After a long and cold winter, many gardeners find themselves longing for the arrival of the first flowers of spring. For many, these early blooming flowers serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the upcoming growing season. However, in order to enjoy masses of beautiful early spring blooms, growers will need to plan ahead. This means the planting of flowering bulbs in the fall and the establishment of early-blooming perennial plants in the years prior.
Though it will require some investment, planning a garden filled with early blooming flowers will be quite the visual treat at a time just when you need it.
Flowers That Bloom Early
Here are some of my favorite plants for early spring blooms:
Pansy – Pansies are among the first flowers to begin blooming in the spring. Most commonly grown as an annual, many growers can plant in fall and overwinter pansies for early spring blooms. Pansies can also easily be started from seed, which makes them a cost-efficient option.
Hellebore – Also known as Lenten rose, hellebore plants are small with delicate flowers that bloom early. The color of hellebore blooms will range in shades of whites, yellows, and dark burgundy. Many varieties also exhibit interesting speckling and color splashes on the flowers.
Crocus – In many regions, crocus bulbs are among the first flowers to bloom. Often, these early spring blooms can even be seen after they have pushed their way to the surface through snow. Like other spring flowering bulbs, crocus corms will need to be planted in the fall. With proper treatment, these plants will return for several years and may even naturalize when conditions are right.
Daffodil – Likely the most popular plant on this list, the emergence of daffodils is synonymous with the arrival of spring. Early blooming varieties of daffodils are an especially welcome sight after long periods of cold weather. Some of the earliest blooming cultivars include ‘Tete a Tete,’ ‘Little Gem,’ and ‘February Gold.’
Anemone – While there are several different types of anemone, many of them bloom very early in the spring. Depending upon your growing zone, both the blanda and coronaria types can be planted in the fall for late winter and spring blooms. Both types of anemone can be grown in locations which receive part shade, making them a versatile addition to the flower garden.
Witch Hazel – Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub most commonly known for its vibrant color and fragrance. Witch hazel is unique in that it often blooms late in the winter. This intense “pop” of yellow color is a much welcome addition to the home landscape.
Forsythia – Much like witch hazel, forsythia bushes produce bright yellow blooms. These fast-growing shrubs are beautiful when planted in rows and make an excellent small privacy screen. Forsythia bushes thrive with minimal maintenance; however, they may need routine pruning in order to maintain the desired size and shape.
