Planning Your Spring Garden? See Our Top 5 Picks!
Last updated: Mar 08 2021
Key takeaways
Tulip Poplar produces unique tulip-shaped spring flowers, grows quickly into a stately shade tree, and attracts birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Weeping Willow is one of the first trees to leaf out in spring, creating graceful green foliage that provides soft texture and cooling shade.
White Dogwood welcomes spring with masses of creamy white blooms, making it an excellent choice for borders, patios, and ornamental landscapes.
It's hard to believe, but spring is almost here! We're just a few weeks away from fresh flowers, stunning color and eye-catching spring gardens. For planting inspiration, check out our tree and shrub suggestions below that embody springtime beauty and color.
Whether you're going for the popular Tulip Poplar (it's not just for fall!), graceful Weeping Willow or classic White Dogwood, we've got you covered with our top five selections for spring.
1. Tulip Poplar
When it comes to the ever-popular Tulip Poplar, you might initially think of its rich, dazzling fall color, lining streets with gold autumnal tones. But did you know that the Tulip is known for its spring blooms?
That's right: Because of the Tulip Poplar's fast growth rate and ability to thrive in full sun, you'll get blankets of flowers that cover its silhouette. And each petal's aromatic fragrance attracts birds and butterflies for a wildlife show that's indicative of the spring season.
2. Weeping Willow
Though it doesn't boast blooms, the Weeping Willow is well-suited for springtime. I mean, who doesn't love graceful, soft green shade? It's the perfect backdrop to some of your more colorful plants and trees.
Plus, it's especially perfect for the season because it will be the first harbinger of spring when its leaves appear before most others. And since it's one of the last trees lose its leaves in the fall, the Weeping Willow shines through the spring and summer.
3. White Dogwood
We can't talk about spring without mentioning the timeless White Dogwood. And there's really no better way to welcome the season than with an exciting show of creamy white blooms from May to June. Plus, the White Dogwood is especially suited to plant near streets, patios and property borders, particularly in showy, floral-filled rows.
Even better? We have the Red and Pink Dogwood varieties as ideal contrasts.
4. Southern Magnolia
It's the best of both worlds: Deeply-toned green foliage with a simple smattering of sizable white blooms set the Southern Magnolia Tree apart. And it's a pretty iconic tree, known for being synonymous with warm, pleasant temperatures and sunny days.
Since its shiny thick leaves are evergreen, you get year-round visual interest from the Southern Magnolia. It's also a sweet place of refuge for birds, squirrels, and rabbits, making all your woodland, springtime dreams come true.
5. Debutante Camellia
Imagine large pink blossoms that emerge early each spring like clockwork. With the Debutante Camellia, it's a promise. Especially since it's super hardy and easy to grow, year after year. Plus, it boasts evergreen foliage, similar to the Southern Magnolia. That means you'll have an amazing focal point in your garden long after the flowers fade - though the Debutante's sizable 4-inch blooms last for months.
So, from the Tulip Poplar to the Weeping Willow or iconic Camellia, you'll be ahead of the game for spring. And there's nothing like planning for our favorite months of the year!
Written by
Blair Brown
Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at Trees.com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.
