While some regions are still blanketed in snow and ice, March brings a burst of vibrant colors to gardens in the South. Depending on your hardiness zone, shrubs and trees such as forsythia, azaleas, camellias, redbuds, cherries, plums, dogwoods, and star magnolias are showcasing their beauty in gardens. If you’re seeking to add March color to your garden beds or containers, look no further than these 11 stunning flowers.
1. **Bloodroot**
– A native wildflower, bloodroot is a perennial that flourishes in shaded areas, boasting bright white flowers with 8 to 12 petals. A double-flowered cultivar named ‘Multiplex’ offers even more dramatic blooms. The plant derives its name from the red root sap used for wool dyeing.
2. **Carolina Jessamine**
– Recognizable by its bright yellow flowers adorning fences or tree branches, Carolina Jessamine is the state flower of South Carolina. Fragrant yellow funnel-shaped flowers bloom on this semi-evergreen vine from late February to May, attracting various pollinators.
3. **Creeping Phlox**
– Plant creeping phlox to create a carpet of pink, white, purple, or variegated blooms in your garden. This North American native, also known as moss phlox, thrives in sunny locations, adding vibrant color to the March landscape.
4. **Crocus**
– Despite their small size, crocus flowers in white, yellow, or purple make a striking statement when massed together. These blooms are a welcome sight in March and will naturalize, providing a recurring display each year.
5. **Daffodils / Jonquils**
– Daffodils, with their bright yellow single and double-blooms, come in various sizes and colors, from yellow and white to cream, orange, and gold. Jonquils are particularly well-suited to clay soils in southern gardens, and planting them en masse in the fall results in a spectacular March showcase.
6. **Dwarf Iris**
– These petite iris bulbs produce blue, purple, or white flowers that spread and naturalize, reaching a height of 5 to 6 inches. Deer-tolerant and suitable for woodland areas, near water features, or in rock gardens, dwarf iris add a delicate touch to the garden.
Enjoy the beauty and charm these March flowers bring to your outdoor spaces.
Name: Iris reticulata
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Type: Nutrient-rich, well-draining
Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5)
Giant Snowdrop
A bulbous perennial in the amaryllis family, Giant Snowdrops produce large, solitary white flowers. It is recommended to plant them in drifts for a stunning display, as they typically bloom in early March and then go dormant in the summer months. These flowers thrive when planted in woodland gardens, rock gardens, or along paths next to hedges.
Botanical Name: Galanthus elwesii
Sun Exposure: Full sun, dappled shade
Soil Type: Organically rich loam or clay
Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5)
Grape Hyacinths
Despite their common name, grape hyacinth plants offer more than just purple blossoms. Cultivars of this perennial bulb come in various colors including white, pink, and yellow, producing clusters of tiny, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers. These bulbs should be planted in the fall; their grass-like foliage emerges first, followed by the blooms. Grape Hyacinths are excellent companions to taller flowering bulbs and perennials, as they are resistant to deer and rabbits.
Botanical Name: Muscari spp.
Sun Exposure: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Type: Clay, loam, silt, well-draining
Soil pH: Acid to neutral (<6.0-7.5)
Hellebores
Also known as Lenten roses, hellebores are an ideal choice for March blooms. These hardy plants come in various shades including white, pink, red, purple, green, and yellow, thriving in shady areas that receive minimal sunlight during the often-cloudy month. After blooming, hellebores drop seeds that will sprout new plants later in the spring. To prevent overcrowding, divide these plants in late summer or early fall for replanting.
Botanical Name: Helleborus spp.
Sun Exposure: Partial, dappled shade
Soil Type: Loamy, organically rich, well-draining
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (7.0-8.0)
Tulips
Whether planting wild (botanical) or hybrid tulip bulbs in the fall, the minimal maintenance required makes it a rewarding endeavor. Consider hybrid varieties such as Pink or Red Impression, Van Eijk, Othello, Bastogne, or Oxford for early blooms that will bring vibrancy to your garden.
Botanical Name: Tulipa
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Type: Nutrient-rich, well-draining
Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5)
Winter Heath
Winter heath is a low-growing evergreen shrub or ground cover that produces white, pink
