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9 Plants for Early Spring Color

9 Plants for Early Spring Color - Nature Hills Nursery

Nature Hills Nursery |

Say goodbye to winter and hello spring!

After a long, dreary winter, everyone is ready to start seeing flowers begin blooming as the weather heats up. And we definitely deserve to enjoy them!

Let Nature Hills Nursery help you enjoy these perfectly picked 9 flowering plants that will bring you fantastic spring color early in the season year after year!

The Ever-Lovely Eastern Redbud

Redbud Flowers

One of the most famous spring bloomers, Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are one of the earliest spring blooming tree species. Renowned for their delicate flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge, redbuds are one of the first plants to indicate the start of spring.

Often found as multi-stemmed understory trees, redbuds can be managed into a single-stem or a large shrub!

Notable Characteristics:

  • 20-30' tall, 15-20' spread
  • Flowers gracefully in March and April
  • USDA zones 4-9
  • Grows best in full or partial sun

Varieties To Consider:

A Delicate Snowbelle Mock Orange

Mockorange Flowers

Considered to be one of the most winter hardy plants, Mock Orange (Philadelphus spp.) blooms with beautiful, fragrant white flowers in early spring.

Sometimes spelled one word Mockorange, you'll enjoy the sweet scent and watch as pollinators flock to your yard. An incredibly low-maintenance plant, enjoy mock orange as it blooms year after year every spring.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Large, fragrant white flowers in April
  • Lush, green foliage
  • Striking yellow fall color
  • USDA zones 4-9
  • Grows best in full sun

Varieties To Consider:

  • Miniature Snowflake
  • Snowbelle
  • Bouquet Blanc

The Enchanting May Day Tree

May Day Flowers

Large white flower panicles emerge in late April-early May, near May Day. The fruits on a May Day Tree (Prunus padus 'European Bird Cherry') are small black fruits, adored by many birds. Enjoy the multi-stem quality of this tree, and the beautiful white spring flowers.

Notable Characteristics:

  • 15 - 20' in all directions
  • Ivory white flowers transform into small black fruits
  • Fall color transitions from butterfly yellow to crimson red
  • USDA zones 3-7

Graceful Jane Magnolia

Magnolia

Renowned for its large floral display, Magnolia trees (Magnolia spp.) are the stars of the spring blooming period.

Following the floral display, shiny green leaves emerge and become yellow in the fall. The large buds of the flowers persist all winter, providing some interesting texture during the winter.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Large unique-shaped flowers appear in early spring
  • USDA zone depends on the variety
  • Shiny green foliage in the summer
  • Size varies based on variety

Varieties To Consider:

An Eye-Pleasing Kousa Dogwood

Kousa Dogwood

A Flowering Dogwood’s (Cornus florida) spring beauty is found in the delicate four-petaled flowers that unfurl in early April.

It provides some interest every other season too, from brilliant green foliage in the summer, to red fall color, to unique gray twigs in the winter. But the show-stopping flowers are the real stars of this spring bloomer!

Notable Characteristics:

  • Large flowers in the early spring
  • USDA zones 4-9
  • Size varies based on variety

Varieties To Consider:

The Admirable Hot Shot Girard Azalea

Hot Shot Azalea

One of the most brilliant spring bloomers, Azaleas (Azalea spp.) are covered in flowers in the early spring, followed by green leaves in the summer into the fall.

Beloved by many pollinators, having an azalea in the yard will help dispel those winter blues early in the season.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Variety of vibrant colors to choose from
  • USDA zones vary based on variety
  • Very adaptable to landscapes and weather conditions
  • Can be used as an evergreen in some zones

Varieties To Consider:

Grow The Exquisite Fothergilla Mount Airy

FOthergilla

If fragrant white flowers are what you're looking for, Mount Airy Fothergilla (Fothergilla major 'Mount Airy') is the plant you need.

In the early spring, this shrub is covered in flowers smelling like honey and vanilla. After the profuse blooms fade, gray-green foliage is revealed, turning red, yellow and purple in the fall.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Fragrant white spring flowers
  • USDA zones 5-10
  • Brilliant fall colors

An Adorable Brunnera Jack Frost

Brunnera flowers

Favored for its beautiful leaves, Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla) also has beautiful blooms in the spring. Delicate blue flowers erupt above the green and silver leaves and persist for a few weeks before receding.

Enjoy the small flowers and the beautiful foliage of this plant from the spring into the summer.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Small blue flowers in the spring
  • USDA zones 3-9 (depending on species)
  • Unique green and white variegated foliage
  • Deer-resistant

Varieties To Consider:

Add The Attractive Dianthus

Dianthus

For a perennial of a smaller stature, consider using Dianthus (Dianthus spp.) like Dianthus in your garden.

Spicy, fragrant flowers erupt in the spring and persist all summer long. Deadheading this plant results in a longer bloom period, and the foliage is considered semi-evergreen, depending on what USDA zone you are in.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Wide variety of flower colors to choose from
  • Spicy fragrant flowers
  • Semi-evergreen
  • USDA zones 3-9 (depending on species)

Varieties To Consider:

Each of these plants will help you chase away those winter blues with their bright flowers in the early spring. Consider using them in spaces to surprise your neighborhood and yourself when they come into bloom and watch them usher in the glorious springtime season!

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which plants give you the earliest color in the garden before most spring flowers appear?
For the very earliest spring color, Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) and Jane Magnolia lead the way, as both are known for blooming before their leaves emerge, with Redbuds flowering as early as March in zones 4-9. Mock Orange (Philadelphus spp.) follows closely behind with fragrant white flowers in April, also suited to zones 4-9. Plant a combination of these three to create a succession of early color that carries your garden from late winter through mid-spring.

