In many cultures, spring marks the start of a new year, and nature tends to celebrate accordingly. As temperatures rise, gardens and parks begin to fill with blossoms that have long symbolized renewal and growth. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or simply hoping to impress friends with a bit of botanical knowledge, here’s a guide to nine flowers you can enjoy this spring.
Origins: Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands
Common colors: Creamy white
Where they grow: Gardenias thrive in warm, humid climates and are especially popular in the American South and other subtropical regions.
Origin: Central Asia and Turkey
Common colors: Nearly every color except true blue, including red, pink, yellow, white, purple, and multicolored varieties
Where they grow: Tulips are widely cultivated in temperate climates and are among the most recognizable spring bulbs. While the bellflower likely originated in Persia, it is now popular worldwide.
Origins: North America, Europe, Asia
Common colors: White, yellow, orange, and salmon tones
Where they grow: Iceland poppies thrive in cool climates and are often grown as spring ornamentals.
Origin: East Asia
Available colors: Red, pink, orange, and white
Where they grow: Flowering quince is often grown as an ornamental shrub in temperate gardens and blooms very early in spring.
Origin: Asia, Europe, and western North America
Available colors: White, pink, rose, red, deep crimson, and yellow
Where they grow: Peonies are widely grown in temperate gardens and are prized for their large, showy blooms in late spring.
Origin: Eastern Europe and temperate Asia
Available colors: Red, pink, white, pale yellow, blue, lavender, and deep purple
Where they grow: Lilacs bloom in several hundred varieties, are widely cultivated in temperate regions, and are known for their sweet scent.
Origin: Eastern Asia and North America, depending on the species
Available colors: Most commonly pink and white, with some white cultivars
Where they grow: Bleeding hearts are commonly grown as shade-garden ornamentals and do well in woodland-style settings.
Origin: Mediterranean and tropical Africa
Available colors: Pink, white, and blue
Where they grow: Hyacinths are popular spring ornamentals grown from bulbs in temperate gardens.