Spring rolls in and it’s hard not to get a little too excited. A few warm days, some sunshine, and suddenly the garden centers are packed—and so are carts with flowers that probably shouldn’t be going in the ground just yet. It’s easy to forget that April can still throw some curveballs, especially when the weather flips between mild and frosty overnight.
Some flowers can handle that unpredictability like pros, shrugging off chilly mornings and surprise cold snaps. Others… not so much. Plant those too early, and you might be dealing with wilted petals or starting from scratch. Here’s a look at nine flowers people tend to plant too soon—and nine that actually like the cool start to spring.
Tulips
Tulips are often planted too early in spring, and their delicate petals can be damaged by the frost. These classic blooms need warmer weather to truly thrive. Planting them too soon may result in stunted growth and less vibrant colors. It’s best to wait until the ground has warmed up to ensure they bloom beautifully. However, their stunning appearance makes them worth the wait. With their elegant shapes and wide array of colors, tulips can transform any garden into a masterpiece, but patience is key to enjoying their full splendor.
Daffodils
Daffodils are the golden harbingers of spring, and fortunately, they can handle the early spring weather with grace. These cheerful blooms thrive in April, often peeking up through the last remnants of snow. With their sunny disposition and trumpet-like shape, daffodils bring joy to any garden. They are resilient and can adapt to the cool temperatures, making them a perfect choice for early spring planting. Their vibrant yellow hues brighten even the cloudiest days, reminding us that warmer weather is on the way.
Lilies
Lilies are sometimes planted too early, risking damage from late frosts. These elegant flowers prefer a bit more warmth to reach their full potential. Planting lilies after the threat of frost has passed ensures robust growth and vibrant blooms. These majestic flowers, with their long stems and intricate petals, add a touch of grace to any garden. Though they require a bit of patience, the result is a rewarding display of beauty and fragrance that captivates the senses and enhances any outdoor space.
Crocuses
Crocuses are tiny but mighty flowers that thrive in early spring, often blooming through the last patches of snow. These resilient little blooms signal the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Crocuses are ideal for planting in April, as they withstand the chilly weather with ease. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals bring life to gardens, making them a delightful choice for any gardener eager to welcome spring. With minimal care required, crocuses are a favorite for those seeking early blooms.
Peonies
Peonies, with their lush and fragrant blooms, are often planted too early, risking damage from unexpected frosts. These elegant flowers require warmer temperatures to fully develop their large, showy blossoms. Waiting until the weather stabilizes ensures that peonies will grow strong and vibrant. Their beauty and intoxicating fragrance make them a garden favorite, but timing is essential for a successful display. With a little patience, peonies will reward you with an explosion of color and scent that captivates the senses.
Pansies
Pansies are tough little flowers that thrive in the unpredictable weather of early spring. Their vibrant colors and charming faces make them a popular choice for April gardens. Pansies can withstand cooler temperatures, and their cheerful appearance brightens up any garden space. These hardy blooms are perfect for adding a splash of color to garden beds or containers. With minimal care, pansies continue to bloom throughout the season, providing a long-lasting display of beauty that keeps spirits high even on chilly days.
Hyacinths
Hyacinths are sometimes planted too early, as they require warmer conditions to bloom properly. These fragrant flowers are best planted after the last frost to ensure a full, vibrant display. With their dense clusters of star-shaped blooms, hyacinths are a striking addition to any garden. Their sweet scent and bright colors make them a favorite among gardeners, but patience is key to enjoying their full potential. By waiting for milder temperatures, you can savor the delightful aroma and visual splendor of hyacinths at their best.
Primroses
Primroses are ideally suited for early spring, thriving in cool temperatures and bringing color to gardens when few other flowers bloom. These charming flowers come in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, making them a versatile addition to any garden. Primroses require little maintenance and are excellent for borders, containers, or woodland gardens. Their cheerful blooms herald the arrival of spring and provide a welcome splash of color, brightening up any garden space with their delightful presence.
