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Early spring flowers are a sign of new beginnings. As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, spring blooms begin to to show. From bright yellow daffodils to cheerful tulips and delicate cherry blossoms, early spring is a time of renewal as nature awakens from its winter slumber.

For gardeners looking to add color and beauty to their outdoor spaces, planting these spring perennials will give your garden the warmth of spring and bring life back into your yard.

Early Spring Flowers

early spring flowers apple tree in bloom farmhouse veranda

This time of year is truly one of my favourites! There is something so satisfying about getting to see life come back to the outdoors! I don’t know if I could ever live in a country where there aren’t true seasons!

Some of my favourite flowers happen when the spring weather begins to change and I wanted to share them with you along with some images of my front apple tree in full bloom this time of year. Don’t forget to check out these easy tips on how to grow a vegetable garden for beginners and how to plant flowers in pots.

Types of Early Spring Flowers

Spring growing season can vary from February to late June depending on where you live. Here are eleven of the best spring flowers that you can enjoy in your own garden this season no matter what zone you live in!

  • Daffodils
  • Flowering Plum
  • Iris
  • Tulips
  • Lilacs
  • Peonies
  • Crocus
  • Hyacinths
  • Grape Hyacinths
  • Snowdrops
  • Pansies

Daffodils

One of the most iconic early spring flowers is the daffodil. These cheerful blooms come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, ranging from bright yellow to creamy white blossoms and even orange or pink.

Daffodils are relatively easy to grow and can be planted early in the season when other plants may still be dormant. They’re also known for their long-lasting blooms which can add a splash of color into your garden for weeks!

Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of sun exposure, and water regularly during dry periods, and enjoy these beautiful early blooms all season long!

Image Source: Pinterest

Scientific Name: Narcissus

Growing conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil

Size: 16″

Zones: 3-8

Flowering Plum

The flowering plum is actually a tree that can bloom delicate flowers in early spring and can bring life back into your garden. This beautiful flower has a distinctive, deep pink color and blooms from early March to early April.

The flowering plum tree produces an abundance of blossoms in clusters, ranging from single petals to more than 100 petals per blossom. Flowering plums require little maintenance and are perfect for adding color and texture to landscapes or gardens with their fragrant aroma and delicate beauty.

One of the showiest of all garden shrubs when in bloom, it grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years. With proper care, these trees will bloom year after year providing you with a stunning display of nature’s beauty each spring!

Scientific Name: Prunus triloba ‘Multiplex’

Growing conditions: Full sun and moist, and well-drained soil.

Size: 8’H-6’W

Zones: 2

Iris

Iris pops with deep, wild purple or blue are a welcome contrast to many of spring’s pastel flowers. These colorful blooms can be found in a variety of sizes, ranging from miniature dwarf irises to tall bearded irises up to 3 feet tall.

Irises feature delicate petals with striking veining or “beards” on the lower petal which give them their name. They produce large showy blossoms atop sturdy stems which make them perfect for cutting and using as cut flowers indoors or outdoors in the garden.

With proper care, these flowers will return year after year providing you with a beautiful display of nature’s beauty! and

Scientific Name:  Iris reticulata ‘Harmony’

Growing conditions: Full sun and moist, but well-drained soil.

Size: To 6 inches tall and wide.

Zones: 5-8

Tulip

Tulips are one of the most iconic early spring flowers, and they have a special place in many people’s hearts. From their delicate appearance to their amazing variety, tulips bring joy and color to any garden or outdoor space.

Whether you prefer classic single-petal varieties or more modern double-petal types, there is sure to be a perfect tulip for your garden and as a cut flower arranged in you.r home! Plus, with proper care and maintenance, tulips can return year after year providing you with a beautiful display of nature’s beauty each spring!.

White tulips are my favorite and I have so many of them in my gardens. It makes me so happy to see them start popping when warmer temperatures arrive. Check out my tips on how to care for and arrange tulips in a vase.

Scientific Name: Tulipa

Growing conditions: Full sun, and well-drained soil.

Size: 4″ – 28″ high

Zones: 4-10

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Lilac

Lilacs are one of the most beloved early spring bloomers, with their soft and fragrant blossoms bringing a burst of color and life to any garden. These early flowering shrubs come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colors from deep purple to white, and they can be found in both single-petal varieties as well as double-petal types.

When properly cared for, the delicate blooms and fragrant flowers will return year after year providing you with a beautiful display of nature’s beauty each spring! Lilacs are perfect for cutting and using as cut flowers indoors or outdoors in the garden, adding texture and brightness to your landscape all season long. For complete care tips on growing and bringing cut lilacs indoors, check out this lilac care guide.

