1Tulip
Steve Satushek//Getty Images Tulips are a classic spring flower, but they don’t grow instantly. According to the Home Depot, it’s ideal to plant them in the fall so they’re ready for spring. If you missed that boat, don’t stress because stores offer potted tulips that can easily be replanted wherever you want. Nab a few and spruce up your front step.
2Snowdrop
Nigel Hicks//Getty Images Given how unpredictable spring weather can be, it’s practical to have flowers that stay fresh no matter the conditions. This is what you’ll get with snowdrops because even if there’s transitional spring snow on the ground, they’ll peep through.
3Iris
Philippe Gerber//Getty Images Like snowdrops, irises also begin to bloom during early spring. If you’re one of those impatient plant parents who can’t wait months for flowers, these beauties were made for you. Irises are typically planted during the late summer months, but you can also plant rhizomes (the iris’s horizontal, rootlike structure) in early spring.
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4Lilac
Christophe Lehenaff//Getty Images Next up on the list are sweet-smelling lilacs. They’ll need plenty of direct sunlight to bloom, so keep that in mind when finding a spot for them in your yard.
5Cherry Blossom
Oscar Wong//Getty Images It’s no secret that cherry blossoms are some of the most spectacular and well-known spring flowers. While they seem delicate and high-maintenance, you can actually grow them yourself. You simply need lots of sunlight and well-drained soil.
6Lily of the Valley
oluolu3//Getty Images May is usually when these lilies bloom. The bell-shaped perennials have an unforgettable scent, but make sure you don’t scorch them in the sun, as they prefer being in a well-shaded spot.
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7Daffodil
Nazar Abbas Photography//Getty Images Nothing beats the eye-catching yellow hue of daffodils. More is more when it comes to these radiant perennials, so don’t be afraid to plant a whole bunch altogether. These bulbs are best planted in the fall, but you can certainly buy bunches in planters this spring to add a splash of sunshine to your patio.
8Begonia
schnuddel//Getty Images Begonias are shade-loving plants and, depending on where you live, are generally planted as annuals. Once you get them to bloom in the spring, they’ll keep growing and growing, making them perfect for anyone who loves flower arranging.
9Geranium
Nenov//Getty Images Blooming geraniums are a surefire sign of spring. Better still? They’re low maintenance. If you’re a beginner, stick with these showy perennials.
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10Snapdragon
Nathan Blaney//Getty Images Not only will snapdragons take your bouquets to the next level, but spring is when these annuals shine (the blooms take a break from flowering as soon as summer hits). Pro tip: Plant them closer together so you end up with longer, flowering stems.
11Pansy
Ruby Wong / EyeEm//Getty Images Despite needing at least six hours of sunlight a day, these annuals actually love the cold. They’ll even start blooming in the snow. Available in a range of bright hues, from purple and white to a deep crimson, these flowers will suit any color palette.
12Crocus
Courtney Newbold / 500px//Getty Images Another early bloomer, crocuses, with their bright purple petals, are best planted in individual pots because of their appeal to garden pests.
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13Hyacinth
Piyamas Dulmunsumphun / EyeEm//Getty Images Best in small pots where you can control their moisture levels (hyacinths prefer well-drained but well-watered soil), these spring blooms provide vibrant and early color.
14Primrose
Nalin Nelson Gomes / EyeEm//Getty Images Another species that thrives in spring’s early, colder months is the hardy primrose. Because there are countless varieties, ask your local flower shop or hardware store which type is best suited to your geographic area.
15Marigold
Simon McGill//Getty Images Known for their striking orange hue, marigolds are also natural mosquito repellers. Plant in full sun with fertilized soil for the best results.
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16Petunia
Paolo Carnassale//Getty Images Often seen in hanging porch baskets or window boxes, petunias can also be used as spring ground cover. The best part: These vibrant flowers have a long flowering life and don’t tend to start wilting until late summer.
17Zinnia
Chokniti Khongchum / EyeEm//Getty Images Ideal for late summer, heat-loving zinnias are native to the Southwestern United States. Their colorful blooms grow in large bushes and are sure to bring a smile to any gardener’s face.
18Allium
Clive Nichols//Getty Images Beloved by bees and gardeners alike, these bulbous perennials stand tall and look great whether cut into arrangements or left in the garden to their own devices.
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19Sweet Pea
Rebecca Cozart//Getty Images A charming climber, use a fence or trellis to support these fragrant blooms. But despite liking full sun exposure best, too high temperatures will cause them to wilt, so early spring (or even starting them indoors) is best.
20Gladiolus
Jacky Parker Photography//Getty Images Spring is the ideal time to plant these late-bloomers as they prefer to flower later in summer. Available in nearly every color imaginable (reds to yellows to blues), gladiolus are perfect for adding a pop.
Isis Briones is House Beautiful’s Senior Shopping Editor, she’ll find the best items for your home at every price point. She also loves to travel, so don’t be surprised if she hooks you up with some travel deals. Find more of her work published in Complex, Architectural Digest, Teen Vogue, and more.
Kate McGregor is House Beautiful's SEO Editor, writing in-depth home renovation cost guides, design inspiration stories while overseeing gardening content through routine plant care guides. With over five years in the shelter industry creating content for brands like Domino, Real Simple, and Architectural Digest’s Clever, Kate has developed a passion for uncovering the personal stories that often lie behind the inspiration for people’s spaces. She previously worked as the assistant market editor at ELLE Decor, where she identified top products and brands in the industry as well as interviewed emerging designers about their thoughts on the latest interior design trends. Kate holds a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. When not researching the specificities of begonia plant care, you can find Kate scouring vintage markets for the ideal wrought-iron chair, knitting yet another cardigan, or reading historical nonfiction.
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