What to Plant in March Flowers: A Symphony of Colors and Chaos

What to Plant in March Flowers: A Symphony of Colors and Chaos

March is a month of transition, where the last whispers of winter fade away, and the first breaths of spring begin to stir. It’s a time when gardeners, both novice and seasoned, start to dream of vibrant blooms and lush greenery. But what exactly should you plant in March? The answer is as varied as the colors of the rainbow, and just as unpredictable. Let’s dive into the world of March flowers, where logic takes a backseat, and creativity reigns supreme.

The Early Bloomers: Crocuses and Daffodils

Crocuses are the first to brave the cold, their delicate petals pushing through the frosty ground like tiny soldiers. They come in a variety of colors, from the purest white to the deepest purple, and their arrival is a sure sign that spring is on its way. Daffodils, with their cheerful yellow blooms, are another March favorite. They’re like the sun’s rays, breaking through the clouds after a long winter. Planting these early bloomers in March ensures that your garden will be one of the first to welcome the new season.

The Bold and the Beautiful: Tulips and Hyacinths

Tulips are the divas of the flower world, demanding attention with their bold colors and dramatic shapes. From the classic red to the exotic parrot tulips, there’s a variety for every taste. Hyacinths, on the other hand, are the poets of the garden, their fragrant blooms whispering sweet nothings to anyone who passes by. Planting these beauties in March will give your garden a touch of elegance and a burst of fragrance that will linger long after the blooms have faded.

The Wild Cards: Pansies and Violas

Pansies and violas are the wild cards of the March garden. With their whimsical faces and vibrant colors, they add a touch of playfulness to any landscape. These hardy little flowers can withstand the unpredictable weather of early spring, making them a reliable choice for March planting. Plus, their ability to self-seed means that they’ll come back year after year, bringing a sense of continuity to your garden.

The Ground Cover: Creeping Phlox and Alyssum

If you’re looking to add some texture to your garden, consider planting creeping phlox and alyssum in March. These low-growing plants spread quickly, creating a carpet of color that’s perfect for filling in gaps between larger plants. Creeping phlox comes in shades of pink, purple, and white, while alyssum offers delicate white or purple blooms. Together, they create a lush, layered look that’s both visually appealing and practical.

The Edible Blooms: Calendula and Nasturtiums

Why not combine beauty with utility by planting edible flowers in March? Calendula, with its bright orange and yellow blooms, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a versatile herb that can be used in salads, teas, and even skincare products. Nasturtiums, with their vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers, are another edible option. Their peppery flavor adds a unique twist to salads, and their trailing vines make them a great choice for hanging baskets or ground cover.

The Fragrant Stars: Lilacs and Lavender

For those who love a garden that smells as good as it looks, lilacs and lavender are must-haves. Lilacs, with their intoxicating fragrance and clusters of purple, pink, or white blooms, are a classic choice for March planting. Lavender, with its soothing scent and delicate purple flowers, is another fragrant favorite. Both plants are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any garden.

The Unconventional Choices: Bleeding Hearts and Columbines

If you’re looking to add a touch of the unusual to your garden, consider planting bleeding hearts and columbines in March. Bleeding hearts, with their heart-shaped pink or white flowers, are a romantic choice that adds a touch of whimsy to any garden. Columbines, with their unique, bell-shaped blooms, come in a variety of colors and are a favorite of hummingbirds. These unconventional choices will make your garden stand out and spark conversations among your visitors.

The Climbers: Clematis and Wisteria

For those with vertical space to spare, clematis and wisteria are excellent choices for March planting. Clematis, with its large, showy flowers, comes in a range of colors and can be trained to climb trellises, fences, or walls. Wisteria, with its cascading clusters of purple or white flowers, is a stunning choice for pergolas or arbors. Both plants add height and drama to your garden, creating a sense of depth and dimension.

The Shade Lovers: Hostas and Ferns

Not all gardens are blessed with full sun, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful display of flowers in March. Hostas, with their lush foliage and delicate flowers, are a great choice for shady areas. Ferns, with their feathery fronds, add a touch of elegance and texture to any garden. Both plants thrive in the cooler, shadier spots of your garden, making them perfect for March planting.

