Spring flowering shrubs are the “heavy lifters” of the garden. They provide the first major burst of colour after winter, often blooming before perennials have even emerged from the soil. They also offer year-round structure that softer flowers cannot.
Why are shrubs good for the garden?
Early support for pollinators: After hibernating, bees and butterflies emerge hungry. Flowering shrubs can provide a massive, high-density food source of nectar and pollen when little else is available.
Structural backbone: Unlike perennials that die back in winter, shrubs provide permanent “bones” to your garden. Many spring bloomers are also evergreen, meaning they keep their leaves all year.
Privacy and screening: Because they grow larger than most flowers, they are excellent for creating living fences or blocking an unsightly view.
Sensory appeal: Many spring flowering shrubs have a wonderful fragrance such as Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican orange blossom) or Daphne.
Take a look at our favourite spring flowering shrubs.
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Cercis Chinensis ‘Avondale’ (Chinese redbud) – A compact and rounded deciduous tree that features a profusion of rosy-pink, pea-like flowers that blanket its branches in early spring, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle. The heart-shaped, glossy green leaves follow, adding a lush canopy. An ideal choice for a small garden.
Choisya × dewitteana White Dazzler (Mexican orange blossom) – Commonly known as Mexican Blossom this highly fragrant evergreen shrub is a useful addition to any garden. Mound forming this neat shrub is exceptionally free flowering in spring and often late summer into autumn. Height and spread 0.5-1 metre. Grow in a sunny sheltered aspect on well drained soil.
Choisya ternata Sundance (‘Lich’) (Mexican orange blossom) – Highly fragrant and evergreen this shrub will add a splash of brightness to any garden. Similar in leaf shape and fragrant flowers to Choisya ternata the only difference is it’s bright yellow leaves. Height and spread 1.5-2.5 metre. Grow in a sunny aspect on well drained soil.
Daphne ‘Perfume Princess’ – A shrub renowned for its long flowering season and powerful fragrance. From late winter through spring, it produces masses of soft pink, star-shaped flowers held above glossy, dark green foliage, filling the garden with sweet scent. Compact and upright in habit, it typically grows 1–1.5m tall, making it suitable for borders and feature planting. ‘Perfume Princess’ prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position, in full sun or partial shade.
Daphne x transatlantica Eternal Fragrance – A compact, semi-evergreen shrub appreciated for its exceptionally long flowering period and strong scent. From spring through autumn, it produces clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers with a rich, sweet fragrance, often reblooming continuously in mild conditions. Slender, glossy green leaves form a neat, rounded habit that suits borders. Growing 1m tall and wide, it prefers well-drained soil and a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade.
Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ (Pearlbush) – This is a popular deciduous spreading shrub covered with showy white flowers in spring. Because of its arching, pendulous branches, it looks best when given a bit of space to breathe. Don’t cram it into a tight corner; let those branches weep. It also looks stunning when planted at the top of a low wall so the flowers can spill over the edge.
Camellia japonica ‘Bonomiana’ – An enchanting evergreen shrub admired for its elegant beauty. Originating from Japan, this variety features large, formal double flowers with a distinctive combination of white and pale pink with irregular dark pink streaks. The blooms, appearing in late winter or early spring, and are complemented by the glossy, deep green foliage. Height 2.5-4m Spread 1.5-2.5m. Camellias require acidic soil and a sheltered spot from cold winds, in full shade or partial shade. Keep well-watered through the summer when the plant produces next year’s buds.
Camellia japonica ‘Rosa’ – Originating from Japan, this variety features large, formal double flowers with a delicate blend of soft pink and blush tones, creating an elegant and enchanting display. The blooms appearing in late winter to early spring are complemented by glossy, dark green foliage. Height 2.5-4m.
Large Shrubs / Ornamental Trees
Magnolia (in variety) – From their ancient lineage to their breathtaking blooms, Magnolias hold a special place in gardens and landscapes around the world. Available in a range of shapes and sizes, Magnolias offer something special for everyone. If you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your garden, consider planting a Magnolia tree. Magnolias aren’t just beautiful; they’re beneficial too. Their flowers attract pollinators like bees, playing a vital role in supporting local ecosystems. They also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, adding to the biodiversity of your garden. Find out more.
Prunus (Ornamental cherries) – The quintessential spring blossom tree with an abundance of flower to herald springs arrival. Beyond their beauty, they are remarkably versatile, ranging from massive twenty metre giants to dwarf varieties that thrive in small patio pots. Unlike wild cherries, which prioritise fruit, these focus on the “Hanami” experience; the traditional Japanese custom of viewing flowers.
Toona sinensis ‘Flamingo’ (Chinese cedar) – A deciduous tree cherished for its eye-catching foliage and distinctive aromatic qualities. In spring, the young leaves emerge vibrant shades of pink, fade to creamy-yellow, and finally mature to a rich green, offering a captivating progression of colour. During summer, fragrant white flowers bloom in pendulous clusters, followed by winged seed capsules. Every part of this tree is aromatic, enhancing its sensory appeal.
Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ (Ornamental cherry)– A compact, deciduous flowering cherry renowned for its graceful, zigzagging branches and stunning seasonal display. In early spring, delicate, pale pink flowers with darker centers emerge, creating a breathtaking cloud-like effect before the fresh green foliage appears. The small, serrated leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn, adding further interest.
Climbers
Clematis montana ‘Elizabeth’ – A vigorous grower with pale pink, vanilla scented flowers which contrast against dark green foliage. It will quickly cover walls or pergolas.
Wisteria brachybotrys ‘Okayama’ – A Japanese wisteria with scented flowers growing in sprays 10-15cm long. The April – June floral display is highly impressive as scented flowers open from rich violet buds to pale lilac.
Feeling inspired?
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