiful carpet over time. Ideal for woodland gardens and shaded areas. Native to eastern and central North America.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm)
Spread	3" - 6" (8cm - 15cm)

Myosotis sylvatica (Wood Forget-Me-Not)

Myosotis sylvatica, or Wood Forget-Me-Not, is a captivating short-lived perennial celebrated for its radiant blue, pink, or white blossoms, each centered with white or yellow. Blooming profusely from mid-spring to mid-summer, its flowers are a magnet for bumblebees and butterflies. Boasting soft, elongated, and fuzzy green leaves, this unassuming plant is effortless to maintain. When paired with spring-flowering bulbs, particularly under tulips of pink, rose, or salmon shades, its beauty truly shines.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid)
Height	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread	9" - 2' (23cm - 60cm)

Viola x wittrockiana (Pansy)

Pansies are known for their charming, face-like blooms and wide range of colors and patterns. They are an excellent choice for early spring and fall gardens, as they thrive in cooler temperatures. Pansies are versatile plants that can be grown in various garden settings and are particularly valued for their ability to provide color during the cooler months of the year.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6" - 10" (15cm - 25cm)
Spread	10" - 1' (25cm - 30cm)

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley)

Ideal for shady spots and heavy clay soil, Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) forms a dense groundcover with ease. Blooming in mid to late spring, its sweetly fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers contrast beautifully with lush green foliage. Resistant to deer and rabbits, this low-maintenance plant is also highly toxic.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)
Spread	9" - 1' (23cm - 30cm)

Primula (Primrose)

Lifting our spirits with their bright colors in the first months of the year, Primulas, also known as Primroses, belong to a huge genus of more than 430 species. Hardy, these cheerful perennials provide a wide range of sizes, shapes and come in almost every color imaginable. They range from tiny rock garden plants to statuesque candelabras.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)

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Galanthus (Snowdrop)

Galanthus, commonly known as Snowdrops, are beloved early spring flowers cherished for their delicate beauty. With their elegant, nodding white blooms and touches of green, they bring a sense of renewal and hope to the garden. These petite flowers are a true symbol of resilience, emerging from the winter landscape to herald the arrival of spring.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early), Winter
Height	4" - 10" (10cm - 25cm)
Spread	3" - 6" (8cm - 15cm)

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Helleborus (Hellebore)

Helleborus, commonly known as Lenten Rose or Christmas Rose, is a delightful perennial that blooms in late winter or early spring, adding much-needed color to the garden. With its nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, or green, and attractive evergreen foliage, it is a resilient and long-lasting plant that thrives in shade or partial shade.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid), Winter
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Crocus vernus (Dutch Crocus)

Crocus vernus, commonly known as the Dutch Crocus or Giant Crocus, is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial. It produces large, cup-shaped flowers in a wide range of colors, including purple, white, yellow, and striped varieties. Blooming early in the season, they bring vibrant colors and a touch of joy to the garden.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early)
Height	4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Spread	3" (8cm)

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Narcissi (Daffodils)

Daffodils are bright, perennial bulbs cherished for their early spring blooms in shades of yellow, white, orange, and pink. They are easy to grow, naturalize well, and resist deer and rabbits. Symbolizing renewal and hope, they are a low-maintenance addition to any garden, offering long-lasting beauty.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	8" - 3' (20cm - 90cm)
Spread	6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm)

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Tulips

Tulips bring vibrant color and joy to your garden, blooming across all three spring seasons. With a wide range of colors and bloom times, they ensure a delightful display that lasts for months. Planting different tulip varieties guarantees a garden that satisfies and brightens your outdoor space from early to late spring.

Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm)
Spread	4" (10cm)

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Pulmonaria (Lungwort)

Pulmonaria, commonly known as lungwort, is a versatile perennial prized for its unique foliage that showcases stunning variegation and attractive silver spots. Its early spring blooms, ranging from pink to blue, add a burst of color to the garden and attract pollinators, making it a favorite among gardeners.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Forsythia

Forsythia is a deciduous shrub, renowned for its vibrant, golden-yellow flowers that bloom profusely in early spring, often before the foliage appears. The flowers densely cover the bare branches, presenting a striking appearance.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	2' - 10' (60cm - 3m)
Spread	2' - 10' (60cm - 3m)

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Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)

Muscari, commonly known as Grape Hyacinths, are charming spring-blooming bulbs that add a touch of whimsy to the garden. Their compact spikes of bell-shaped flowers, resembling clusters of tiny grapes, come in shades of blue, purple, and white. Easy to grow and low maintenance, they naturalize readily, creating captivating carpets of color. They are perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers, providing delightful bursts of color in spring.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	6" - 8" (15cm - 20cm)
Spread	2" (5cm)

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Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower)

Anemone blanda (Grecian Windflower) is a delightful and rewarding plant that brings bursts of bright colors to the garden in mid-spring. Its daisy-like flowers in shades of white, blue, and pink bloom abundantly over the finely cut foliage, creating a charming display. Perfect for planting along paths and borders, or even under shade trees, these flowers provide weeks of springtime joy.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid)
Height	4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)
Spread	4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm)

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Hyacinthus orientalis (Dutch Hyacinth)

Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly known as the Dutch hyacinth, is a fragrant, spring-blooming bulb that produces dense clusters of bell-shaped flowers in a wide range of vibrant colors. Its strong scent and striking appearance make it a popular choice for garden beds, containers, and indoor displays.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid)
Height	8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm)
Spread	3" - 4" (8cm - 10cm)

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Trillium

Trilliums are cherished woodland wildflowers, adored for their symmetrical beauty. These rhizomatous perennials boast exquisite blooms and mottled foliage, creating a captivating display in shade gardens. With their resilience and harmonious blending among other woodland plants, Trilliums are a true gem of the spring season.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Viola (Violet)

Violets are charming and colorful flowers that are easy to grow and maintain. They come in various hues and sizes and are known for their delightful fragrance. Violas are perfect for gardens, balconies, and even as indoor plants and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	2" - 1' (5cm - 30cm)
Spread	4" - 1' (10cm - 30cm)

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Camellia japonica (Japanese Camellia)

Camellia japonica, the dominant species of the genus, boasts a staggering array of over 30,000 cultivars, showcasing a captivating range of flower shapes and hues. With its alluring habit, lustrous foliage, and magnificent blooms, this iconic plant has enraptured gardeners in Japan, China, and Korea for centuries, leaving an indelible mark on horticultural traditions.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Winter
Height	6' - 20' (180cm - 6.1m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

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Fritillaria

The genus Fritillaria consists of almost 100 species. Only a limited number are being cultivated, but interest in this genus is very much on the rise. All of them exhibit bell-shaped flowers, generally hanging downwards from the top of upright stems which bear narrow leaves. Which one is for you?

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late)
Height	6" - 4' (15cm - 120cm)
Spread	3" - 8" (8cm - 20cm)

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Late Spring to Early Summer Flowers

Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill)

Hardy geraniums are a garden favorite, boasting abundant flowers and lush foliage that adds texture. They are incredibly resilient, resisting pests and diseases, making them low-maintenance. These plants are known for their easy growth, making them a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)

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Allium (Ornamental Onion)

With their exquisite beauty, alliums are a must-have for perennial gardens. These easy-to-grow bulbs come in a wide range of colors, inflorescence types, heights, and bloom times, adding diversity and charm. They often bloom in early summer, bridging the gap between spring and summer.

Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	6" - 4' (15cm - 120cm)
Spread	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)

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Paeonia (Peonies)

Beloved for their abundant blooms, the beauty of their exquisite flowers, their delightful fragrance, and their bold foliage changing shades over the seasons, peony flowers add a dazzling splash of color in the landscape.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 7' (60cm - 210cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Paeonia (Peonies) Read More

Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a diverse and useful genus of plants that offers a variety of ornamental, culinary, and medicinal benefits. With their showy flowers, fragrant leaves, and ease of cultivation, Salvia plants are a popular choice for gardeners and plant enthusiasts around the world.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)
Spread	1' - 6' (30cm - 180cm)

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Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac)

With its delightful fragrance, Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac) is a springtime favorite in colder climates. These easy-to-grow shrubs are tough, deer-resistant, and relatively pest-free. Prized for their abundant flowers, Common Lilacs are a top choice for adding beauty to any landscape.

Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late)
Height	3' - 15' (90cm - 4.6m)
Spread	4' - 10' (120cm - 3m)

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Astilbe

Astilbes are highly sought-after plants, perfect for shady and moist environments. With their elegant, vibrant flower plumes that rise above fern-like foliage, these plants remain visually appealing throughout the season. Their long-lasting blooms bring brightness to shade gardens and create a stunning burst of color in any landscape.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	6" - 5' (15cm - 150cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Azalea and Rhododendron

Azaleas and Rhododendrons are cherished ornamental shrubs from the genus Rhododendron, which encompasses over 900 species and 20,000 hybrids. Ranging from compact, dwarf varieties to towering specimens, these versatile plants dazzle with vibrant blooms in diverse shapes and colors. Some varieties are delightfully fragrant or showcase striking foliage, offering year-round garden appeal. However, all parts of these plants are highly toxic and should be handled with care.

Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	2' - 20' (60cm - 6.1m)
Spread	3' - 15' (90cm - 4.6m)

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Clematis

Clematis is a popular and versatile flowering vine known for its stunning and diverse blooms. With a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, clematis flowers add a touch of elegance to gardens, fences, and arbors. They are easy to grow, attract pollinators, and can thrive in various climates and conditions.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Late), Fall

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Aquilegia (Columbine)

Aquilegia, also known as Columbine or Granny’s Bonnet, is a superb perennial for any garden. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers form beautiful clusters, complemented by lacy foliage that emerges early in the year. Blooming abundantly for 4-6 weeks from mid-spring to summer, Columbine bridges the gap between early spring bulbs and the peak of the garden season.

Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread	6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)

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Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercup)

Adored by florists and gardeners, Ranunculus asiaticus (Persian Buttercups) is a tuberous perennial boasting brilliantly colored flowers adorned with multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals. Native to Asia Minor, they produce masses of very long-lasting, single, double or frilled blossoms in a rainbow of gorgeous colors.

Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)

Dicentra, commonly known as Bleeding Heart, is a favorite among gardeners. These rhizomatous or tuberous perennials showcase heart-shaped flowers that hang delicately in arching clusters above attractively divided leaves. They thrive in shade and offer a long blooming season, from late spring to early fall in cooler climates. Their graceful foliage adds beauty even before the blooms emerge.

Exposure	Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm)
Spread	6" - 3' (15cm - 90cm)

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Papaver orientale (Oriental Poppy)

With their striking, silky-satin flowers in vibrant shades of red, orange, white, or pink, Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale) are the stars of the late spring to early summer garden. These eye-catching perennials add a touch of drama and beauty to any landscape.

Exposure	Full Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)

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Discover more Spring Flowers for your garden with our Plant Finder

Garden Examples

A Long-Lasting Border Idea with Tradescantia and Coleus

A Long-Lasting Summer Garden Idea with Marigold and Sage

A Stunning Plant Combination Idea

An Easy Plant Combination Idea

A Prairie Planting Idea with Easy Care Annuals and Perennials

A Casual Border with Poppies, Tickseed and Mullein

Compare All

Salvia (Sage) Syringa (Lilac) Trillium (Wake Robin) Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) Allium Viola (Violet) Tulipa (Tulip) Primula (Primrose) Rhododendron Clematis Helleborus (Hellebore) Iris Galanthus (Snowdrop) Geranium (Cranesbill) Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) Crocus Astilbe Aquilegia (Columbine) Anemone Paeonia (Peony) Narcissus (Daffodil) Myosotis (Forget-me-not)

Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas

Salvia (Sage) Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) Allium Tulipa (Tulip) Primula (Primrose) Rhododendron Clematis Helleborus (Hellebore) Iris Galanthus (Snowdrop) Geranium (Cranesbill) Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) Crocus Astilbe Aquilegia (Columbine) Anemone Paeonia (Peony) Narcissus (Daffodil) Myosotis (Forget-me-not)

Guides with

Bachkova Natalia, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.