Why do we love early spring flowers so much?
Because the cheerful and happy flowers with which they bloom seem to be full of graciousness over the still unmelted snow cover.
Most of them are perennial precisely because they withstand the changing weather in early spring.
Some of the early spring flowers can be planted in the winter, while others require preparation in the fall.
The care of these plants in a hurry to show is almost minimal and everyone can enjoy their lush flowering for years, even while lighting fireplaces inside.
Be patient and browse this amazing collection of 25 early spring flowers to fall in love with their temperament and vitality.
The question remains which is the first flower to bloom in spring.
According to USDA Zones, there are different plants, but each spring plant pleases the eye against the background of sparkling snow when it shows color above it.
Most spring-flowering shrubs retain their greenery all year round.
Others disappear in summer and autumn and reappear in January and February.
The fact is that most early spring flowers bloom in March, April and May.
Table of Contents
Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
Bleeding heart is a perennial plant with attractive flowers that blooms in early spring.
Its flowers shine in numerous red, pink, blue, purple and white heart-shaped colors that linger under curved twigs.
When summer comes, its leaves and flowers turn yellow and dry out.
This is the time when they need to be pruned so that the plant can grow back next year.
When planting a bleeding heart, consider its location.
This spring flower loves shady and semi-shady places, which will color the dark places in your garden.
If you put several bleeding heart plants in a group, it will grow in the form of a beautiful flowering shrub.
The soil for it should be loose, organic, moist and well fertilized.
To do this, use compost to put in the fall or early spring.
Slow decomposition of compost will provide the necessary nutrients for the plant.
- Common name: Bleeding heart
- Botanical Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis
- Family: Papaveraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perrenial
- Mature Size: 6 in.-3 ft. tall, and 1-3 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Type: Rich and moist
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis)
The name of this spring perennial flower clearly suggests that its roots release blood-red juices.
When caring for your bloodroot, put gloves on.
It is possible to color your skin, and irritation may occur.
And yet this plant is beautiful enough when it blooms in spring and refreshes your garden with its delicate flowers.
It can be found in wooded areas, which makes it suitable for placement in mixed areas of shade in your garden.
It loves the morning sun and the afternoon shade. Its delicate white flowers bloom on leafless stems rising above its leaves.
This makes it bright enough in the shadows. It is very easy to care for and requires almost no maintenance.
Water it up to 2-3 times a week and this will ensure its flowering until late summer.
- Common Name: Bloodroot
- Botanical Name: Sanguinaria canadensis
- Plant Type: Perennial rhizome
- Mature Size: 5-12 in. tall, up to 10 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full-shade, partial-shade
- Soil Type: Well-draining
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Flower Color: White or pale-pink petals with yellow centers
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
Candytuft is often used for cascading, in baskets, over walls and rocks, because it is a ground cover plant.
Its white flowering lasts for several weeks.
To maintain new flowers, regularly prune overblown ones.
This spring plant blooms in March and blooms once again in May.
You can safely leave it dry, as it tolerates drought well.
The condition to feel good is to provide him with well-drained soil.
- Botanical Name: Iberis Sempervirens
- Common Name: Candytuft
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 12–18 in. tall, 12-16 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Well-drained, gravelly
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower: Color White, pink, lilac, red
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8 (USDA)
via Proven Winners
Corydalis (Corydalis lutea)
Delicate deep yellow flowers in the shape of elongated bells descend in clusters over fresh greenery with fern-like leaves – this is the typical description of the Corydalis.
It blooms from late spring and lasts until mid-autumn.
The condition for flowering to continue is to water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Corydalis is the perfect perennial for your shady garden.
- Botanical Name: Corydalis lutea
- Common Name: Yellow corydalis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Mature Size: 15 inches tall
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-draining soil
- Bloom Time: Spring, summer, fall
- Flower Color: Yellow, orange
- Hardiness Zones: 5-7
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)
Creeping phlox is a great spring perennial that provides gorgeous flower carpets in the garden.
Its colors illuminate the spaces in soft pastel shades such as white, pink, lavender, red, purple, blue-purple.
