Spring flowering shrubs & perennials | What to plant for your spring garden

A list of some of our favourite plants that thrive in spring gardens.

By October, the vibrancy of spring is on full display. Fresh lime-green growth covers hedging plants, while deciduous trees unfurl their glossy new leaves. As spring flowers begin to bloom, the garden transforms daily, offering a changing display of beauty that seems to evolve before our eyes.

Below, we’ve gathered some of our favourite shrubs and perennials to help you create a stunning spring garden.

1. Vibernum ‘plicatum’

Also known as the ‘Japanese snowball,’ this shrub features clusters of snow-white, pompom-like flowers that emerge from green buds. In autumn, its foliage turns vibrant shades of red before falling. Reaching up to 2.5m by 2.5m, it’s a stunning addition to any garden for many months of the year.

2. Vibernum opulis ‘Sterile’

Commonly called the ‘snowball tree’, this striking shrub produces large, white, pompom-like flowers. Best planted in full sun, and it will reach up to 2m by 2m.

3. Weigela

This versatile shrub comes in various shades, from deep to soft pinks. For a variety on the smaller side, try ‘Apple Blossom,’ It is a compact, deciduous plant, producing masses of soft rose-pink flowers (lighter than the one pictured) that bloom throughout spring and summer. It grows to around 1m by 80cm, making it perfect for smaller garden spaces.

4. Iberis sempervirens

This low-growing plant produces a blanket of white flowers in spring and summer. It’s excellent for mass planting as a ground cover, in white-themed gardens, or along borders. Reaching 20cm in height and spreading up to 40cm, it adds a lovely fresh touch.

5. Argyranthemum

Commonly known as Federation or Marguerite daisies, this plant blooms on and off year-round, with peak flowering in spring and summer. Growing to around 60cm by 60cm, it comes in a variety of colors and flower shapes.

6. Ajuga

This low-growing groundcover produces spikes of flowers in spring and thrives in partial shade. Though it can spread vigorously, it adds great texture to garden beds. Consider ‘Pink Elf’ for its delicate pink flower spikes or ‘Blueberry Muffin’ for striking purple blooms and darker foliage. Perfect for areas where you want a lush, spreading cover.

Ajuga

7. Abutilon

Commonly referred to as ‘Chinese lanterns,’ this plant is celebrated for its brightly coloured, lantern-shaped flowers, which hang gracefully from the stems. Available in various shapes and colours. It can reach up to 2.5m by 2.5m.

Abutilon

8. Convallaria majalis

Known as ‘Lily of the Valley,‘ this plant features beautiful, bell-shaped white flowers that emit a lovely fragrance. It goes dormant in winter, making way for its dainty blooms in spring. Perfect for shaded areas.

Convallaria majalis

9. Leptospermum

‘Manuka.’ This hardy shrub thrives in various conditions, including drought, and prefers full sun. Available in an array of pink and white varieties, it is particularly attractive to bees. It typically grows to 2m tall and 1-1.5m wide.

Manuka flowers

10. Michelia

Offering a wide variety of sizes, leaf shapes, flower colours, and fragrances, Michelias are a standout shrub. As a member of the magnolia family, it bursts into bloom with prolific, fragrant flowers in spring, and provides a glossy green backdrop year-round.

To note: Spring flowering trees:

Let’s not forget the blooming spring stars that come in the form of trees:

  • Magnolia – both deciduous & evergreen
  • Malus – crab apples
  • Prunus  – flowering cherries
Bearded Iris

And who could go without mentioning bearded irises!