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Flowers that bloom in March include snowdrops, crocuses, winter aconite, and early-flowering shrubs—but no plant follows the same calendar everywhere. A March display in Chicago or Denver may arrive at a different time in Brooklyn, Iowa, or Connecticut, and local weather, microclimate, species, and cultivar all matter. These eleven regionally documented choices offer a starting point; check a nearby botanical garden or extension service for local bloom timing.
Low bulbs and corms for early color
These compact plants bring flowers close to the ground. For bulbs and corms, the examples below are generally planted in fall for a display the following spring—not planted in March for flowers that same month.
1. Crocus
Small crocuses such as Crocus tommasinianus and C. chrysanthus can flower in March. The University of Connecticut lists crocuses in a March–April window, and Chicago Botanic Garden highlights both species among its March bulbs. Their flowers are small, so planting them in groups makes more visual impact than scattering single corms across a bed. University of Connecticut: Perennials; Chicago Botanic Garden: Early Spring Bulbs
2. Snowdrop
Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is often among the first bulbs to bloom. Connecticut Extension lists it for mid-March, while Chicago Botanic Garden notes that some snowdrops in its climate may emerge in late January or early February. Brooklyn Botanic Garden also describes snowdrops as usually the first bulbs to bloom. That range is a good reminder to use local calendars rather than assume a fixed date. University of Connecticut: Perennials; Chicago Botanic Garden: Early Spring Bulbs; Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Plants in Bloom: March
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- Variety: The Double Shirley Poppy Mixture refers to Papaver rhoeas, a cultivar known for its double flowers, which means they have multiple layers of petals, giving them a fuller, more ornate appearance.
- Color Range: This mixture includes a variety of colors like pink, red, white, and sometimes pastels, offering a broad spectrum for garden decoration.
- Growth Habit: These poppies are annuals, growing quickly from seed. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate light shade. They typically bloom in late spring to early summer.
- Height: Plants generally grow to a height of about 2 to 3 feet, making them suitable for borders or as a colorful addition to cottage gardens.
- Quality: All Shirley Poppy seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.
3. Reticulated iris
Reticulated irises (Iris reticulata) are low-growing flowers associated with late winter and early spring. Brooklyn Botanic Garden describes them as late-winter to early-spring bloomers, and Denver Botanic Gardens includes them in a March display of minor bulbs. Their small scale makes them a natural choice for the front of a border or a rock garden. Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Plants in Bloom: March; Denver Botanic Gardens: March Walking Tour – Minor Bulbs
4. Winter aconite
Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is a low-growing bulb with yellow flowers. Nebraska Extension places it among very early spring bulbs, and Denver Botanic Gardens includes it in March–April displays. Chicago Botanic Garden warns that the entire plant is poisonous; do not eat it, and keep it away from children or pets who might ingest it. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension: G1742, Spring Flowering Bulbs; Denver Botanic Gardens: March Walking Tour – Minor Bulbs; Chicago Botanic Garden: Early Spring Bulbs
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5. Glory-of-the-snow
Glory-of-the-snow (Scilla luciliae, also known as Chionodoxa luciliae) has blue, white, or pink flowers, according to Nebraska Extension. Denver Botanic Gardens includes it among minor bulbs displayed in March and April. It offers a different color from the yellow and white flowers common among many early bulbs, but its timing still depends on local conditions. University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension: G1742, Spring Flowering Bulbs; Denver Botanic Gardens: March Walking Tour – Minor Bulbs
Perennials for woodland and border plantings
6. Lenten rose
Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) is a perennial with nodding flowers that can appear in March. Iowa State Extension reports March blooms in Iowa, with flower colors ranging from creamy white to pink and burgundy. Connecticut Extension gives a mid-March-to-April window. Iowa State University Extension: What perennials bloom in early spring?; University of Connecticut: Perennials
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- 10 COOL SEASON FLOWER VARIETIES – Alyssum Carpet of Snow (Lobularia maritima), Calendula Greenheart (Calendula officinalis), Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum Amabile), Scarlet Kale (Brassica oleracea), Swiss Giant Pansy (Viola wittrockiana), Annual Phlox (Phlox drummondii), Snapdragon Tetra Mix (Antirrhinum majus), hoary Stock (Matthiola incana), Sweet Pea Dwarf Mix & Sweet Pea Lord Nelson (Lathyrus odoratus)
- EARLY SPRING COLOR OR FALL REVIVAL – A curated mix of cool weather ornamentals that thrive in crisp temperatures and light frosts, delivering vibrant blooms after the cold of winter or when summer flowers fade
- LAYERED GARDEN DESIGN – Combine trailing alyssum, upright snapdragons and stock, bold ornamental kale, airy phlox, and climbing sweet peas for dynamic height, texture, and color contrast
- VERSATILE FLOWER ASSORTMENT – Beautiful in large landscape beds and borders or patio containers and pots, these adaptable cool season flowers and ornamentals bring structured color to big gardens and small spaces
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7. Bloodroot
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a woodland perennial with a solitary white flower. Connecticut Extension lists it for March and April and recommends part shade to full shade. Consider it for a shaded garden where it is regionally appropriate, and check local guidance on conditions before planting. University of Connecticut: Perennials
Flowering shrubs and trees
Woody plants can put spring color above the ground-level display of bulbs and perennials. The March examples here come from Brooklyn Botanic Garden; they are not a nationwide bloom schedule.