It is easily grown in poor soil conditions, so it is suitable for creating rockeries or between pavers and paving slabs.
Creeping phlox blooms in spring. It creates bushy long creeping stems.
Over time these stems harden and stop flowering.
This is the time when they need to be cut to start growing new stems that give birth to new flowers.
Creeping phlox is easy to grow, being provided with strong and bright sun to partial shade.
However, its soil should be well moisted in dry and hot weather so as not to cause drying of this captivating flower.
- Common Name: Creeping phlox, moss phlox, star rock phlox
- Botanical Name: Phlox stolonifera
- Family: Polemoniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 9–18 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Loamy, well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring, summer
- Hardiness Zones: 5–9, USA
via Hirts
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
Flowering Quince are one of the most attractive plants in the spring, when for a few weeks they are covered with exquisite flowers in colorful shades.
Flowering begins in March or April and lasts until June.
There are varieties of this shrub that bloom again in the fall.
Because they are prickly plants, they are often used as fences.
The fruits that Flowering Quince gives birth to are edible with a pungent taste and pleasant aroma.
The plant grows well in urban conditions and is easy to maintain as it tolerates drought.
- Botanical Name: Chaenomeles speciosa
- Common Names: Flowering quince
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Mature Size: 6-10 ft. tall, 6-10 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Soil Type: Loamy
- Bloom Time: Late winter, early spring
- Flower Color: White, orange, red, or pink
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 (USDA)
Garden Rock Cress (Arabis caucasica)
Garden Rock Cress is a ground covering spring flower.
It withstands drought, which makes it suitable for planting in cottage areas.
Its white colors create exquisite cascades, which attracts fans of rock gardens.
After its flowers bloom, its green mass remains fresh and continues to adorn the place where it is planted.
Its flowers give off a pleasant aroma that attracts butterflies.
Plant it in the sunniest part of your garden to enjoy its gorgeous flowers.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 7
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Sandy, dry, well-drained
via Trajnice Strgar
Golden Oriole Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole’)
Golden Oriole Azalea is a deciduous shrub with compact dimensions.
The greenery it possesses turns into golden bronze in autumn.
It blooms with orange buds in spring, which hang on large beautiful bunches.
Subsequently, the buds bloom in golden colors. Feels good in well-drained soil.
Prefers semi-shady areas. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
- Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Golden Oriole’
- Common Name: ‘Golden Oriole’ azalea
- Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
- Mature Size:6 ft. tall by 4-6 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part sun
- Soil Type: Moderately rich, well-drained, evenly moist
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Flower Color: Orange and yellow
- Hardiness Zones: 5-8 (USDA)
via Krapiva Shop
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
Hellebore is often found in nature, grown in calcareous soils.
These soils are rich in nutrients, so if you choose this colorful spring flower for your garden, you should take care to provide it with rich and well-drained soil.
These charming flowers are a wonderful sight over the still remaining snow in late winter and early spring.
It grows slowly and can take up to two years for colors to appear, but the wait is surely worth it!
There are many varieties of Hellebore, and its colors range from white through yellow, red, cream to black.
In addition to its beautiful flowers, the plant has wonderful greenery, which also deserves attention.
To raise Hellebore, you need to pay attention to the proximity of children and pets, as the plant is toxic, but does not attract deer and other wildlife.
It loves good drainage of soil with partial sun, as full shade can reduce the amount of flowering.
Hellebore is a perennial plant that you can place both in the garden and in containers.
Carefully remove its dried leaves and be careful with its fertilization.
- Botanical Name: Helleborus spp.
- Common Name: Hellebore, Lenten rose, Christmas rose
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Mature Size: 1–2 ft. tall with a similar spread
- Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
- Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: White, pink, purple, yellow
- Hardiness Zones: 3 – 9
via Gardening Which
Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
The flowers of this impressive spring bush resemble those of the lily of the valley.
They are small bell-shaped forms with white to pink flowers that bloom in April and May.
They hang on large attractive bunches. Its greenery does not fade during the winter months and this makes it evergreen.
