In dreams, springtime symbolizes leaving the coldness of snow and winter and being reborn. Unsurprisingly, this is a period of new beginnings, progress, and growth. For this reason, spring flowers are one of the most treasured sights of the season.
Whether you want to start your own spring garden or buy early spring flowers, you’re sure to find different varieties to love this time of year.
In this guide, we’ll look at different flowers that bloom in spring for you to enjoy and cherish.
When is Spring?
The definition of spring will vary depending on your climate. In general, it comes after late winter.
Early Spring
In the Northern Hemisphere (like the US and UK), Springtime begins when most of the frost and snow of winter has melted. In other countries, Spring usually begins from late February to March.
For some countries in the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand, Australia), Spring begins in September. To find the specific time for when early spring begins, it’s best to check the local climate and environment in your area.
Late Spring
The early spring season usually begins in February-March. For most countries in the Northern hemisphere, it will generally end in May, right before the summer.
To check the length and average temperatures of the springtime, it is best to consult a local guide about your own climate.
Preparing For Spring
For Gardeners
If you plan on growing your own spring garden, it’s best to start your flower seeds a few weeks before the last frost. Most flower seeds can be grown in early spring, but make sure that the seeds are sown early enough to bloom within the season.
Many spring flower varieties love full sun. To maximize blooms, aim to place bulbs and seedlings in a garden area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight. However, keep in mind which plants prefer full or part shade before deciding on a final location.
On average, springtime lasts for up to 3 months. Most varieties planted late in the winter will make it in time for the spring. For areas that do not experience winters, the best time to plant spring flowers is right before the summer.
For Shoppers
If growing your own flowers is not an option, a close alternative is to buy them. Most flowers can be bought as seedlings or as mature plants ready for blooming. Here are a few guidelines to follow for flower shopping:
- Research your local garden zone — Depending on your area, certain plant varieties will thrive while others won’t. A plant that flourishes in Zones 5 and 6 may not grow much in Zones 3 and 4, for example.
- Evaluate the Leaves — Leaves are a reliable indicator of plant health. Check both sides of a plant’s leaves for discoloration, pest damage, or withering to maximize your purchase.
- Study the Store — Buying from an established nursery versus a big box store can make all the difference for your spring garden. Make sure to purchase from reputable sources for healthy plants.
- Buds vs. Blooms — While blooming plants can be tempting, consider buying your flowers at the budding stage. Flower buds are easier to transplant and grow. Buds also bloom longer than established flowers, which fade quickly after being brought home.
Best Spring Blooming Flowers
Bluebell
As a recognized sight in the south, Bluebells grace countrysides with their distinct hues and exquisite floral scent. These elegant flowers are grown from bulbs and emerge early in the springtime with bell-shaped petals.
Scientifically, this dainty plant is named Hyacinthoides for its relation to the Hyacinth plant. Bluebells carry the symbolism of everlasting love and gratitude. Like its Hyacinth ancestor, Bluebells carry a sweet scent and are often gifted to sweethearts and immediate relatives.
Being a native wildflower, Bluebells don’t require much attention to bloom. This easygoing species requires part shade, so 4-6 hours of sun is more than enough. Moderately moist soil is a must, so check if your Bluebell may need a drink.
Bluebell plants take 3-4 months to bloom, and their average height is about 12 inches tall. Fertilizing isn’t necessary, but can help a Bluebell to keep growing and flowering. Apply fertilizer when a Bluebell starts blooming to extend its longevity.
Daisy
The daisy flower is known for its famous white flowers and iconic yellow centers. As a classic spring bloomer, these flowers are often found in large fields and are extremely easy to care for. Its blooms come in pink, white, red, and even blue!
Daisies are beloved springtime flowers; after all, their blooms symbolize rebirth and new beginnings. These blooms are loved, too, because they symbolize purity and innocence. You can gift somebody these beautiful white flowers to show your admiration.
These spring bloomers last well into the summer, and so they are naturally drought tolerant. Water your daisy plants once a week and give them plenty of light with full sun (6-8 hours).
A single daisy plant can bloom for up to 2 months and grow up to 2-3 feet tall with proper care. Prune any wilting flowers to encourage a vigorous bloom in spring.
Forget-Me-Not
The lovely Forget-Me-Not comes in a blue color that is sure to remind you of springtime. This spring bloomer is best known for its easy care; it blooms in late spring and spreads rapidly with ease.
The Forget-Me-Not symbolizes remembrance; when gifting these blue blooms, you are effectively sending a message of affection and friendship.
These delicate, funnel-shaped flowers prefer shade. Part shade is best for this plant, so give it 4-6 hours of sunlight.
Forget-Me-Nots enjoy moisture, so keep these blue flowers well-watered. Once the soil looks dry, give your plant a drink of water. These plants grow up to 2 feet in height, so give them ample space in the garden.
Geranium
Geraniums are beautiful flowers that can be grown on window boxes, on the garden bed, or even indoors. This stunning plant is also called a cranebill, because its seed dispersal method resembles a crane bird’s beak.
While perennial Geraniums generally stay alive in the fall and winter, their flowers are most pronounced in the spring. This hardy flower comes in colors of pink, orange, or red and has lasting blooms. Geranium blooms last well into the fall with ample sun and proper watering.
The geranium flower symbolizes good health and happiness. To speak in the language of flowers, give geraniums to somebody you are affectionate for to show your well-wishes. Send these blooms to hospital rooms, too, to wish for healing and love.