How do you care for early spring flowering plants to keep blooms looking their best?
Early spring flowering plants like redbuds, mock orange, and magnolias thrive with minimal intervention when planted in the right conditions, typically full to partial sun in USDA zones 3-9 depending on the variety. The most important care step is pruning immediately after blooming ends, since these plants set next year's flower buds shortly after flowering and cutting too late will sacrifice next season's display. Keep plants well-watered during dry spells in their first few seasons, and apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Visit naturehills.com to find the right variety for your zone and get expert planting guides to set your spring bloomers up for success.

Which spring flowering trees and shrubs put on the showiest color displays in warmer southern climates?
For gardeners in warmer southern climates, the Eastern Redbud thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and puts on a breathtaking show of delicate flowers in March and April before the leaves even emerge, making it one of the earliest and most dramatic spring bloomers available. The Hot Shot Girard Azalea and Jane Magnolia are also outstanding choices for southern gardens, delivering bold, large floral displays that perform reliably in warmer conditions year after year. Visit naturehills.com to browse these varieties and filter by your specific USDA zone to find the best performers for your region.

How do you layer early spring bulbs and perennials so something is always blooming from late winter through mid-spring?
Layering spring color starts with planting early bulbs like snowdrops and crocuses at 3 to 4 inches deep for late winter blooms, followed by daffodils and tulips at 6 to 8 inches deep for mid-spring. Pair these bulbs with early-emerging perennials like Brunnera Jack Frost, which leafs out beautifully in zones 3 to 8 and fills gaps as bulb foliage fades. For a seamless sequence, add flowering shrubs like Mock Orange or an Eastern Redbud to carry color into April and May. Plan your planting in fall, mapping out bloom times from February through May so each layer hands off to the next without a gap.

What are the best early spring plants for getting color into the garden first?
For the earliest spring color, Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is hard to beat, flowering in March and April before its leaves even emerge across zones 4-9. Snowbelle Mock Orange follows closely with fragrant white blooms in April, while the May Day Tree puts on a spectacular white floral display in late April to early May. Plant a combination of these early bloomers in a sunny location to create a succession of color that carries your garden from late winter straight through to summer.

When should you plant bulbs for early spring color based on your growing zone and local climate?
Bulbs destined for early spring bloom, such as tulips, daffodils, and crocuses, should be planted in fall after temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, typically between September and November depending on your USDA hardiness zone. In colder zones 3 to 5, aim to plant by late September or early October, while gardeners in zones 6 to 9 can wait until October or November. Most spring bulbs require a chilling period of 12 to 16 weeks to bloom properly, so timing your planting to allow this before the ground freezes is essential. Check your average first frost date and count back several weeks to determine your ideal planting window, and visit naturehills.com to find the right bulbs and companion plants suited to your zone.

Which early spring flowers perform best in full sun, partial shade, or full shade?
For full sun, Mock Orange thrives and produces its best fragrant white blooms in April, while Eastern Redbud also performs well in full sun though it tolerates partial shade equally. The Eastern Redbud is one of the most versatile options, growing in both full and partial sun across zones 4-9 and flowering as early as March. None of the plants listed in this article are recommended for full shade conditions, so be sure to assess your yard's light levels before planting. Choose Eastern Redbud for flexible light situations, or plant Mock Orange in your sunniest spot for the most abundant spring bloom display.

How much water do early spring bulbs and blooms actually need after planting and during active growth?
Early spring flowering plants and bulbs generally need about 1 inch of water per week during active growth, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Newly planted trees and shrubs like Redbuds and Magnolias require more frequent watering during their first growing season to establish strong root systems, typically every 2 to 3 days for the first few weeks depending on your climate and soil drainage. In zones 4 through 7 where spring rains are more reliable, you may need to supplement only during dry spells, while gardeners in zones 8 and 9 should monitor soil moisture closely as temperatures rise faster. Check soil moisture at a depth of 2 to 3 inches before watering, and always water deeply and less frequently to encourage roots to grow downward rather than staying shallow.

Should you leave the foliage on early spring bulbs after they finish flowering, and how long do you need to wait before cutting it back?
Yes, you should leave the foliage on spring bulbs after flowering until it turns yellow and dies back naturally, which typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. The leaves are actively photosynthesizing and sending energy back down to the bulb to fuel next year's bloom, and cutting them too early will result in fewer or weaker flowers the following season. Resist the urge to braid or band the foliage, as this also reduces its ability to gather sunlight. Plant perennials or annuals nearby to camouflage the dying leaves while you wait out the full ripening period.

How do you keep deer, rabbits, and squirrels from eating early spring flowers and bulbs before they get a chance to bloom?
Protecting early spring blooms from wildlife requires a multi-layered approach. Physical barriers like wire mesh cloches or hardware cloth cylinders placed over emerging bulbs and young plants are the most reliable defense, and a simple chicken wire fence buried 6 inches deep around garden beds will deter rabbits and squirrels from digging. Deer repellent sprays applied every 2 to 3 weeks starting in late winter, combined with naturally deer-resistant choices like Fothergilla or Brunnera Jack Frost, will reduce browsing pressure significantly. For the best results, apply repellents before animals establish feeding habits in your garden, and consider layering physical barriers with repellent sprays for maximum protection during peak wildlife activity in early spring.
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