Stephanie Krist from Unsplash: Spring Gardening Guide
Spring is a great time to get out in the yard and plant a colorful garden that brings you joy and adds value to your new home.
Beautiful blooms and vibrant plants make spending time in your backyard a joy, give you the perfect place for an after-work cocktail, and create a lovely space to relax. Below are some of the best flowers for your garden, complete with climate zones, light needs, and soil preferences to help you cultivate a thriving oasis.
Daffodil
Photo Credit: Aaron Burden from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 3–9 (excluding South Florida)
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil
These low-maintenance, early-blooming bulbs add cheerful pops of yellow to any garden style.
Coleus
Grows Best: Zone 11 (annual/houseplant elsewhere)
Light Requirements: Partial shade
Soil Requirements: Moist soil
Brighten shady spots with its vibrant foliage in green, pink, and maroon hues.
Hibiscus
Photo Credit: Daniel Weiss from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 9–11 (houseplant elsewhere)
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, frequently watered soil
Create a tropical paradise with these bold, colorful blooms—perfect for pots or resort-style landscapes.
Snapdragons
Grows Best: Zones 8–11 (annual elsewhere)
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-draining soil
Versatile and vibrant, these flowers thrive in bouquets or whimsical garden paths.
Ornamental Cabbage
Photo Credit: Markus Spiske from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 2–11
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Requirements: Loamy soil
A subtle yet colorful filler for borders and pathways.
Daylily
Photo Credit: Conor Keegan from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 3–9
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Moist, well-draining soil
Hardy and re-blooming, these add flair even when not in bloom.
Dogwood Tree
Photo Credit: Tomoko Uji from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 5–9
Light Requirements: Partial shade
Soil Requirements: Loamy, well-drained soil
A fast-growing tree with stunning spring blooms and year-round foliage.
Hyacinth
Photo Credit: Yoksel Zok from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 4–9
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Loamy soil
Fragrant and colorful, perfect for pathways or layered flowerbeds.
Poppy
Photo Credit: Alyssa Stevenson from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 3–9
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Tolerates poor, dry soil
Drought-resistant annuals that reseed for recurring color.
Iris
Photo Credit: Laura Ockel from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 4–9
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
Low-maintenance blooms in bold hues—keep growth in check to avoid overcrowding.
Dahlia
Photo Credit: Mio Ito from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 8–11 (dig up bulbs in colder climates)
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Slightly acidic, fertilized soil
Summer-to-fall blooms in striking shapes and colors.
Begonia
Grows Best: Zones 8–11 (houseplant elsewhere)
Light Requirements: Partial shade
Soil Requirements: Slightly moist soil
Ideal for brightening shady outdoor or indoor spaces.
Gladiolus
Photo Credit: Josh Roden from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 5–9
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil
Tall, rainbow-colored spikes perfect for garden backdrops.
Peony
Photo Credit: Beaufigeau Celine from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 3–8
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Loamy, fertilized soil
Fragrant late-spring blooms for traditional garden charm.
Rose
Photo Credit: Judith Grossman from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 7–10
Light Requirements: Full sun (avoid harsh afternoon light)
Soil Requirements: Loamy, fertilized soil
Versatile classics available in nearly every color and style.
Bougainvillea
Photo Credit: Naomi Koelemans from Unsplash
Grows Best: Zones 9–11
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, dry soil
Drought-resistant shrubs for tropical flair on walls or trellises.
Lantana
Grows Best: Zones 8–11
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, acidic soil
Butterfly-attracting clusters of color for hot, dry climates.
Do you have a favorite flower? Let us know what you’re planting this spring in the comments below!
