Snowdrop
Getty ImagesAlso called galanthus, these bulbs must be planted in the fall for an early springtime show, often appearing when snow is still on the ground in northern climates (thus the name!). Their pretty drooping white and green flowers do best in rich soils. Part shade to shade.
2Pansy and Viola
Getty ImagesThese charming annuals come in every shade of the rainbow, and their tiny “faces” are adorable. Plant violas and pansies in pots, baskets, and window boxes to brighten your early spring garden. Some types rebound in the fall or drop seeds to pop up again on their own next spring. Full sun.
3Sweet Alyssum
Getty ImagesThis tiny—but mighty—annual is sweetly scented and a favorite of pollinators. Layer sweet alyssum with spring bulbs or other more upright flowers that tolerate the cold, such as snapdragons. Alyssum blooms best in cooler temperatures. If it starts to get shaggy in the heat of summer, trim it back and it should rebound as temps cool down again. Full sun to part shade.
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4Creeping Phlox
Getty ImagesLow hanging, fragrant, and perfect for ground cover, these cute flowers grow in purple, blue, and pink hues. They also draw pollinators like butterflies to gardens. Plant them in areas with full sunlight or partial shade.
5Pussy Willow
Getty ImagesThis shrub is one of the first signs of spring, breaking bud in late winter to early spring. Like all willows, they prefer wet areas. The fuzzy “catkins” that appear on the naked branches make cheery long-lasting cut stems for vases. Sun to part shade.
6Foxglove
Jan-Stefan Knick / EyeEm//Getty ImagesThese tube shaped biennials are available in a range of colors—from hues of purple to yellow and red to white. They grow well in conditions with full sunlight and partial shade. Keep it away from children and pets since all parts of the flower are toxic when consumed.
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7Flowering Quince
Getty ImagesThis beautiful shrub is one of the first to bloom in spring in shades of pink, red, or peach. It works well as a border planting. Newer varieties are thornless so they're easier to handle. Full sun.
8Forget-Me-Not
Getty ImagesAdd these easy-to-grow flowers to your seasonal gardening plans. These deer-resistant blossoms come in a variety of shades—from blue and pink to white and purple. It's typically planted in the late fall to get early spring blooms and thrive better under cooler climates.
9Heather
Getty ImagesThis perennial flowering shrub is also known as Calluna vulgaris and Scotch Heather. It great for ground cover, sn 18-inches in height and typically grows up to 18-inches in height in shades of purple, pink, and white.
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10Daffodil
Getty ImagesEvery spring garden needs these sunny yellow blooms! They come in sizes ranging from six inches to two feet tall, and they bloom at different times from early to late spring. Plant in fall for spring blooms next year and for many seasons afterward. Group bulbs together in bunches for the most dramatic effect instead of planting single bulbs. Full sun.
11Daphne Shrub
Getty ImagesThis lesser-known sweetly fragrant shrub is a real charmer in the springtime landscape in southern climates. Daphne shrubs bloom in late winter to early spring. Many species are evergreen, and most maintain a nice, rounded shape with little care. Full sun, with afternoon shade in hot climates.
12Columbine
Getty ImagesThese hardy perennials attract hummingbirds and come in shades of blue, purple, violet, pink, red, yellow, white, and orange. The clover shaped blossoms need direct sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive.
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13Deciduous Magnolia
Getty ImagesThese early spring bloomers have gorgeous, almost unreal-looking blossoms. There are many different types of magnolias, some which are evergreen and some which are deciduous, which means they shed their leaves. Many deciduous types of magnolias bloom before they’ve even leafed out again. Because there are so many different types, make sure to select one that's suited to your USDA Hardiness zone. Full sun to part shade.
14Wallflower
Getty ImagesWallflowers come in almost every color of the rainbow and have a lovely fragrance. Plant them right after the last expected frost date. They’re considered short-lived perennials, lasting just a season or so. Wallflowers have even been known to thrive growing between the mortar in stone walls (thus, their name!). Full sun to part shade.
15Lily of the Valley
Getty ImagesThe white and sometimes pink colored flowers (also known as May Bells and Mary's Tears) provide useful ground cover, grow 6 to 12 inches tall, and emit a sweet fragrance. Plant them with care because they spread aggressively.
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16Grape Hyacinth
Getty ImagesThe delicate grape-scented blooms, also called muscari, top out at four to six inches tall, so they look great in rock gardens or along the front of beds. Plant them in the fall for spring blooms next year. They naturalize readily, so every year you’ll have more of these dainty little flowers. Full sun to part sun.
17Diascia
Getty ImagesThe tiny open-faced blooms of this lesser-known cool season annual come in pleasing springtime shades of pink, peach, and white. Plant them with other spring bloomers in pots or as a ground cover. They fade when it gets hot. Full sun to part shade.
18Winter Jasmine
Getty ImagesWinter jasmine is a low-maintenance shrub with arching branches that are loaded with bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. It may bloom as early as February in some climates. It’s not fragrant, but it adds willowy elegance to the landscape. Full sun.
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19Starflower
Getty ImagesThese petite blue or white star-shaped flowers, also called ipheion, were popular in heirloom colonial gardens. Its flowers have a sweet scent. Plant these tiny bulbs in the fall for spring blooms. Full sun.
20Fritillaria
Getty ImagesBell-shaped flowers come in deep shades of purple, pink, white, and red (or checkered!) on this lesser-known spring charmer. Plant fritallaria in the fall for dramatic blooms next spring. Full sun.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Janece Maze is Associate Editor at Country Living, where she covers DIY projects, gardening, and travel. When she’s not in the kitchen creating a new recipe with farm fresh ingredients, you can find her on the road heading to a music festival or browsing a local consignment shop.
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