Subsequently, it develops fruits that should be removed to bring strength to flowering in the spring.
It is often used for fences on the property boundary.
- Common Name: Japanese pieris
- Botanical Name: Pieris japonica (Andromeda japonica)
- Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub
- Mature Size: 9–12 ft. tall, 6–8 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
- Bloom Time: Late winter, early spring
- Flower Color: White, pink
- Hardiness Zones: 5–8 (USDA)
via Wikiwand
Japanese Rose (Kerria japonica)
Japanese Rose is a deciduous shrub that blooms with yellow roses.
Its flowering begins in spring and blooms several times a year, and its branches retain their green color throughout the year.
Placed in the shade, this plant does an excellent job and does not require special care.
It requires well-drained soil and moisture, so provide it by covering the soil with mulch.
Water regularly during the first year of its growth, and then less frequently.
- Botanical Name: Kerria japonica
- Common Name: Japanese rose
- Family: Rosaceae
- Plant Type: Flower, shrub
- Mature Size: 5–10 ft. tall, 6–10 ft. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Moist but well-drained soil, loamy
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Hardiness Zones: 4 – 9
Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)
The fragrance emitted by Korean Spice Viburnum is so captivating that it definitely deserves to be placed in the garden.
This deciduous shrub strongly attracts butterflies and hummingbirds in early spring.
Its white flowers have pink to red buds, and its leaves are dark green, but turn burgundy in autumn.
After flowering, red fruits are born, which turn almost black in autumn and they attract local birds.
This makes the plant attractive and beautiful in all seasons.
It is usually used for planting along curbs and fences.
- Botanical Name: Viburnum carlesii
- Common Name: Korean spicebush
- Plant Type: Deciduous flowering shrub
- Mature Size: 6 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: White
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7 (USDA)
via Proven Winners
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
Lungwort is named after the ancient herbalists, who named it that, because of the shape of its leaves, which resembles a lung.
They believed that this plant cures lung diseases. In some books you will also find it under the names Jerusalem cowslip, Bethlehem sage, spotted dog, and soldiers and sailors.
Usually this plant is grown not because of its flowers, but because of its interesting leaves.
They represent a green mass with numerous white spots. Their surface is covered with hair.
Lungwort blooms in spring with white, pink and blue-purple flowers. It is characteristic of them that they change color when the color begins to age.
Choose a shady and moist place in the garden for these plants.
If you put it in a dry place it can survive if there is enough shade over it.
A great place for this flower is under black walnut trees.
When you transplant Lungwort, the flower may wither, but if you provide enough water, it will be revived and will survive.
- Botanical Name: Pulmonaria spp.
- Common Names: Lungwort, pulmonaria
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Mature Size: 6–12 in. tall, 12–18 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Partial, full
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: Blue, pink, white
- Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)
Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia)
Pigsqueaks or Bergenias are great plants for late winter and early spring because they originate from Siberia.
Its name comes from the fact that if you rub the leaves, a sound similar to the screams of animals will appear.
The plants can withstand low temperatures. Pigsqueaks are large shrubby perennials.
Their colors vary from white to pink and bloom in clusters.
The leaves of this spring flower are large, have a faded appearance and are covered with dense hair on both sides.
The plant is believed to be drought resistant, but if left untreated, it will dry out. It spreads slowly.
Characteristic of its flowering is the time from March to May, but if you look in the southern regions it can bloom in December.
Loves both sunny and shady growing areas. Take care of this flower in early spring by removing overblown flowers.
- Botanical Name: Bergenia cordifolia
- Common Name: Pig squeak
- Plant Type: Hardy perennial
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Type: Moist and rich loam or clay
- Bloom Time: April and May
- Flower Color: Pink, red, white
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8 (USDA)
via US Perennials
Primrose (Primula spp.)
Primrose flowers are available in almost all colors.
They vary from white, yellow, pink, blue-violet, orange, purple, red.
Primrose blooms in the early months of spring as the type of shape and size depends on the variety.
It can be grown both in the garden and in containers and pots.
Due to their low size, they are especially suitable for planting along curbs, beds and for limiting lawns.
