Shrubs that can be planted in spring are varieties that benefit from warmer soil temperatures and increasing daylight. Spring planting gives shrubs a full growing season to establish roots before facing their first winter, making it one of the easiest and most successful times for new plantings.
Deciduous shrubs are especially suited for spring planting because they are emerging from dormancy, allowing their roots to develop quickly while the stems and leaves grow throughout the season. Examples include lilacs, spireas, hydrangeas, and viburnums. Spring planting allows them to take advantage of consistent moisture and mild temperatures for healthy growth.
Evergreen shrubs can also be planted in spring, though they require extra care to prevent water stress. Gradual acclimation to sunlight, regular watering, and mulching help protect these plants as they establish roots. Proper placement in full or partial sun ensures the best growth depending on the species.
Soil preparation is important when planting shrubs in spring. Loosening soil, adding compost, and ensuring good drainage allows roots to spread and absorb nutrients efficiently. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Flowering Plants for Spring Planting
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Hydrangeas are popular spring-planted shrubs that produce large, colorful flower clusters. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil. Spring planting allows their roots to establish before the heat of summer.
Rose (Rosa spp.)
Roses are classic flowering shrubs that do best when planted in spring. They need full sun and fertile soil for strong growth. Planting in spring gives them time to develop roots and bloom later in the season.
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Lilacs are hardy spring-planted shrubs with fragrant blooms in purple, pink, or white. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Planting in spring helps them settle in before their first bloom.
Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas are beautiful flowering shrubs that perform well when planted in spring. They prefer acidic, well-drained soil and partial shade. Spring planting ensures they establish before summer stress.
Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia)
Forsythia can also be planted in early spring. Its bright yellow flowers herald the start of the growing season. Planting in spring allows it to develop a strong root system for future flowering.
Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Spring-planted camellias produce stunning blooms and evergreen foliage. They prefer partial shade and acidic soil. Planting in spring helps them establish before summer heat and ensures optimal flowering.
Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)
Gardenias are fragrant flowering shrubs that can be planted in spring. They need full sun to partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Spring planting gives them time to grow before their blooming season.
Daphne (Daphne odora)
Daphne shrubs are known for their intense fragrance and delicate flowers. Planting in spring helps them establish roots before flowering. They thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil.
Spiraea (Spiraea japonica)
Spiraea is a spring-planted flowering shrub that produces clusters of pink or white flowers. It tolerates full sun and well-drained soil. Planting in spring encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)
Abelia is a heat-tolerant flowering shrub suitable for spring planting. It produces tubular pink or white flowers that attract pollinators. Planting in spring allows it to establish before summer flowering.
Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigela produces trumpet-shaped flowers in spring and early summer. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Spring planting ensures the shrub develops strong roots for robust blooming.
Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Rhododendrons are spring-planted shrubs with large, showy blooms in many colors. They prefer partial shade and acidic, well-drained soil. Planting in spring allows roots to establish before hot weather stresses the plant.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
Butterfly bush is a fast-growing shrub that produces long spikes of colorful flowers. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Spring planting allows it to establish roots for summer blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Bluebeard (Caryopteris × clandonensis)
Bluebeard is a sun-loving shrub with bright blue flowers that bloom in late summer. Spring planting allows the shrub to establish itself and develop vibrant foliage and flowers during the growing season.
Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius)
Mock orange is a fragrant flowering shrub with white blooms resembling orange blossoms. It prefers full sun to partial shade and tolerates a range of soils. Planting in spring ensures strong growth before summer flowering.
Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis)
Deutzia is a hardy shrub with clusters of small white or pink flowers in late spring. It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Spring planting allows the shrub to establish roots and produce vigorous blooms.
Ribes (Flowering Currant)
Flowering currants are deciduous shrubs with clusters of pink, red, or purple blooms. They thrive in full sun to partial shade. Spring planting ensures strong root development and a burst of flowers for early pollinators.
Viburnum ‘Juddi’
Juddi viburnum is a compact, fast-growing shrub with fragrant white flowers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Planting in spring helps it establish before summer heat encourages flowering.
Spiraea ‘Goldflame’
Goldflame spiraea has pink blooms in spring and golden foliage in summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Spring planting allows the shrub to develop roots and produce a strong display of flowers and foliage.
Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Rose of Sharon is a sun-loving shrub with large, showy blooms in shades of pink, purple, or white. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Planting in spring ensures strong root establishment for abundant summer flowers.
Calycanthus floridus (Carolina Allspice)
Carolina allspice is a deciduous shrub with fragrant, reddish-brown blooms in late spring. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Spring planting allows the shrub to develop a strong root system for future flowering.
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)
Summersweet is a heat-tolerant shrub with fragrant spikes of white or pink flowers. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and moist soils. Planting in spring gives it time to establish before the hot summer months.
Kerria japonica
Kerria is a bright yellow-flowering shrub that blooms in late spring. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Spring planting helps it settle in before its flowering season begins.
Choisya ternata (Mexican Orange Blossom)
Mexican orange blossom is an evergreen shrub with fragrant white flowers in spring. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Planting in spring encourages root growth and supports long-lasting blooms.
Ceanothus (California Lilac)
Ceanothus is a drought-tolerant, spring-flowering shrub with blue or purple flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Planting in spring ensures strong root development before summer heat.
Rosa rugosa
Rugosa roses are hardy, salt-tolerant flowering shrubs that bloom repeatedly through the season. They thrive in full sun and sandy soil. Spring planting encourages quick root establishment and prolific flowering.
Viburnum tinus (Laurustinus)
Laurustinus is an evergreen shrub with white flowers in spring and dark berries later in the season. It tolerates full sun to partial shade. Planting in spring gives roots time to settle for healthy growth and blooms.