17 Easy To Grow Spring Flowers With Beautiful, Colorful, Aromatic Blooms (Newbie Friendly!)

Spring is finally here! Homesteaders can begin planting their gardens with lovely spring flowers that add delightful fragrances and breathtaking colors. We’re helping celebrate by sharing our favorite spring flowers, perfect for newbie gardeners in nearly any growing zone.

Vibrant dahlia flower bouquet in a spring garden.

These lovely spring flowers bring joy and anticipation, from delicate daffodils symbolizing hope to the dramatic dahlias heralding warmer days. Tulips peek through the last remnants of snow, while marigolds add a splash of summer-like hues.

Join me as we explore the enchanting world of lovely spring blossoms in more detail.

17 Easy To Grow Spring Flowers

As spring unfolds its vibrant canvas, these fragrant flowers offer vibrant colors and pleasant fragrances, adding joy to your spring garden.

1. Marigolds

Beautiful orange marigold flowers in the spring or summer garden.

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are easily among our favorite spring bedding flowers. From tiny single-petal flowers of the signet marigolds to the large, four-inch double-petal blossoms of the African marigolds, they all exhibit the characteristic daisy-like appearance.

Most varieties bloom reliably from late spring or early summer until hard frost in late fall, adding vibrant tints to your garden.

Zone: Suitable for all growing zones
Mature Height: Varies by cultivar
When To Plant: Spring
Bloom Time: Spring, summer, and fall
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

Marigolds are the perfect spring flower, and their magnificent blooms add color and life to any vegetable, herb, or flower garden.

2. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Deep pink bleeding heart flower growing in the backyard.

Bleeding hearts are forgiving and adaptable. Their unique heart-shaped flowers add a touch of whimsy to your garden. They love growing in partial shade. So, they are ideal for areas with dappled sunlight. Plus, they’re low-maintenance. You only need water now and then to enjoy their elegant blooms from late spring to early summer. Their outstanding appearance and low-fuss nature make them a delightful choice for novice gardeners.

Zone: 3 to 9
Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet
When To Plant: Early spring or fall
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Care Requirements: Provide well-drained soil, partial shade, and regular watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

As the bleeding heart unfurls its pink and white petals, it whispers love secrets to the morning dew.

3. Allium Ornamental

Purple flowering allium onion bulbs growing in the spring garden.

Imagine spherical flower heads of dozens of star-shaped buds in outstanding pink, green, purple, cream, yellow, and white hues. When planted among mixed flower beds, these pom-pom blooms create a striking visual impact.

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators also adore alliums. Their nectar-rich flowers attract these beneficial insects, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.

Zone: 4 to 9
Mature Height: Varies by cultivar
When to Plant: Early fall
Bloom Time: Spring
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

Alliums’ globe-shaped purple blooms add drama and intrigue to your garden.

4. Asiatic Lilies

Beautiful and colorful asiatic lilies growing in the garden.

Asiatic lilies (Lilium Asiatic hybrids) are perennial bulbs that grace our gardens with their showy, upright flowers in a delightful array of colors. Unlike their aromatic Oriental counterparts, which bloom in late summer, Asiatic lilies burst forth in late spring or early summer, heralding the arrival of warmer days.

They flaunt a kaleidoscope of hues, pink, red, cream, orange, yellow, purple, and white, and add a splash of color to your landscape. Their cheerful presence lifts spirits and announces the changing season.

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet
When to Plant: Late summer
Bloom Time: Spring
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

These low-maintenance lilies boast vibrant blooms that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. They contribute to a healthier permaculture environment while adding magnificence to your landscape.

5. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Tiger swallowtail butterfly and bumble bee visiting a bright purple coneflower.

The daisy-like blooms of purple coneflowers are composed of several small flowers. These petals are sterile, attracting insects toward the fertile flowers in the central disk or cone. Bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds adore their nectar-rich blossoms.

Once established, these coneflowers produce large, fragrant pink buds that blossom from June until the early frosts. Their extended blooming period adds vibrant color to your garden.

Zone: 4 to 9
Mature Height: Varies by cultivar
When to Plant: Early spring
Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

These native wildflowers combine vibrant pink petals with an orange cone center, creating an exquisite display.

6. Hellebore

Lovely green white and purple hellebore flower heads floating in water.

Hellebores are tough and resilient. They tolerate various soil conditions and happily thrive in partial shade and full sun. Their early bloom time (late winter to early spring) brings much-needed color to the garden when other plants remain dormant. Hellebores self-seed, creating new plants effortlessly. Remove old foliage in late winter, and they’ll reward you with beautiful, nodding flowers year after year.