The Pollinator Magnets: Bee Balm and Coneflowers

If you’re looking to attract pollinators to your garden, bee balm and coneflowers are excellent choices for March planting. Bee balm, with its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers, is a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Coneflowers, with their daisy-like blooms, come in a variety of colors and are another pollinator favorite. Planting these flowers in March will not only add color to your garden but also support the local ecosystem.

The Long-Lasting Blooms: Peonies and Irises

For those who want their garden to bloom well into the summer, peonies and irises are excellent choices for March planting. Peonies, with their large, fragrant blooms, come in a range of colors and are a classic choice for any garden. Irises, with their striking, sword-like leaves and vibrant flowers, are another long-lasting option. Both plants are relatively low-maintenance and will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year.

The Drought-Tolerant Beauties: Sedum and Yarrow

If you live in an area with dry summers, consider planting drought-tolerant flowers like sedum and yarrow in March. Sedum, with its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers, is a hardy plant that thrives in poor soil and dry conditions. Yarrow, with its feathery foliage and flat-topped clusters of flowers, is another drought-tolerant option. Both plants are perfect for xeriscaping and will add color and texture to your garden without requiring much water.

The Evergreen Stars: Heuchera and Euphorbia

For year-round interest, consider planting evergreen flowers like heuchera and euphorbia in March. Heuchera, with its colorful foliage and delicate flowers, is a great choice for adding color to your garden even in the winter months. Euphorbia, with its unique, architectural form and bright green or yellow flowers, is another evergreen option. Both plants are low-maintenance and will keep your garden looking vibrant throughout the year.

The Fragile Beauties: Poppies and Sweet Peas

For those who love delicate, fleeting beauty, poppies and sweet peas are perfect choices for March planting. Poppies, with their papery petals and vibrant colors, are a symbol of remembrance and beauty. Sweet peas, with their delicate, fragrant blooms, are a favorite of gardeners who love to cut flowers for bouquets. Both plants are relatively easy to grow and will add a touch of elegance to your garden.

The Unpredictable Stars: Wildflowers and Native Plants

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider planting wildflowers and native plants in March. Wildflowers, with their unpredictable colors and forms, add a touch of chaos and beauty to any garden. Native plants, which are adapted to your local climate and soil, are a great choice for creating a low-maintenance, eco-friendly garden. Both options will bring a sense of wildness and unpredictability to your garden, making it a truly unique space.

The Final Touch: Companion Planting and Mulching

Once you’ve chosen your March flowers, don’t forget the importance of companion planting and mulching. Companion planting involves placing plants that benefit each other close together, such as planting marigolds near tomatoes to deter pests. Mulching, on the other hand, helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Both practices will help your March flowers thrive and create a healthy, vibrant garden.

Conclusion: A Garden of Possibilities

March is a month of possibilities, where the garden is a blank canvas waiting to be painted with the colors of spring. Whether you choose the classic beauty of tulips and daffodils, the whimsical charm of pansies and violas, or the bold drama of clematis and wisteria, your March garden will be a reflection of your creativity and passion. So grab your gardening gloves, pick up your trowel, and let’s get planting!


Q&A:

Q: Can I plant roses in March? A: Yes, March is a great time to plant roses, especially bare-root roses. Make sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.

Q: What are the best flowers for attracting butterflies? A: Flowers like bee balm, coneflowers, and lavender are excellent choices for attracting butterflies to your garden.

Q: How often should I water my March flowers? A: It depends on the specific flowers and your local climate, but generally, you should water your March flowers when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Q: Can I plant vegetables and flowers together in March? A: Absolutely! Companion planting vegetables and flowers can benefit both. For example, planting marigolds near tomatoes can help deter pests.

Q: What should I do if my March flowers don’t bloom? A: If your March flowers don’t bloom, check for issues like insufficient sunlight, poor soil quality, or overwatering. Adjusting these factors can often encourage blooming.