As winter begins to loosen its icy grip, gardeners eagerly anticipate the first signs of spring. The chilly days of late winter or early spring may still linger, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for warmth to start planting. In fact, some flowering plants thrive in the cool, moist conditions of early spring and are ready to bloom long before others stir from dormancy.
These early spring bloomers are a source of color and hope, offering the first bursts of life in your garden when most other plants are still sleeping. This article explores a range of early spring-flowering plants you can plant now to jump-start your garden with beauty, fragrance, and pollinator appeal.
Why Early Spring Bloomers Are Valuable
Planting early spring bloomers comes with several benefits:
- Early Color: These plants brighten up gardens when everything else looks bare.
- Pollinator Attraction: Early flowers provide nectar for bees and insects emerging from winter.
- Cold Tolerance: Most early bloomers are hardy and can handle light frosts or chilly nights.
- Staggered Blooming: Starting early ensures your garden has continuous flowering throughout spring and summer.
Let’s look at some of the best early spring bloomers you can plant right now for a spectacular early-season garden.
Top 12 Early Spring Bloomers to Plant Now
1. Crocus (Crocus spp.)
One of the first signs of spring, crocuses often peek through melting snow. These small, cup-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, yellow, and white.
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
- Planting Tip: Plant corms in well-drained soil in full to partial sun. Naturalizes easily in lawns or borders.
- Bonus: Crocus is deer-resistant and attracts early bees.
2. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
As the name suggests, snowdrops are some of the earliest flowers to bloom—even in snow!
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
- Planting Tip: Plant bulbs in moist, well-drained soil under deciduous trees or shady borders.
- Bonus: Their dainty white, nodding flowers are hardy and reliable.
3. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Cheerful yellow or white daffodils symbolize the return of warmth and sunshine.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Planting Tip: Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in the fall, or potted plants now for quick blooms.
- Bonus: Naturalizes well and resists deer and rodents.
4. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Also known as Lenten roses, hellebores bloom in late winter and can last into late spring.
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
- Planting Tip: Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to retain moisture.
- Bonus: Evergreen foliage adds year-round interest; flowers come in pink, purple, white, and green tones.
5. Pansies and Violas (Viola spp.)
Cold-tolerant and colorful, pansies and violas are perfect for containers and borders.
- Bloom Time: Early spring to late spring
- Planting Tip: Plant now in cool weather; prefer full sun to partial shade and rich soil.
- Bonus: Their “faces” add charm, and they often survive light frost without damage.
6. Primroses (Primula spp.)
Primroses are among the most beloved early spring flowers with vivid, saturated hues.
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Planting Tip: Prefers cool temperatures, filtered sunlight, and consistently moist soil.
- Bonus: Works beautifully in borders, rock gardens, and containers.
7. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Famous for their rich fragrance and bold, dense flower spikes.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Planting Tip: Plant bulbs in fall or buy sprouted bulbs for immediate planting in containers or flower beds.
- Bonus: Excellent for sensory gardens and pollinators.
8. Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa spp.)
A charming ground cover with star-like flowers in blue, pink, or white.
- Bloom Time: Very early spring
- Planting Tip: Plant in drifts beneath trees or along paths. Grows well in rock gardens.
- Bonus: Self-seeds and spreads into stunning carpets of color.
9. Grape Hyacinths (Muscari spp.)
Despite the name, grape hyacinths are not true hyacinths. They produce tight clusters of tiny, bell-shaped blue flowers.
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Planting Tip: Plant bulbs in fall or purchase pre-chilled pots now for early flowering.
- Bonus: Great for edging or naturalizing among other early bulbs.
10. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
This native woodland plant offers pure white blooms and is ideal for shaded spots.
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Planting Tip: Plant rhizomes or potted plants in moist, well-drained soil with dappled light.
- Bonus: Perfect for naturalized and wildflower gardens.
11. Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
A hardy and compact early bloomer that spreads quickly.
- Bloom Time: Early spring
- Planting Tip: Prefers full sun or partial shade; plant in masses for best effect.
- Bonus: Bright blue flowers stand out in dull winter landscapes.
12. Anemones (Anemone blanda)
Also known as Grecian windflowers, these provide brilliant color in early spring.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Planting Tip: Soak tubers before planting; prefers well-drained soil and full sun to light shade.
- Bonus: Lovely in woodland gardens or scattered beneath shrubs.
Tips for Planting Early Spring Bloomers Now
1. Use Pre-Chilled Bulbs or Nursery Starts
If you didn’t plant bulbs in autumn, don’t worry. Many garden centers sell pre-chilled or potted versions of early spring bloomers that you can plant now for instant impact.
2. Choose the Right Location
Most early bloomers prefer full sun to partial shade. Look for locations that warm up quickly in spring—like south-facing borders or raised beds.
3. Improve Drainage
Cold, wet soil can cause root rot. Mix compost or sand into heavy soil to ensure good drainage.
4. Layer Planting for Season-Long Color
Combine early bloomers with mid and late spring flowers for a continuous display. For example, plant crocus with tulips and late-blooming alliums.
5. Water Wisely
While early spring is usually moist, newly planted flowers may still need supplemental watering if there’s a dry spell.
Design Ideas for Early Spring Gardens
- Spring Containers: Fill pots with violas, pansies, primroses, and dwarf daffodils for vibrant porches and patios.
- Under Tree Canopy: Plant snowdrops, hellebores, or bloodroot beneath deciduous trees for early woodland charm.
- Rock Gardens: Use crocus, glory-of-the-snow, and grape hyacinths in gravelly, fast-draining rock gardens.
- Borders & Paths: Edge garden paths with a mix of early bulbs for a cheerful welcome.
- Pollinator Strip: Combine early bloomers like crocus and hyacinths to attract bees waking from hibernation.
Conclusion: Let Spring Begin Now
The arrival of spring doesn’t have to wait for warm days and summer blooms. With the right selection of hardy, early-flowering plants, you can celebrate the changing season now. These early spring bloomers add charm, color, fragrance, and life to your garden just when you need it most.
So, grab your gardening gloves, prep the soil, and start planting. Early spring bloomers are ready to shine—and they’ll reward you with the first blossoms of the season and a promise of beauty ahead.