Get Ready for Spring Flowers!

Spring is finally here, and it’s not soon enough! Bright, colorful flowers bursting up around us, bring happiness and comfort to the soul. Surround yourself with these flowers to see how they cheer up each day with their beauty and fragrance. Even if you don't have a garden, many of these beauties can be planted in containers and placed on walkways, decks, balconies, and everywhere in-between. Happy Spring!

Peonies

One of the easiest, no-fuss, perennials around, peonies brighten every space with their bold colors and rose-like scent. These stunning large flowers are available in a myriad of colors ranging from traditional white, pink, and red, to lovely new colors, like coral, yellow, and peach. Peonies bloom profusely and are superbly showy, with abundant lush, fluffy flowers.

A well-tended peony will live for years, possibly even decades. They grow in almost every climate across the country, and they simply need a lot of sun and well-draining soil. Their only weakness is their stems, which are not equipped to support such massive blooms. Setting up a support system is a must. Peonies grow well in the garden and containers. To learn more about cultivating peonies, check out this informative guide.

Lilacs

Giant purple blooms extolling the sweetest fragrance, what more could one want? Lilacs are super easy to grow, hardy to northern climates, and don't need much care. There are varieties adapted to warmer climates as well so that everyone can enjoy this spring beauty. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love lilac flowers, making them an essential addition to a pollinator garden. Plus, they make the whole yard smell divine.

Depending on the cultivar, the lilac shrub ranges from 5-15 feet tall. Lilacs need full sun and fertile soil. Once they are established, they need a bit of pruning each year, and that's it. The lilac is a reliable spring bloomer, and like peonies, they can last for decades if well-tended. Dwarf varieties can be grown in containers, although it can be tricky since their roots love to spread out. This guide will help you get started propagating lilacs.

Magnolias

Nothing quite announces spring like a magnolia tree in full bloom. The creamy-white flowers with intoxicating scent bring smiles to all who see them. With close to 200 types, Magnolia varieties are plentiful. There is a magnolia for every climate, making them hugely popular around the world. Some cultivars are tall trees, reaching upwards of 40-80 feet, while others are shrubs, growing between 8-15 feet. Magnolias vary in color, too, and besides the traditional white, there are also rose, purple, red, and purple options.

If you like a tree that makes a statement every spring, consider planting a magnolia. They are excellent as a border or hedgerow plant or as giant shade trees in the backyard. Smaller varieties grow well in large pots on the deck or walkway. Even when they are not in bloom, their glossy, dark-green leaves are attractive and appealing. To decide which magnolia is right for you, consult this excellent resource.

Irises

There is a reason this flower is named after a Greek goddess. Statuesque and stunning, with magical coloring, irises bring elegance to all the gardens they grace. They are named after the goddess of rainbows, which says it all. With many options in size, color, type, and hardiness, there are iris varieties for every zone. They grow excellently in containers, as well. Small iris varieties average 6-12 inches, while larger types grow up to 4 feet. The most common color options are lilac, purple, or white, but irises are also available in orange, yellow, chocolate, pink, red, rainbow, and even black.

Butterflies and hummingbirds both enjoy iris blooms. They look exceptional planted as a border around other perennials. For more information about growing irises and the range of types, here is a great resource.

Pansies

Brilliantly colored pansies always brighten a room or garden. These “flowers with faces” make great companions during times of social distancing. Their heart-shaped, overlapping petals are uplifting and joyful. Pansies come in a veritable kaleidoscope of colors. From solid to two-tone to tri-color, pansies are varied and include all the colors of the rainbow. Mix and match or plant all one hue, a garden of pansies is adaptable to any palette. Flower sizes also vary greatly, ranging from delicate one-inch blooms to larger four-inch options.

Pansies are perfect container plants. They are generally considered an annual. However, in some climates, they can be grown as perennials. To learn more about growing these radiant flowers, check out this informative source.

What are your favorite spring flowers?

Blog by Jenny Dunklee, Senior Plant Expert, BloomCatch