In addition to blooming in the spring, Primrose will continue to enchant with its remarkable flowers throughout the summer, and in some areas in the fall.
It only spreads, so be careful how you limit it.
This type of flower is perennial, and the care needed for it is very little.
It loves well-drained soils, can withstand both strong sun and partial shade. Just try not to dry it out too much.
- Botanical Name: Primula spp. and hybrids
- Common Name: Primrose
- Family: Primulaceae
- Plant Type: Perennial, annual
- Mature Size: 6–20 in. tall, 8–20 in. wide (varies by species)
- Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: All colors except green
- Hardiness Zones: 2 – 8
Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)
Sea Thrift is a perennial wild plant that can be found almost all over the world, as it grows in even the most horrible soils.
It has the ability to bind heavy metals and this makes it a great choice for regenerating contaminated soils.
Its flowers are edible, and its easy cultivation makes it suitable for all kinds of gardens.
Suitable for rock gardens and forest gardens.
Place it in a sunny place and expect several flowerings throughout the year.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Dry, infertile, well-drained
Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
Siberian Bugloss, also called False Forget-Me-Not, is a charming perennial that sleeps in the winter.
Its delicate blue colors can adorn the most shady places in your garden.
Siberian Bugloss leaves range from glossy green to variegated shades of gray. It blooms from early to mid-spring.
Caring for it requires well-drained soil so that it does not get too wet and watering often enough so that it does not dry out.
The strong afternoon sun destroys the plant.
Siberian Bugloss can be propagated by spreading their seeds, but you can also divide existing plants and place them wherever you want.
- Botanical Name: Brunnera macrophylla
- Common Name: Siberian bugloss
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Mature Size: 12–18 in. tall; 18–30 in. spread
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial, shade
- Soil Type: Medium moisture, well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: Blue
- Hardiness Zones: 3–8 (USDA)
via Crocus
Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.)
Solomon’s Seal is a perennial flowering plant in the spring that is truly suitable for planting in dense shade.
Its name comes from the fact that the fallen leaves leave a shape resembling the sixth seal of King Solomon.
Its white bell-shaped flowers bloom from April to June, hanging on curved stems.
After flowering, the small white bells turn into bluish round fruits, which bloom in late summer.
There are also some colorful varieties of this plant in some parts of the world.
Solomon’s Seal care includes sufficient watering until the plant grows.
Loves moist and well-drained soil. It is resistant to drought.
- Botanical Name: Polygonatum
- Common Name: Solomon’s seal
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Mature Size: 6 inches to 7 feet tall (depending on species)
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Soil Type: Rich, humusy, moist, well-draining
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: White, green, pink
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
via Saga
Stewartstonian Azalea (Rhododendron ‘Stewartstonian’)
Stewartstonian Azalea is a spring flowering plant with shiny dark green semi-evergreen greenery.
Above it are found scarlet red small flowers in abundance.
You will be able to enjoy its charming colors in April.
To have this plant in your garden, choose well-drained soil with lots of peat moss when planting.
Put it in partial shade and take care of it by pruning the overblown petals to ensure the start of new ones.
- Botanical Name: Rhododendron ‘Stewartstonian’ (Gable hybrids)
- Common Name: Stewartstonian azalea
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen shrub
- Mature Size: 4 to 5 feet tall, similar spread
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Type: Fertile, evenly moist, well-drained soil
- Bloom Time: April or May
- Flower Color: Orange-red
- Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8 (USDA)
via Amazon
Twinleaf (Jeffersonia diphylla)
Twinleaf perennial spring flower with smooth reddish stems and delicate white flowers.
Outwardly it looks like the Bloodroot plant, but Twinleaf is a little taller.
The best conditions for its cultivation are full to partial shade. It should be well moistened so that it does not dry out.
Its flowers bloom only a few days, but the greenery stays fresh until autumn.
Growing this plant from its seeds is quite a long and difficult period, which includes a cold, humid period, then a warm humid period and again a cold period.
Each period varies between 60 and 90 days.