Zone: 4 to 9
Mature Height: 1 to 2 feet
When To Plant: Early spring or late fall
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Care Requirements: Partial shade, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. Remove old foliage in late winter

Like introverted poets, Hellebores bloom quietly in the frosty embrace of winter, their colors a whispered promise of spring.

7. Gladiolus

Gladiolus flowers of varying colors growing and thriving in the spring.

Gladiolus, also known as glads, is a classic perennial that graces gardens with its tall flower spikes and vibrant, colorful blooms. These lovely flowering plants belong to the iris family (Iridaceae) and come in many hues and sizes. From smaller hybrids perfect for containers to large-flowered Grandiflora varieties, gladioli offers a stunning range of options.

Plant gladiolus corms in spring after the danger of frost has passed. By staggering the planting dates, you can enjoy continuous blooms from early summer through fall.

Zone: 3 to 10
Mature Height: 3 to 5 feet
When to Plant: Early spring
Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil

Gladioli’s frilly, brightly colored blooms make them perfect for summer vases, and their long stems create dramatic arrangements.

8. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Pretty white and yellow bloodroot flowers growing on a bright sunny spring day.

Bloodroot is a native wildflower that requires minimal commotion. Its delicate white flowers appear in early spring, often before the leaves fully unfurl. Plant it in a woodland garden or shaded area with well-drained soil. Bloodroot spreads slowly, forming attractive clumps. As a bonus, it has historical medicinal uses, adding intrigue to its presence in your garden.

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature Height: 6 to 12 inches
When To Plant: Early spring
Bloom Time: Early spring
Care Requirements: Partial shade, well-drained soil, and regular moisture. After flowering, the leaves will die back naturally

Bloodroot emerges from the earth like a forgotten legend. Its white blooms tell tales of ancient healing and resilience.

9. Dahlias

Stunning deep crimson red dahlia flower.

Dahlias are lovely and striking flowers in every shade of the rainbow. From petite two-inch lollipop-style pom-poms to giant 15-inch dinner plates, these blooms offer a stunning variety. Most dahlia varieties grow four to five feet tall and display various beautiful colors, including white, yellow, blue, orange, pink, red, lavender, cream, purple, and black. These tuberous plants belong to the Asteraceae family and are perfect for border gardens or as lovely cut flowers.

Zone: 8 to 10 (You can grow them in colder zones as annuals.)
Mature Height: 2 to 6 feet
When to Plant: Early spring
Bloom Time: Mid to late-summer
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil, and organic soil content.

Dahlias come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. From dinner-plate dahlias to pom-pom varieties, there’s a dahlia for every garden. They’re excellent for cutting flowers and garden beds.

10. Alpine Betony

Pink and purple alpine betony flowers growing in the spring.

Alpine Betony (Stachys monieri’ Hummelo’) is a delightful perennial that deserves a spot in your spring garden. Unlike its woolly cousin, the familiar Lamb’s-Ears, Alpine Betony maintains a tidy, non-spreading form. Its crispy green foliage forms low mounds, and in early summer, it produces upright spikes of bright purple flowers that attract bees with their nectar. These beautiful blooms last several weeks, adding color and pizzazz to your landscape. Whether planted near the front of a border or in containers, Alpine Betony is a superb (and underutilized) choice for spring.

Zone: 4 to 9
Mature Height: 18 to 24 inches
When to Plant: Late summer into early fall
Bloom Time: Spring to summer
Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil

Alpine betony’s bright purple (sometimes pink) tubular flowers stand out and attract friendly garden pollinators.

11. Tulips

Colorful bright red yellow and pink tulips growing in a spring meadow.

Tulips are among the first plants to emerge from the soil as winter recedes. Their colorful petals burst forth even when there’s still a hint of snow, creating a cheerful spectacle.

To ensure successful blooming, tulip bulbs need a chilling period. When planted in the fall, they safely chill in the ground, absorbing essential nutrients. However, if you missed your chance to grow in the fall, fear not! You can still plant tulip bulbs in early spring, pots, or directly in the ground. Just provide them with the same chilling conditions they would experience outdoors.

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature Height: Varies by cultivar
When to Plant: Fall (ideally) or spring
Bloom Time: Spring
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

Tulips offer a barrage of colors and shapes. Plant them in clusters for a stunning display.

12. Virginia Bluebell (Mertensia virginica)

A native bee visiting a virginia bluebells flower.

Virginia bluebells thrive in moist, shady spots. Their trumpet-shaped, sky-blue flowers create a serene atmosphere. These native perennials are also low-maintenance. Plant them in early spring or fall, and they’ll naturalize over time. Their ability to attract pollinators and adapt to various soil types makes them an excellent choice for laid-back gardeners seeking easygoing woodland beauty.

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature Height: 1 to 2 feet
When To Plant: Early spring or fall
Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
Care Requirements: Partial shade, moist soil, and consistent watering. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

In the dappled shade, Virginia bluebells sway like shy dancers, their cerulean dresses catching glimpses of the sky.

