Early-blooming plants help brighten the gray, rainy days and remind us that warmer days are on the way. Here are a few of our favorites for the period we call “early spring” (February-late March). Some even bloom earlier in winter and well into April.
Note: Please ask us about availability as inventory changes quickly. We’re always happy to help you find great alternatives!
Flowering Quince
In early spring, before they leaf out, the branches of this shrub are covered in beautiful small flowers - quite an early spring show and welcome food for hummingbirds and butterflies! Flowering Quince plants are hardy and easy-going plants and, once established, are quite drought tolerant. Flowers can be coral, scarlet, pink, or white.
Full sun to part shade (the more sun, the better the blooms)
Average, well-drained soil
3-10’ tall and wide, depending on variety
Blooms February-March
Primrose
Wishing for a splash of color in your garden or potted arrangements? If so, we have the perfect flower for you! Primroses, with their brightly colored flowers, will brighten your garden and fill you with spring fever!
Full sun to partial shade
Average, well-drained soil
3 to 6 inches tall
Blooms from winter thru spring
Hardy Cyclamen
Cyclamen are cheerful harbingers of spring in the woodland garden with their delicate flowers and stems emerging in lovely spirals. These tuberous perennials often bloom from late fall to early spring and look beautiful tucked in among hellebore, ferns, and hostas.
Part Shade (no afternoon sun)
Well-drained soil
3”-6” tall; spreads slowly
Late fall to early spring
Japanese Camellia
Japanese Camellias grow into beautiful shrubs or small trees with an amazing range of flower colors, forms, and sizes. Camellia varieties bloom in winter or early spring, depending on variety, and their blossoms stand out against their glossy evergreen leaves.
Part shade, would like protection from hot afternoon sun
Average, well-drained soil
6-12’ tall and wide, depending upon variety
Blooms November-April, depending upon variety
Ranunculus
Are your pots and containers looking a bit tattered after the winter? If so, plant Ranunculus! These bright, rose-like flowers in many colors will refresh your pots and fill you with spring fever. The flowers are great for displaying in vases as well.
Full sun to partial shade
Average, well-drained soil
6 – 12” tall and wide, depending upon variety
Blooms March to early April
Hellebore
Hellebores are invaluable in brightening the garden and are some of the earliest flowers in the garden, blooming in winter or early spring, depending on the variety. Their hardy, evergreen foliage is an attractive bonus year-round.
Partial shade
Average, well-draining soil
18” tall and 24” wide, depending upon variety
Blooms December-April, depending upon variety
Winter Heath (Erica carnea)
Winter heath adds beautiful color during our PNW winter and early spring. The blossoms also provide a vital food source for bees braving the cooler weather.
Full sun
Well-drained soil
1.5 - 3’ tall and wide, depending upon variety
Blooms February-April
Spring-Blooming Bulbs
Bulbs such as snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth are excellent for creating a splash of color and fragrance to chase away the winter blues. You can plant the bulbs in containers or the ground in the fall or buy potted, blooming plants in the spring for a quick infusion of color.
Full sun to partial shade
Average, well-draining soil
Height and width vary depending upon bulb and variety
Blooms early to late spring, depending upon variety
Wallflower (Erisymium)
These pretty evergreen perennials begin blooming in early spring to create welcome splash of color in your garden. There are many colors of fragrant Wallflowers, including yellow, orange, and purple.
Full sun to part shade
Average, well-draining soil
24-28” x 16-20”, depending on variety
Blooms March through summer
Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens)
A beautiful evergreen perennial with deep green foliage that is smothered in bright white flowers throughout spring. Great for growing in rockeries!
Full sun to part shade
Average, well-drained soil
8-12” tall x 18” wide, depending upon variety
Blooms March-May