- Botanical Name: Jeffersonia diphylla
- Common Name: Twinleaf
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial, native wildflower
- Mature Size: Eight inches to three feet tall, one foot to sixteen inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Soil Type: Moist, humusy, well-drained, limestone
- Bloom Time: March or April
- Flower Color: White
- Hardiness Zones: 5 – 7, USA
via Eye on Nature
Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
Virginia Bluebells are adorable blue wild spring flowers.
These are perennials that fade after flowering.
They grow in wooded areas, but are well grown in urban conditions with partial shade.
In early spring, their leaves have a deep purple color, which subsequently turns green.
It blooms from early spring and can last until early summer.
Its flowers hang in small clusters and give off a light sweet aroma.
If you want to liven up your garden with bees and hummingbirds, plant Virginia Bluebells and enjoy the life around them.
Place them in partial shade with well-drained soil.
- Botanical Name: Hyacinthoides hispanica
- Common Name: Spanish bluebell
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Mature Size: 7-16 in. tall
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
- Bloom Time: Varies by zone
- Flower Color: Blue, purple, white, pink
- Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
via Gardens Eye View
Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
Winter Heath is an evergreen plant that blooms with pale pink to purple flowers.
You can enjoy its flowering beauty from late winter to mid-spring.
This plant is valued by bees and other nectar-transmitting pollinators waking up in the spring.
To have these gorgeous flowers in your garden, place Winter Heath in a place with bright sun.
Caring for it consists of regular watering during the first 2 years of its growth, and subsequently only on hot dry summer days.
- Common Name: Heather
- Botanical Name: Calluna vulgaris
- Family: Ericaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf, evergreen shrub
- Mature Size: 24 in. tall; 24-36 in. wide
- Sun Exposure: Full, partial
- Soil Type: Sandy
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer, early fall
- Flower Color: Mauve, purple, white
- Hardiness Zones: 4b to 6a USDA
via Crocus
Wood Lily (Trillium grandiflorum)
Trilliums are wildflowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
They can grow in shady gardens with moist and well-drained soil.
The greenery of the Trillium is very green, and the flowers of the plant can be white or variegated.
It can be combined with other plants that like the same growing conditions.
It spreads slowly through rhizomes.
- Botanical Name: Trillium spp.
- Common Names: Trillium, wood lily
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Mature Size: 1–2 ft. tall and wide (varies by species)
- Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
- Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: White, yellow, pink, red, purple, green
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9 (USDA)
Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
Woodland Phlox is one of the most ideal spring flowers for shady areas.
It blooms for about a month in late spring and early summer.
Its flowers have beautiful delicate colors in pale purple, lavender and sometimes blue.
They emit a pleasant aroma, which attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.
After the flowers bloom, green fruits appear.
After growing out all the fruit, the plant leaves greenery, which stores the energy of the plant for the next year.
The most suitable place for Woodland Phlox is the light shade in the garden, as it loves rich and moist soil.
Once grown, it can withstand drought.
- Common Name: Woodland phlox
- Botanical Name: Phlox divaricata
- Family: Polemoniaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous, perennial
- Mature Size: 0.75–1 ft. tall and wide
- Sun Exposure: Partial, shade
- Soil Type: Moist, well-drained
- Soil: pH Neutral
- Bloom Time: April, May
- Flower Color: Purple, blue
- Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
via Monticello Shop
Yellow Alyssum (Aurinia saxatilis)
Alysum (Aurinia saxatilis) is a perennial plant that blooms with small yellow flowers, as its name suggests.
Its flowers bloom in small clusters before April and May.
Its aroma is not very pleasant, but it forms beautiful spherical shapes, which are often used in colored carpets in gardens.
Yellow alissum is a wonderful ground cover plant.
This makes it often used in the creation of rockeries and curbs. Growing them in containers creates wonderful baskets and ball-shaped tufts.
Attracts bees and butterflies. It does not need special care, except pruning to shape the flowering.
Overblown flowers should be removed to encourage re-flowering.
- Botanical Name: Aurinia saxatilis
- Common Name: Yellow alyssum
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Dry, sandy to average, well-draining
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
via Amazon
