When selecting flowers for early spring planting, it’s important to pay attention to soil and sun exposure preferences. If your yard is void of shade, then opt for flowers that can handle the heat of the sun. Similarly, if your yard only gets partial sun, then choose your flower bed locations carefully and consider the flowers that do well in shaded areas.
1. Coneflower (Echinacea)
This delicate looking flower is actually anything but! It sits on a tough plant that can survive the cooler weather and blooms in gorgeous pink and purple blossoms with copper-colored centers. The plant typically grows to 2 feet tall and boasts beautiful flowers of about 4 inches in diameter. If pink and purple aren’t for youl, you can look out for a hybrid in orange, red-orange, or yellow.
Planting tips: Plant the Coneflower seeds in well-drained soil about 1 to 3 feet apart. You can plant them in early spring with maximum sun exposure though they can manage some shade.
2. Forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica)
These classically adored blue flowers are perfect for semi-shaded or wooded areas, and thrive in the cooler spring temperatures. Though the blooms are tiny, they are instantly recognizable and lovely to see throughout a garden. As wildflowers, they are resilient and self-sowing, so you will be able to enjoy them year after year. They typically grow to reach 6-8 inches.
Planting tips: Plant forget-me-not seedlings up to 12 inches apart in loosened soil. If desired, you can start them indoors in the winter, then move outside in early spring. They can survive frost, and will self-sow to produce more plants for the following year.
3. The Bride (Gaura lindheimeri)
A unique bloom, these white flowers sit perched on tall spikes, and bring gorgeous variety to any garden. They can grow anywhere from 2 ½ to 4 feet tall, and are a favorite perennial that you can enjoy year after year. Varieties include rose-pink flowers and white flowers that look remarkable atop their long stems. They add movement to a garden and are easy to pick and add to a vase or arrangement.
Planting tips: Sow seeds indoors during late winter for planting in May. Choose an area with lots of sunshine that is shielded from wind and give the plant plenty of space to grow. Once it has taken root, the Bride is exceptionally tough and tolerant of drought.
4. Mrs. Bradshaw (Geum chiloense)
Similar in appearance and resilience to wildflowers, Mrs. Bradshaw is actually a member of the rose family and is a great choice for spring planting. This species boasts lush foliage and lengthy flower spikes that average 15 inches in height. Varieties include bright yellow blooms and deep scarlet blooms, both of which are whimsical and easy to maintain.
Planting tips: Sow seeds indoors in potting soil and trays in late winter, then move outside after the last frost. When planting outdoors, cut back the seedling to promote continued growth and plant in well-drained fertile soil.
5. Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
These colorful flowers are immensely popular for their recognizable “face” and multitude of color combinations. They can grow to be about 9 inches tall and are great for late winter or early spring planting. To achieve successful blooms pansies should be watered often.
Planting tips: Pansies can be planted in late winter or early spring in well-drained, moist soil. They prefer sun and cool temperatures, and should be planted approximately 7 to 12 inches apart. Dead flowers can be removed to promote continued growth.
