22 Brilliant Spring Flowering Bulbs for Your Garden

Spring flowering bulbs are like nature’s alarm clock, waking up your garden after the worst of winter finally passes. You plant them in the fall, almost as an afterthought, and then—bam!—spring arrives, and suddenly your yard is bursting with color. IMO, it’s one of the best gardening investments you can make, with minimal effort but huge rewards. Whether you’re a fan of the classic tulip or prefer something a little more offbeat like fritillaria, there are lots of colorful options for every garden layout. In this guide, we’ll run through 22 brilliant spring flowering bulbs that’ll make your garden the envy of the block.

Best Types of Spring Flowering Bulbs to Grow in Your Garden

Further reading: If you’re new to bulb gardening, see our in-depth guide to the various types and classifications of flowering bulbs to help you get started.

1. Tulips (Tulipa)

Tulips and spring are like two peas in a pod. They’re loved for their sleek stems and cup-shaped blooms in nearly every color imaginable. From classic reds to delicate pastels, there’s a tulip for every mood. Plant them for their sheer variety and because they add a touch of elegance, no matter the garden style.

Growing Zones: 3–8
Flowering Months: March-May
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 10-24 inches tall, 4-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, beds, containers.

2. Daffodils (Narcissus)

Daffodils light up spring with their cheerful yellow trumpets or snowy white petals. They’re incredibly hardy and easy to grow, and deer don’t touch them – bonus! If you want a flower that screams “spring is here,” these are your go-to.

Growing Zones: 3-9
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained, moist
Height/Spread: 6-20 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, naturalized areas, containers

3. Crocus

Crocuses are the early birds of the garden, popping through snow to show off their purple, yellow, or white cups. They might be small, but they make a big impact. Plant them in drifts for a natural look and a burst of early color.

Growing Zones: 3-8
Flowering Months: February-March
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 3-6 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Lawns, rock gardens, under trees

4. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)

Hyacinths bring both beauty and fragrance to the garden with their thick, cone-shaped clusters of blooms. They can be almost overwhelming in scent – in the best way possible. Great for containers or front-of-border spots where you want people to stop and sniff.

Growing Zones: 4-8
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 6-12 inches tall, 4-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, containers, walkways

5. Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Snowdrops are the quiet whispers of spring, with their delicate nodding white bells. They’re small, but they mark the end of winter like no other. Plant these spring flowering bulbs under trees or in shady spots for a woodland feel.

Growing Zones: 3-7
Flowering Months: February-March
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-6 inches tall, 2-3 inches spread
Where to Plant: Woodland areas, under trees

6. Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)

Muscari’s tiny grape-like clusters of purple or blue flowers add texture to the garden. They’re great in large swaths and perfect for naturalizing, meaning you’ll get more each year without lifting a finger. Plus, bees love them.

Growing Zones: 4-8
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-8 inches tall, 2-3 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, rock gardens, lawns

7. Alliums

Alliums stand tall, with their round heads of purple, white, or even yellow flowers perched atop slender stems. They add architectural interest, and their seed heads look striking even after the blooms fade. Best of all, they deter pests like rabbits.

Growing Zones: 3-9
Flowering Months: May-June
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 12-48 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, back of beds, containers
Guide: How to Grow Alliums

8. Iris reticulata

These dwarf irises bring deep purples, blues, and occasional yellows to the garden in early spring. Their intricate blooms pack a punch in a small package, making them perfect for rock gardens or pots. They thrive in well-drained soil and a sunny spot.

Growing Zones: 4-9
Flowering Months: February-March
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-6 inches tall, 4-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Rock gardens, containers, borders

9. Fritillaria

Fritillarias are the quirky cousins of the spring bulbs, with nodding, bell-shaped flowers that can be checkered or solid in oranges, purples, or yellows. Their exotic look is sure to turn heads. They need a bit more care, but they’re worth it if you want something a little out of the ordinary.

Growing Zones: 5-8
Flowering Months: April-May
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained, rich
Height/Spread: 12-36 inches tall, 8-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, woodland gardens

10. Anemone blanda

Anemone blanda, or Grecian Windflower, offers daisy-like blooms in a range of pastel shades. They’re low-growing and perfect for filling in gaps in your borders or under trees. Plant them for a soft, meadow-like touch.

Growing Zones: 4-9
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-6 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, under trees, rock gardens

11. Scilla

Scilla’s bright blue, star-shaped flowers seem to glow, especially when planted in shady areas. They’re low-maintenance spring flowering bulbs and naturalize well, so you’ll see more year after year. A perfect choice if you want to fill a woodland garden with color.

Growing Zones: 4-8
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-8 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Woodland gardens, borders, lawns

12. Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)

Blue star-shaped Chionodoxa flowers growing low to the ground

Chionodoxa earns its name because it’ll bloom even with snow still on the ground. These little stars in shades of blue, pink, or white are ideal for borders or naturalizing in lawns. Their early appearance is a sign of good things to come.