To care for a Geranium, make sure to give it direct sunlight (6-8 hours). They do not need to be watered often, so leave the soil to dry out for a few days before giving your plant a sip.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths are sweet-smelling flowers that have a blue or purple color. These spring-flowering beauties often appear towards the end of spring with their bell-shaped blooms. Fortunately, this gorgeous plant blooms in late spring and lasts into the fall season.
The hyacinth plant comes in two colors: purple and blue. In the language of flowers, a purple hyacinth indicates forgiveness and sincerity. A hyacinth with blue flowers indicates consistency and stability. Gift these flowers according to your intended message.
Hyacinths can be grown in either a garden or indoor setting with little fuss. The bulbs of this plant can be started during the fall season or in the early winter. In general, hyacinths prefer dry soil and infrequent watering. To keep this plant thriving, water carefully and give it full sun or partial shade (6-8 hours).
NOTE: Hyacinth bulbs contain oxalic acid, which is harmful to both humans and pets. Keep the bulbs away from children and animals.
Impatiens (Touch-Me-Not)
While the spring season boasts full sun and beautiful weather, the Impatiens flower is a perfect addition to gardens that grow in full shade. With fewer sunlight needs, these pastel-colored plants are sure to be one of the less demanding spring flowers.
The Impatiens is most recognized for its white flowers; however, it also comes in the colors purple, pink, and bright red. Its name, Impatiens is due to its impatient reaction of bursting seed pods when touched lightly. This is also why the flower is called ‘Touch-Me-Not’, as handling the flower will cause the same reaction.
Impatiens symbolizes motherly love; gift these beautiful white blooms to a matriarch in the family to show appreciation. It can also symbolize the feeling of impatience, so be careful who you send these flowers to!
These plants can add color to the garden with only 4 hours of sunlight for care. Traditionally, Impatiens are grown in the early spring as they are not frost tolerant. Give this plant sufficient sunlight and moist soil to watch its flowers bloom within 2-3 months.
Growing impatiens plants requires more watering than usual; these plants get thirsty quite often. Aim to give this flower 2 inches of water per week. When temperatures rise above 80F (26C), it may need even more water.
Lenten Rose
For a unique accent to your garden, the Lenten Rose flower is a must. With its rose-shaped flower buds and cup-shaped petals, this flower blooms in the early spring. Lenten Roses come in pale shades (lavender, cream, pink, light yellow) and are perfect for a minimalist garden.
The name Lenten Rose is attributed to this plant because of its growing period; it coincides with the Catholic Lenten season from Late February to April. Interestingly enough, the Lenten Rose symbolizes contemplation and reflection, just like its namesake.
Contrary to popular belief, Lenten Roses are not the same as regular roses. In fact, they are a hybrid between Hellebores and Roses. Unlike regular roses, this plant can survive without full sun. It blooms best late in the season and well into fall.
Lenten Roses are one of the least challenging spring flowers to grow. As seedlings, these plants prefer moist soil. As the plant matures, it can tolerate fewer waterings. Aim to give this plant part shade (4-6 hours of sunlight) and water once a week for best results.
Fertilizer is not necessary for this plant, but applying a well-balanced mix will produce beautiful blooms in the early spring.
Poppy
Poppies are usually the first sign of early spring flowers. The paper-like flowers of the poppy plant come in various colors of blue, red, white, and even purple among others.
These plants are found growing in fields as perennials and annuals; sometimes these spring blooms can even grow with snow still on the ground!
The Poppy plant symbolizes peace and slumber, and giving somebody a bouquet of poppies is a great way to send a message of calmness and reconciliation.
To care for these frost-tolerant flowers, give them full sun and ample amounts of light (6-8 hours). Leave the soil to dry for a few days before watering this hardy plant, too. Poppies grow up to 3 feet tall and have little care needs. (Related Article: poppy care guide)
Primrose
As a popular plant that blooms in early spring, Primroses are a delight to the garden. Its name, primrose comes from the fact that it is one of the prime flowers that appears early on in the season! This spring-blooming beauty is also a prolific grower and multiplies every year.
The Primrose comes in a multitude of colors. With over 400-500 species in the Primulaceae family, there are many hues to choose from. Pink, purple, and hybrids of yellow and red are available, too! Keep an eye out for pastel-colored varieties, as well as those with blended petal colors.
Primroses symbolize femininity, as well as young love. Give these flowers to a younger female relative or friend as a message of sweet recognition. In bouquets, primroses also add a colorful accent to highlight your flower arrangements.
These dainty flowers grow best in gardens that receive part shade. To keep these beauties thriving, 4-6 hours of sunlight will be sufficient. Primrose flowers grow best in moist soil, so aim to water thoroughly once a week.
A single primrose plant can grow up to 3 feet tall. Apply balanced fertilizer twice in the season to encourage the flowers of a primrose plant to bloom with color.
Tulip
Tulip flowers are famously known worldwide because of their spring flowering; these gorgeous heart-shaped flowers bloom from March to May. To add a touch of Europe to your garden, Tulips are a perfect choice!
As mid and late-season spring bloomers, Tulips are best planted in the late winter. These flowers come in an assortment of colors; Tulip varieties come in shades of red, pink, yellow, purple, and orange. Did you know? The only natural color Tulip doesn’t come in is the color blue!
This spring-blooming plant also carries the symbolism of deep love; gifting a Tulip to another is a sign of devotion and adoration.
To keep your Tulip blooms alive for a long period, place your plant in full sun. Tulip bulbs prefer weekly waterings and so it is best to keep the soil dry.
Because Tulips are perennials, their foliage remains evergreen and the plant can last for years! Still, keep this plant under close watch to admire its blooming period in the spring.