Spring Planting Guide: The Best Flowers and Shrubs for Your Yard

Spring is here! It is the best time to refresh your yard with vibrant flowers and robust shrubs. Whether you’re looking for a classic beauty, modern elegance or a combo of the two, this blog will guide you to the best flowers and shrubs to plant to bring your landscape to life.

Best flowers to plant

Let’s start with pansies and violas. These flowers are known for their charm and come in various beautiful colors, from deep purples and blues to bright yellows and soft pastels. They are also cold-tolerant, which makes them perfect for early-season planting, especially since they can survive a light frost. These beauties are one of the first pops of color you’ll see in spring since they thrive in the cooler weather.

Pansies and violas are ideal for flower beds, window boxes, containers and borders. A tip to keep them flourishing is to remove spent blooms – also known as deadheading – to regularly encourage more flowering. Planting in full to partial sun with well-drained soil is also essential.

Tulips and daffodils are next, as iconic as they are, I’m sure you’re not surprised they’re on the list. Tulips are elegant and come in just about any color imaginable, while daffodils light up any garden they bloom in. These flowers are great for naturalizing, meaning they’ll return year to year with minimal effort.

These flowers are beautifully used along walkways, in mixed beds or mass plant them for a dramatic spring display. A tip for these is once their blooming is complete, leave the foliage intact until it yellows and dies back naturally. This helps the bulbs store energy for next year, then for the next season, plant the bulbs in the fall right before the ground freezes.

Next up are snapdragons. They’re named for the dragon-shaped blooms that snap open when squeezed. They come in a range of heights and colors – soft pastels, bold reds, oranges and purples. Without a doubt, snapdragons will add drama and structure to any spring display. They also thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring.

Snapdragons are perfect for borders, cutting gardens and containers. A tip for these is that they love rich, well-drained soil and full sun. It is also essential to pinch back the tips early to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.

Another great flower for the garden is the creeping phlox. The creeping phlox is a showstopper as this flower spreads out to form a vibrant mat of flowers in early spring. This is an excellent option for filling in those annoying bare spots. It is also drought-tolerant once established and thrives in full sun.

These are perfect for edging walkways, spilling over retaining walls or covering slopes and rock gardens. A tip for these is to plant in full sun and well-drained soil. After flowering, shear it back to keep it tidy and to promote dense foliage.

Last but not least is the bleeding heart. With its romantic, heart-shaped blossoms that dangle from graceful, arching stems, the bleeding heart will add elegance and beauty to any shady garden spot. Its soft green foliage and delicate pink and white flowers are a must-have for woodland style or cottage gardens.

Bleeding hearts are ideal for shady areas, under trees, near fences or in mixed perennial borders. A tip to keep these beauties alive is to keep the soil moist but well-drained. Use mulch to retain moisture. These typically go dormant in mid to late summer, so pairing them with later-blooming shade perennials like hostas or ferns is a good idea to keep the area looking vibrant.

Best shrubs to plant

First up is forsythia. The forsythia bursts into bloom with bright yellow flowers often before its leaves even appear. Its arching branches make a bold statement to any yard and will instantly brighten up any landscape. It is also fast-growing and works well as a hedge, privacy screen or backdrop in mixed shrub borders.

It is best to plant forsythia in the full sun and to use it as a living fence, in a large border or as a standalone focal point. A tip to keep it beautiful is to prune it immediately after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.

Azaleas and rhododendrons are next as they are known for their brilliant spring blooms in gorgeous shades of pink, red, purple, white and orange. Azaleas tend to be smaller and more compact, whereas rhododendrons are usually larger and have bigger leaves. Both thrive in acidic, well-drained soil and offer beautiful structure.

Planting them in partially shaded areas, under tall trees or along the side of your home is ideal. A tip to maintain them is to mulch them well to retain moisture and keep their roots cool. It’s best to avoid line-based products and use an acid-loving fertilizer to keep them thriving.

Another classic spring favorite is the lilac, which brings visual aesthetics and nostalgic fragrances to your yard. Their cone-shaped flower clusters bloom in mid to late spring and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Lilacs are best in full sun with good air circulation. They can be used as focal points for a romantic, cottage-style look, especially along fences. A tip for these is to prune after flowering to shape the plant and encourage strong blooms for the following season. Avoid heavy clay soil because lilacs like well-drained ground.

A reliable, easy-to-grow shrub with a rounded shape and clouds of tiny flowers in white, pink or red is the spirea. The spirea blooms from late spring into summer, adding a soft, airy texture to the landscape. It also attracts pollinators and is deer resistant, which we all can understand is a bonus.

It is best to plant the spirea in borders, foundation plantings or mass plantings. A tip for maintaining these is to trim lightly after flowering to encourage a second bloom later in the season. Once they’re established, they require little maintenance and thrive in full sun to partial shade.

Lastly is the boxwood. The boxwood might not produce the showiest flowers, but it’s a landscaping staple thanks to its evergreen foliage. They provide structure and year-round greenery for any garden layout.

The boxwood is excellent for borders, pathway edges or container gardening. They are also great for defining garden rooms or creating symmetry in formal designs. Boxwood likes well-drained soil and full sun. It is also important to prune in early spring or late summer to maintain its shape. You might need mulch to protect its roots, especially in colder conditions.

Pro tips for a gorgeous spring garden

• Show your soil love! Your plants can’t thrive if their home isn’t thriving. Healthy soil is the key to a happy garden. Start strong with quality compost, topsoil and conditioners.
• Mulch like the pro you are! Mulch isn’t just for looks, even though it does make your garden look stunning. It also helps keep moisture in, kicks weeds out and helps your plants chill when the sun is blazing.
• Think in groups. It’s best to group your flowers and shrubs by height and bloom time for a noteworthy look, plus it helps keep everything thriving together.
• Water your heart out. New plants are thirsty! It’s best to water early in the morning so the roots get a solid drink before sunrise. It’s best to be consistent but not soggy.
• Feed the new plants. Plants get hungry like us, and the right fertilizer can make all the difference.

Conclusion

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your yard, experiment a little and turn your outdoor space into a place you adore. Whether you’re looking for something bold and colorful, soft and serene or something totally unique, a flower or shrub is ready to join your garden.

Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. At DiPietro Landscaping & DL Supply, we have the plants, products and knowledge to help keep your garden thriving. Whether you need expert advice, quality soil and mulch or help planning your dream landscape, we’re here to help. Please stop by or contact us to begin your next spring adventure!