Irises
Irises, with their striking sword-like leaves and intricate blooms, are often planted too early, risking damage from late frosts. These stately flowers prefer a bit more warmth to thrive, and waiting until after the threat of frost has passed ensures healthy growth. Irises add a touch of drama to gardens, with their bold colors and unique shapes. Though they require patience, the stunning display they offer is well worth the wait. Their captivating beauty and elegance elevate any garden, making them a prized addition for flower enthusiasts.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops are among the earliest flowers to bloom, often appearing while snow still blankets the ground. These delicate white blooms symbolize hope and renewal, making them a cherished sight in early spring. Snowdrops thrive in cold conditions, easily withstanding the chill of April weather. Their simple beauty and resilience make them a favorite for those eager to see the first signs of spring. Whether planted in clusters or mixed with other spring blooms, snowdrops bring a touch of elegance and charm to any garden.
Dahlias
Dahlias are often planted too early, risking damage from unexpected frosts. These bold and colorful flowers require warmer weather to reach their full potential. Planting dahlias after the last frost ensures robust growth and vibrant blooms. With their intricate petals and wide range of colors, dahlias add a touch of drama and elegance to any garden. Though they require patience, the stunning display they offer is well worth the wait. Their captivating beauty and elegance elevate any garden, making them a prized addition for flower enthusiasts.
Violas
Violas are charming flowers that thrive in the cool temperatures of early spring. Their delicate blooms and wide range of colors make them a delightful addition to any garden. Violas are hardy and can withstand the unpredictable spring weather, bringing a splash of color to garden beds and containers. With minimal care, these cheerful flowers continue to bloom throughout the season, providing a long-lasting display of beauty. Their vibrant appearance and resilience make violas a popular choice for gardeners eager to embrace the early spring weather.
Begonias
Begonias are often planted too early, risking damage from unexpected frosts. These beautiful flowers require warmer weather to reach their full potential. Planting begonias after the last frost ensures robust growth and vibrant blooms. With their wide range of colors and unique leaf shapes, begonias add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. Though they require patience, the stunning display they offer is well worth the wait. Their captivating beauty and elegance elevate any garden, making them a prized addition for flower enthusiasts.
Hellebores
Hellebores, also known as the Lenten rose, are among the first flowers to bloom in spring. These hardy perennials thrive in cool temperatures and bring a touch of elegance to gardens with their nodding blooms. Hellebores come in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to deep purples, and their unique shape adds interest to any garden. They require little maintenance and are perfect for woodland gardens or shaded areas. Hellebores’ resilience and early blooms make them a cherished addition for those eager to welcome spring.
Geraniums
Geraniums are often planted too early, risking damage from unexpected frosts. These vibrant flowers require warmer weather to reach their full potential. Planting geraniums after the last frost ensures robust growth and vibrant blooms. With their wide range of colors and unique leaf shapes, geraniums add a touch of elegance and charm to any garden. Though they require patience, the stunning display they offer is well worth the wait. Their captivating beauty and elegance elevate any garden, making them a prized addition for flower enthusiasts.
Bleeding Hearts
Bleeding hearts are often planted too early, risking damage from unexpected frosts. These delicate flowers with their unique heart-shaped blooms require warmer weather to reach their full potential. Planting bleeding hearts after the last frost ensures robust growth and vibrant blooms. With their captivating appearance and graceful arching stems, bleeding hearts add a touch of romance to any garden. Though they require patience, the stunning display they offer is well worth the wait. Their captivating beauty and elegance elevate any garden, making them a prized addition for flower enthusiasts.
Grape Hyacinths
Grape hyacinths are hardy little flowers that thrive in early spring, often blooming through the last patches of snow. These resilient blooms signal the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Grape hyacinths are ideal for planting in April, as they withstand the chilly weather with ease. Their vibrant blue color and delicate bell-shaped flowers bring life to gardens, making them a delightful choice for any gardener eager to welcome spring. With minimal care required, grape hyacinths are a favorite for those seeking early blooms.
Aurora Borealis Orchid
Imagine a flower that embodies the ethereal beauty of the northern lights. The Aurora Borealis Orchid dazzles with its cascading petals, awash in hues of emerald, amethyst, and sapphire. This exotic flower, while captivating, is sensitive to the brisk chills of early spring. Tempting as it is to plant them at the first sign of spring, patience is key.
These orchids thrive best when warmer days settle in, rewarding the patient gardener with a spectacle of colors. Despite their delicate appearance, they can become the centerpiece of any garden when the timing is right. Ideal for sheltered spots, they bring a touch of mystique to floral arrangements.
For those willing to wait, the Aurora Borealis Orchid is a showstopper that promises to captivate and enchant, adding an otherworldly allure to your garden.