After this spell of warm weather, it feels like spring is almost here and the garden is calling. In South Carolina, February and March bring a beautiful overlap between winter-blooming camellias and the emergence of spring-blooming trees, shrubs, and bulbs. As inspiration for your own garden, check out these spring planting ideas and tips!
Pops of Pink
Pink Spring Planting Ideas
Magnolias
Deciduous magnolias are known for their large blossoms of varying shades of pink and white, which bloom from late winter to early summer, depending on the region in which they are grown. These magnolias can be grown as a tree or pruned as a large shrub.
‘Lilliputian’, ‘Daybreak’, ‘Galaxy’, ‘Starwars’
Tulips
With over 3,000 varieties, there is a tulip for every garden! In warmer climates, many varieties are grown as annuals because they require cooler winter temperatures to bloom in the spring. However, certain varieties, such as single late tulips will thrive in zone 8.
‘Mention’ (Single Late), ‘Erna Lindgreen’ (Parrot), ‘Mariette’ (Lily-flowered)
Cherry Trees
Cherry blossoms are celebrated as a symbol of spring throughout the world. These trees come in a variety of sizes and canopy shapes, with blossoms in a range of pink and white hues. Their blossoms are also an early source of pollen for pollinators.
‘Akebono’, ‘Autumnalis Rosea’, ‘Pendula Rosea’, ‘Pink Perfection’
Shades of Purple
Purple Spring Planting Ideas
hyacinths
Hyacinths are fragrant and begin to bloom around the same time as early tulip varieties, making them a great companion plant in beds with tulips.
‘Splendid Cornelia’, ‘Purple Sensation’, ‘Delft Blue’, ‘Miss Saigon’
Tulips
The large variety of tulips allows this spring bulb to be incredibly versatile in your garden. Try parrot, fringed, and lily tulips to add visual interest to your garden with unique shapes and textures.
‘Blue Heron’ (Fringed), ‘Alibi’ (Triumph), ‘Shirley’ (Triumph), ‘Blue Spectacle’ (Double Late)
Pansies
Pansies are generally cold hardy and can provide a vibrant pop of color throughout the winter in warmer climates and into the spring.
‘Halo Violet’ (Horned Violet), ‘Halo Lilac’ (Horned Violet), ‘Sorbet Icy Blue’ (Horned Violet)
Colorful Contrast
Vibrant Spring Planting Ideas
Azaleas & Rhododendrons
Azaleas and rhododendrons thrive in a wide range of climates and can provide visual interest in your garden in all four seasons, with some blooming again in the fall. Rhododendrons and some azaleas are evergreen. When planted as a privacy screen, you can enjoy a wall of vibrant color come springtime.
‘Daviesii’, ‘Flame Azalea’, ‘Encore Autumn Sunburst’
irises
Irises dazzle in the spring with a show of delicate, ruffled blooms. By choosing a reblooming variety, you can continue to enjoy their brightly colored flowers into the summer and fall.
‘Silken Trim’, ‘Grand Canyon Sunset’, ‘Dauntless’
Daffodils
Daffodils are a cheery beacon of spring and, like tulips, their petals come in a variety of shapes. Their bulbs multiply so don’t be surprised when even more daffodils grace your garden each year.
‘Accent’, ‘Tahiti’, ‘Carlton’
Understated Elegance
White Spring Planting Ideas
Lilacs
The smell of lilacs is irresistible in the springtime. However, most lilacs, like tulips, require cool temperatures during the winter months to produce flowers in the spring. If you are a southern gardener that would like your lilac fix, try Angel White, which is said to stand up to the heat.
‘Angel White’, ‘Madame Lemoine’, ‘Ivory Silk’
Ranunculus
Delicate ranunculus blossoms are an excellent choice for both your spring garden and floral arrangements. Unlike lilacs and tulips, ranunculus grow best in climates with warmer winters.
‘Tomer White’, ‘Tecolote White’, ‘Elegance White’
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley produces brilliant white strings of flowers in the spring that are accompanied by a delightful fragrance. For a similar look, without the toxicity of lily of the valley, try ‘Starry False Lily of the Valley.’
‘Bordeaux’, ‘Albostriata’, ‘Starry False Lily of the Valley’
Happy planting my friends!
