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 or Daphne.
Take a look at our favourite spring flowering shrubs.
Click each plant link for further information or to order online.
Cercis Chinensis ‘Avondale’ – 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 – 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’) – 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.
Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ – A deciduous shrub renowned for its fragrant, silky flowers and striking winter interest. This shrub features rounded clusters of creamy yellow, tubular blooms that appear on bare branches in late winter to early spring, exuding a sweet, citrus-like scent. Its broad, lance-shaped leaves emerge in spring, creating a lush green canopy that turns golden in the autumn. Its elegant, arching form and seasonal beauty make it a standout choice for woodland gardens, borders, or as a specimen plant. Height 1.5-2m. Grow in a sheltered position in full sun or dappled shade.
Exochorda x macrantha ‘The Bride’ (spreading shrub) – Also known as pearlbush, Exochorda x macrantha is a popular deciduous shrub covered with showy white flowers in spring.
Forsythia x intermedia Weekend – Forsythia x intermedia Weekend is a hardy, deciduous shrub with masses of deep yellow blooms that appear on bare stems in early to mid-spring. They generally appear before the leaves providing a blaze of gold in early spring. It is easily grown and ideal for informal hedging or for training up a wall.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’ – ‘Westerstede’ is a deciduous shrub valued for its fragrant, spidery flowers and vibrant winter interest. From mid to late winter, it produces clusters of rich, bright red blooms that stand out against bare branches, bringing colour to the garden when little else is in flower. Fresh green leaves emerge in spring, turning golden-yellow in autumn before falling. Ideal for borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen shrub, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained neutral to acidic soil. Height and Spread 4m.
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.
Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) – A vigorous, evergreen, woody climber which can reach between 8-12m in height with clusters of highly fragrant, small white flowers smothering the foliage from mid to late summer. Ideal for pergolas and trellis around seating arrangements where the fragrance can be enjoyed.
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.
Large Shrubs / Ornamental Trees
Toona sinensis ‘Flamingo’ – 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 ‘Kojo-no-mai’ – 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.