Spring flower tip: The lilac blooms on old wood, so hold off on pruning until right after the same year’s flowering is finished.

Scientific Name:  Syringa vulgaris

lilacs in bloom blue vintage mason jars

Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil.

Size: Can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.

Zones: 4-8 

Peony

Peonies are perennial flowers that offer big beautiful blooms with stunning colors and shapes. These flowers feature large showy blooms atop sturdy stems and come in a variety of sizes, ranging from miniature dwarf varieties to taller tree-type varieties. Peonies are perfect for cutting and using as cut flowers indoors or outdoors in the garden, and in the right conditions, they will return year after year providing you with a beautiful display of nature’s beauty every spring and early summer.

early spring flowers peonies in a dough bowl

If you are wanting to know how to preserve peonies to last for months and months, plus tips on how to care for cut peonies, check out this complete care guide.

Spring Flower Tip : Peonies require regular, deep watering, specifically during the dry summer months

Growing Conditions: At least 5 hours of full sun with rich well-draining soil

Scientific Name: Paeonia

Size:  Blooms can get up to 10 Inches and the shrubs can vary from 1 foot to 6 feet tall and wide, depending on variety.

 Zone: 3-8.

Crocus

Crocuses are one of the earliest early spring flowers to bloom, adding a burst of color and life to any garden. These small but mighty early bloomers come in an array of colors from deep purple to white, and their cheery blooms bring texture and brightness to your landscape all season long.

Plus, with proper care, crocus flowers can return year after year providing you with a beautiful display of nature’s beauty each spring!

Image Source: Pinterest

Scientific Name: Crocus vernus

Growing conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 4 inches tall and wide

Zone: 4-7.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are early spring flowers that bring a pop of color and fragrant aroma to any garden or outdoor space. Their vibrant blooms come in so many different colors and heights, ranging from deep blues and purples to bright whites and pinks.

The petals on these early spring flowers can be either single or double-petal varieties, giving you plenty of options for creating the perfect garden display.

blooming purple hyacinth in a basket

Hyacinths are great for cutting and using as cut flowers indoors, as a potted flower or spring table centrepiece or outdoors in the garden.

Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis

Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil

Size: 4″ – 14″ high

Zone: 5-9.

Grape Hyacinths

Grape hyacinths come in a stunning variety of shades, from deep blues to lavender hues and everything in between. The blooms resemble a strand of grapes, thus giving them a unique name.

As a popular container plant, grape hyacinths mix well with other early-blooming spring bulbs and should be planted in groups.

Scientific Name: Muscari armeniacum

Growing conditions: Full sun or partial shade, and well-drained soil

Size: 4″ – 8″ high

Zone: 3-8.

Pansies

Pansies add vibrant splashes of color to any garden, flower planter or displayed as decor. These early bloomers come many colors, from blues and yellows to purples and reds.

Depending on where you live, planting your pansies in late September or October is best and will give these early spring flowers a better chance to form sturdy roots.

Scientific Name: Viola x wittrockiana

Growing conditions: Full sun or partial shade, well-drained soil

Size: To 6 inches tall and wide

Zone: 4-9.

Snowdrops

Snowdrops are early spring flowers that bring a sense of hope and renewal to any garden bed. These hardy small white flowers are one of the first flowers of spring and they are symbolic of spring and purity.

These perennial plants look beautiful when planted in rock gardens or early-season flower beds.

Image Source: Clem Around The Corner

Scientific Name:  Galanthus nivalis

Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade, and well-drained soil

Size: To 6 inches tall and wide

Zone: 3-8.

Shop Spring Flowers

You can order your spring flower bulbs in my online shop . Or try shopping for some of the best garden tools below.

Early Spring Flower Planting Tips and Tricks

Plant early spring bulb flowers, in early autumn or the late fall. This will ensure they have plenty of time to establish their roots before the cold winter weather arrives.

To promote healthy blooms, be sure to plant bulb flowers about 4-6 inches apart. Then cover them with a light layer of fertile soil.

early spring trip flowers on table runner in blue vintage mason jars

For more ideas check out my easy flowers to grow for beginners and  Garden Design’s page! I would love to hear what your favourite early Springtime blooms are! Please let me know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What bulbs flower early in the spring?

Many bulb varieties will bloom as early as late winter or very early spring, with some species blooming as soon as temperatures reach 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Popular bulb flowers that flower early in the spring include crocus, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, snowdrops, and pansies

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