Growing Zones: 3-8
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-6 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, rock gardens, lawns

13. Leucojum (Spring Snowflake)

Spring flowering Leucojum bulbs (Summer Snowflake)

Leucojum looks like a larger version of the snowdrop, but it blooms later, bridging the gap between early spring and summer. Their dainty white bells are dotted with tiny green spots. Perfect for a cottage garden vibe.

Growing Zones: 4-8
Flowering Months: April-May
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained, moist
Height/Spread: 12-20 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, woodland gardens, under trees

14. Puschkinia (Striped Squill)

Puschkinia spring flowering bulbs in bloom

Puschkinia’s pale blue or white flowers, lined with faint stripes, bring a lovely elegance to the garden. They’re small but make a stunning ground cover when mass planted. Tuck them into rock gardens or along paths for an understated beauty.

Growing Zones: 3-8
Flowering Months: March-April
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-6 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Rock gardens, borders, paths

15. Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)

Yellow Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) flowers

Winter Aconite’s bright yellow flowers are like little sunbursts in the garden, and they’re often the first bulbs to appear. They thrive in shady spots and spread nicely over time, making them a great choice for naturalizing under trees. A hardy bloom that doesn’t mind the cold.

Growing Zones: 4-7
Flowering Months: February-March
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Partial Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height/Spread: 3-6 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Woodland gardens, under trees

16. Ranunculus

A bouquet of yellow and pink ranunculus flowers in bloom

Ranunculus has intricate, rose-like flowers that come in a rainbow of colors. They’re perfect for adding a touch of romance to your spring garden or cut-flower arrangements. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to really show off.

Growing Zones: 8-11
Flowering Months: April-May
When to Plant: Fall in warm climates, Spring in cool climates
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy
Height/Spread: 12-24 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, containers, cutting gardens

17. Camassia

Purple star-shaped camassia flowers in bloom

Camassia’s tall, spiky blooms in blue, purple, or white are a showstopper in mid-to-late spring. These native bulbs are also a favorite of pollinators, and they’re perfect for wetter areas of the garden. Plant them if you want something a bit taller to fill a back border.

Growing Zones: 3-8
Flowering Months: May-June
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Height/Spread: 24-36 inches tall, 12-18 inches spread
Where to Plant: Wet areas, borders, meadows

18. Dutch Iris

Purple, yellow, and white Dutch Iris flowers in bloom

Dutch Irises have striking, orchid-like blooms in jewel tones that add a splash of drama to any garden. Their tall, graceful stems make them excellent cut flowers. Plant them in full sun, and they’ll reward you with an elegant display.

Growing Zones: 5-9
Flowering Months: April-June
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 18-24 inches tall, 4-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, cutting gardens, containers

19. Triteleia (Brodiaea)

Triteleia, also known as Brodiaea, features clusters of star-shaped flowers in blues and purples. These bulbs thrive in full sun and are perfect for adding height to the middle of a border. They’re drought-tolerant, so they’re a good choice for low-water gardens.

Growing Zones: 5-10
Flowering Months: May-June
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 12-24 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, low-water gardens, rock gardens

20. Oxalis

Oxalis might be small, but its clover-like leaves and delicate blooms add a charming touch to any garden. It comes in shades of pink, white, and purple. They spread quickly, so they work well as ground cover or in rock gardens.

Growing Zones: 6-10
Flowering Months: April-May
When to Plant: Fall or Spring
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-12 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Rock gardens, ground cover, containers

21. Colchicum (Autumn Crocus)

Pink Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) flowers in bloom

Colchicum blooms in the fall, but its lush green foliage appears in spring, making it a two-season performer. These large, goblet-shaped flowers come in pinks and purples, bringing late-season interest. Just make sure to give them space as their leaves grow tall.

Growing Zones: 4-8
Flowering Months: September-October (Leaves appear in spring)
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 4-10 inches tall, 6-12 inches spread
Where to Plant: Borders, under trees, woodland areas

22. Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Bright white Star of Bethlehem bulbs in bloom

Star of Bethlehem’s white, star-shaped flowers open wide in the sunshine, creating a dazzling carpet effect. These spring bulbs thrive in almost any soil and are great for naturalizing in lawns or under shrubs. Just keep an eye on them – they spread quickly.

Growing Zones: 4-9
Flowering Months: April-May
When to Plant: Fall
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained
Height/Spread: 6-12 inches tall, 3-6 inches spread
Where to Plant: Lawns, under shrubs, woodland areas

Briana Yablonski

Contributing Editor | briana@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio

Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State University. She manages a small market garden where she grows vegetables and herbs. She also enjoys growing flowers and houseplants at home.

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