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- Flower Size: Features exceptionally large blooms up to 4 inches across; Giant flowers create impressive visual impact in the garden; Mixed colors include vibrant purples, yellows, oranges and striking bicolors
- Growing Season: Blooms throughout fall, winter and spring in cooler weather; Provides color when most plants have stopped flowering; Ideal for extending the garden's colorful season
- Product Quantity: 200+ mixed giant pansy seeds in each packet; Perfect for creating substantial color displays in garden beds and containers; Enough seeds for multiple planting seasons
- Fragrance Quality: Sweetly scented flowers perfume the garden air; Stronger fragrance than ordinary pansy varieties; Pleasant aroma enhances the outdoor experience
- Cold Tolerance: Excellent winter blooming in mild climates; Withstands frost and cold temperatures better than most flowers; Performs well in USDA zones 6-9 as winter-spring annual
8. Early daffodil
Daffodils (Narcissus) are traditional spring bulbs, but not all varieties flower in March. Connecticut Extension’s overall daffodil window runs from late March through mid-June, so choose an early variety if you want a chance of late-March flowers. Iowa State Extension also includes daffodils among spring-flowering bulbs. University of Connecticut: Perennials; Iowa State University Extension: What perennials bloom in early spring?
9. Early flowering cherry
Some flowering cherries bloom before others. Brooklyn Botanic Garden identifies Prunus hirtipes as one of the first cherries to flower and describes the cultivar ‘Okamé’ as one of the first cherry cultivars to bloom. The specific timing varies by location and cultivar, so look for a named early-flowering type rather than assuming any ornamental cherry will bloom in March. Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Plants in Bloom: March
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- A lovely biennial flower that growing up to 12"-24" tall and 6"-12" wide
- Blooms the year after planting, in mid-spring to mid-summer; produces clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, red and violet
- Sweet William will attract an array of beneficial insects to the garden, such as butterflies, bumblebees, ladybugs, hummingbirds and more. Biennial, Zones 4-10; Requires full sun and good drainage; Suitable for beds & borders, cut flowers, and the fragrant garden
- Start the seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out, or direct sow them in early spring or early autumn so that the seeds may be exposed to frost. Ideal temperature: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds germinate in about 10 days. Just cover the small seeds very lightly with soil, as they need light to germinate
- Sweet Williams are part of the dianthus family but the main difference is the type of plant they are. Dianthus plants are either annual or perennial but Sweet Williams are biennials or perennials
10. Spring heath
Spring heath (Erica carnea) is an early-flowering shrub. Brooklyn Botanic Garden describes it as one of the first alpine shrubs to bloom in its Rock Garden, before azaleas. Treat it as a seasonal example, not a guarantee of March flowers in other climates. Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Plants in Bloom: March
11. Forsythia
Forsythia (Forsythia viridissima) is a familiar early-spring shrub with yellow flowers. Brooklyn Botanic Garden documents it as a common early-spring sight in Brooklyn. Its appearance in March elsewhere depends on local conditions and the particular plant. Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Plants in Bloom: March
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing plants and planning for next spring
Match plants to your garden’s conditions and purpose rather than choosing by a calendar date alone:
Quick Recap
- For low ground-level color: consider crocus, snowdrop, reticulated iris, winter aconite, or glory-of-the-snow.
- For a perennial planting: consider Lenten rose for a March possibility or bloodroot for a shaded woodland setting.
- For flowers above the ground layer: consider an early flowering cherry, spring heath, or forsythia, checking regional suitability and bloom expectations.
- For more reliable timing: look up named species or cultivars in a local extension or botanical-garden calendar. Broad common names can cover plants with different flowering windows.
- For spring bulbs: plan to plant in fall for the following spring. Iowa State Extension notes that tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs normally begin emerging in March or early April in Iowa. Chicago Botanic Garden recommends fall planting so little bulbs receive winter chill, with sun and fertile, well-drained soil as broad guidance; needs vary by plant, and some early bloomers tolerate more shade. Iowa State University Extension: Selecting and Planting Spring-Blooming Bulbs; Chicago Botanic Garden: Early Spring Bulbs
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