13. Daffodil

Beautiful yellow and orange daffodils growing in a sunny spring meadow.

Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are one of our favorite spring flowers! They’re easy-to-grow, spring-flowering perennial bulbs. These cheerful blooms thrive in climates with a winter chill and eagerly emerge as spring arrives. Their vibrant yellow, white, orange, pink, and bicolor blossoms symbolize renewal and hope.

They’re toxic to humans and animals, so handle them carefully. Plant them mid to late autumn, and they’ll reward you with their sunny blooms about a month before the average last frost date.

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature Height: Varies by variety
When to Plant: Fall
Bloom Time: Spring
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

Daffodils announce spring with their cheerful yellow or white blooms. They’re deer-resistant and naturalize beautifully.

14. Hyacinths

Peaceful pastel colored hyacinth flowers blooming in the spring.

Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are a delightful addition to any spring garden. Their intense fragrance and vibrant tubular flowers make them stand out. Hyacinths are perennials, so their clusters of blooms add an exciting color burst to your garden year after year.

Among spring bulbs, hyacinths are some of the easiest to cultivate. Even novice gardeners can enjoy their beauty. Plus, they can be forced indoors in pots or bulb vases, allowing you to enjoy their blooms even during colder months.

Zone: 3 to 8
Mature Height: Varies by variety
When to Plant: Early fall
Bloom Time: Early spring
Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil

Hyacinths are fragrant and colorful, providing jubilant spring joy. Choose from purple, violet, pink, or white varieties.

15. Pansies

Colorful pansies growing in the spring garden.

Pansies, those cheerful flowers with upturned faces, are fantastic for spring gardens. Pansies thrive in cool weather, which is ideal for early spring and fall planting. Their large heart-shaped petals come in a wide range of bright, pretty colors and patterns, adding vibrancy to your garden.

Although often treated as annuals, pansies are surprisingly hardy in cold weather (USDA Hardiness Zones three or four to eight). They can withstand frost and even bounce back from single-digit temperatures. Their resilience makes them excellent for fall and early winter colors.

Zone: 4 to 8
Mature Height: 6 to 9 inches
When to Plant: Early spring, late summer, or fall
Bloom Time: Spring
Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil

Not only are pansies visually appealing, but they’re also edible! Add their colorful blooms to salads, drinks, and cakes for a delightful touch.

16. Sweet Peas

Purple and pink sweet pea flowers growing in the spring flower bed.

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are delightful annual flowers that thrive in various garden settings. Their appeal lies in their seductive fragrance, which fills the air with a sweet and nostalgic scent.

Sweet peas produce an abundance of dainty winged blossoms in myriad colors, including pearly white to ritzy magentas and flashy, deep purples. Their delicate appearance belies their hardiness.

Their charming blooms are perfect for cutting and arranging. Their ability to yield numerous buds over an extended period makes them a favorite choice for bouquets and floral displays.

Zone: 4 to 9
Mature Height: Varies by cultivar
When to Plant: Early spring
Bloom Time: Spring
Care Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil

Remember, do not plant sweet pea flowers near your edible garden crops! The sweet pea flowers and plants are poisonous. Enjoy their beauty and fragrance while keeping this caution in mind!

17. Coppertips (Crocosmia)

Bright orange and yellow coppertips flowers growing in the late summer garden.

Crocosmia, commonly known as coppertips, is a perennial flower that graces spring gardens with its vibrant presence. As spring awakens, crocosmia unfurls tall, pigment-rich blooms, strikingly contrasting the fading winter hues. What makes it excellent for spring cultivation? The Crocosmia‘s resilience. Crocosmia thrives in drier climates, basking in full sun and well-draining slightly acidic soil. Even in mild summer temperatures, it stands tall, but a touch of shade shields it from scorching heat. So, if you’re seeking a robust and eye-catching addition to your spring garden, consider planting crocosmia.

Zone: 5 to 9
Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet
When to Plant: Early spring
Bloom Time: Mid-summer to mid-fall
Care Requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil

Coppertips are showstoppers with hot red, orange, and yellow shades. Hummingbirds and butterflies adore them. Luckily, deer and rabbits don’t!

17 best spring flowers perfect for new gardeners.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our best spring flower for your garden guide.

We tried to include various flowers for nearly any growing zone.

Marigolds are our favorite since they’re easy to grow and thrive almost anywhere.

What about you?

Are you growing flowers this year?
Which spring flower is your favorite to grow?
Do you grow flowers in pots? Raised beds? Or elsewhere?
Which spring flowers should we add to our list?
Which spring flowers do you think bees and butterflies love most?

We love hearing from fellow flower gardeners!

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

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