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These are among the first flowers to wake in spring
From hellebores to daffodils, gardens come alive in March with some of the season's earliest flowers. Whether you were organised to plant them last autumn or are planning for next spring, these varieties bring colour to pots and borders before much else begins to bloom.
'March is such an uplifting month in the garden. After months of everything looking a bit bare and tired, you suddenly get these little bursts of colour popping up everywhere,' says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys.
'It's the moment you can actually feel spring arriving. There are a handful of flowers I always look forward to at this time of year, and the nice thing is, most of them are very easy for anyone to grow at home.'
Take a look at the flowers that bloom in March, plus timings on when to plant them for next spring...
'Grape hyacinths are brilliant little scene‑setters — they make borders and pots look instantly fuller and more intentional,' says Maryam Ghani at Haute Florist.
'They practically look after themselves: plant the bulbs, then leave them to spread and create those gorgeous pools of blue over time. They're ideal if you want a designed feel without constant maintenance.'
When to plant: between September and November
These glamorous shrubs brighten up the garden just as it's beginning to wake, offering a dazzling display of glossy green leaves and vibrant pink flowers.
'Camellias give you that "instant estate garden" feel even in a modest space. They prefer a sheltered, semi‑shaded position and acidic soil, which is why they do so well in pots of ericaceous compost,' adds Maryam.
'With regular watering and protection from harsh morning sun on frosty days, they'll be covered in striking petals every March.'
When to plant: early to mid-autumn
Nothing signals the start of spring quite like butter-yellow daffodils spilling over verges. While individual flowers are fairly short-lived (lasting only for around a week), bulbs will multiply over the years, giving you fuller pots with no extra effort.
'Daffodils, or Narcissi, are a classic sign that spring has arrived, with wide varieties blooming throughout March,' says Emma Fell, Head of Horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres. 'Planted in autumn, these cheerful yellow flowers are often among the first to brighten gardens as the weather begins to warm.'
When to plant: September to November
'Tulips can flower from March onwards, but as they are spring bulbs, they need to be planted in mid to late autumn,' says Richard Barker, horticultural expert and commercial director of LBS Horticulture.
'Tulips grow best in a sunny, sheltered location with well-draining soil, and if you were unable to buy bulbs, potted plants can be bought in springtime to use for a display. After flowering, deadhead the tulips so that they do not waste their energy producing seeds, and leave their foliage in place so that the plants can generate energy for the bulb the following year.'
When to plant: late autumn, November to December
These tough and reliable evergreen groundcover plants also bloom in March, bringing early-spring spikes of pink.
'Known for its heart-shaped leaves and clusters of pink or purple flowers, Bergenia blooms in early spring. It's an excellent choice for adding texture and colour to your garden or home, particularly in shady spots,' says Lucy Hook, floral lead at Bloom & Wild.
When to plant: early spring or autumn
Tiny yet mighty, crocuses offer spring cheer in borders, containers and woodlands right around the UK.
'Plant the bulbs in clusters in lawns, under trees, or in small pots — groups always look more considered and high‑end than a single planting,' says Maryam. 'They're not fussy, as long as the soil drains well, and they're one of the easiest ways to bring early colour to compact spaces.'
When to plant: September to November
As sweet as it sounds, daphne produces delicate pink, white, or purple blooms in early March.
'It's perfect for planting near windows or doors to let its sweet scent fill the air,' suggests Lucy.
If you want to grow your own but don't know where to begin, Richard suggests: 'Although daphne can have a reputation for being difficult to grow, they will flower reliably once established if left undisturbed. They require minimal pruning and will need protection during cold weather. The soil of daphne should be kept consistently moist, but it should not be allowed to become waterlogged.'
When to plant: March to April, or September to October
'Hellebores are the understated stars of late winter and early spring,' says Maryam. 'Their petals look like something from a luxury fabric swatch. They're perfect for a shadier, more overlooked corner of the garden. Give them rich soil, a yearly mulch and minimal fuss, and they'll reward you for decades.'
When to plant: September to March
While they peak in February, you can still catch a glimpse of beautiful white snowdrops in March.
'These delicate white blooms thrive inlight shade and well-drained soil, and work beautifully planted in naturalistic drifts beneath trees or along garden paths,' says Emma.
When to plant: September to November as dry bulbs, or early spring as "in the green" varieties
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