It’s time to start planting that spring garden! With the spring season in full swing, you may be wondering which plants and flowers are best suited to Georgia conditions.
The good news is there are plenty of options. So whether you like azaleas, zinnias, or something in between, there is something for everyone! With proper planning, fill your garden bed with long-lasting flowers with continuous blooms.
Preparing Your Spring Garden
All plant species vary in shape, size, and growing patterns. Furthermore, location within your landscape impacts the health of the plants, especially for initial growth. Researching which plants best suit the environment can increase the longevity of plants during growing and dormant seasons.
Our guide covers ten popular plants thriving in Georgia conditions.
10 Popular Plants for Spring
Azaleas
These vibrant flowering shrubs are known for their beautiful blooms and come in a variety of colors, making them stand out as one of Georgia’s favorite flowering shrubs. They do best in well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. This makes them a great option for gardens with trees or other structures that provide some shade.
Azaleas are not just springtime beauties either! With the right selection, your garden can feature its vibrant colors and blooms for up to eight months a year. Their diverse soil types and climates add to their appeal, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to add long-lasting flowers to their landscape.
Begonias
Begonias have a wide range of colors and distinct flower forms. These versatile plants are perfect for pots, window boxes, or as a vibrant addition to shaded outdoor beds. Their blooms add a pop of color, yet the plants themselves can be somewhat delicate. It’s crucial to plant them in well-drained soil to ensure their health.
For an extended blooming period, it is recommended to let them pre-sprout indoors before transferring them outside.
Cosmos
Cosmos, with their wispy foliage and blooms resembling daisies, are perfectly suited for the warm Georgia summers. Their petals, available in pink, white, and red, add a sophisticated charm to any garden or border. These flowers are easy to cultivate and attract a variety of pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
Daffodils
These cheerful flowers are easy to grow and come in various shades of yellow and white. They thrive in full sun or partial shade. For a stunning display, plant them alongside other spring bulbs.
Dahlias
A favorite among many gardeners for their impressive range of sizes and vivid colors. Dahlias require well-drained soil and a sunny location to thrive. They can add drama to any garden with their bold blooms and are perfect for cutting gardens. Their blooming period ranges from mid-summer to the first frost.
Dogwood
A staple in many Georgia spring gardens, the flowering dogwood is renowned for its elegance, beauty, and versatility. With over 50 species ranging from trees to shrubs, the Dogwood is the national tree for many reasons. Native to the eastern part of the United States, it flourishes across Georgia, bringing a splash of white and yellow blooms in the spring.
Gladiolus
Typically for a cutting garden, Gladiolus has long stems with colorful blooms great for a vibrant summer bouquet. These tall and hardy flowers come in various shapes and sizes with hybrid species as well. To ensure continuous blooms for cutting, professionals recommend planting in intervals. This classic flower is sure to add a visual interest to your garden.
Hyacinths
Renowned for its vast color spectrum and captivating fragrance, hyacinths are a dazzling addition to any spring garden. While the Hyacinthus orientalis variety is recognized for its hardiness, it unfortunately lacks long-term persistence, as the bulbs gradually shrink and cease to produce flowers over time. Conversely, the Hyacinthus orientalis albulus, commonly referred to as the French-Roman Hyacinth features more diminutive blooms yet is celebrated for its greater longevity in the garden.
Tulips
Tulips are another favorite for spring gardens, offering a delightful range of colors to any outdoor space. These hardy bulbs need to be planted in the fall but reward your planning with vibrant blooms come spring. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny spot, but can also tolerate some shade. When planting, consider mixing different varieties for a longer blooming period and an engaging color palette.
Zinnias
Zinnias annuals brighten any garden with their versatility and vibrant display. Their sizes vary, growing anywhere between 6 to 36 inches tall, and they bloom in an array of colors and flower types. These flowers are particularly suited to the warm, sunny conditions of Georgia summers, though they require sufficient watering to flourish.
For areas prone to dry conditions, the Creeping Zinnia presents an ideal option with its drought-resistant qualities. Traditional Zinnias are small with yellow blooms. They tend to grow quickly and spread making them an excellent choice for annual groundcovers. All while adding color and texture to challenging areas of the garden.
Caring for Spring Flowers in Georgia
For a successful bloom, the planting timeframe for spring flowers in Georgia is crucial. Typically, the best period for sowing spring-flowering bulbs and perennials across most of the state falls in the late autumn to early winter months.
This timing ensures that the plants have ample opportunity to root well ahead of spring’s onset. Nevertheless, should the optimal fall planting season slip by, there’s no cause for alarm. A variety of pre-cultivated bulbs and plants are readily available from nurseries and can be planted in the early spring, ensuring a beautiful display a bit later in the season.
Setting Bulbs
When setting bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths in the garden, it’s essential to adhere to the recommended spacing and depths to promote robust growth and plentiful flowering. After planting, give the bulbs a thorough watering and apply a layer of mulch over the soil. This helps to retain moisture and keeps weeds at bay, creating an optimal growing environment for these spring beauties.
Perennial Flowers
For perennial blooms like azaleas and dogwoods, selecting a spot that offers both well-drained soil and access to partial or full sunlight is crucial. It’s important to water these newly planted perennials diligently until they’re fully established. Following this phase, ensure they receive regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist throughout their growth period.
Soil Health and Seasonal Maintenance
To stimulate ongoing flowering and maintain robust health, it’s advisable to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to your spring flowers at the onset of spring, followed by a second application in the late summer. Consistently remove faded flowers to encourage new buds to form and to deter self-seeding, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and productive.
It’s Time
With the knowledge of various plants and flowers perfect for Georgia conditions, you can get out in the dirt with a bit more confidence. While numerous other plants and flowers do well in the area, our list is a starting point!
If you have a non-existent green thumb or you just want some help having the best-looking garden in the neighborhood this year, Oasis Landscapes and Irrigation can help. Since 1989, we know exactly what needs to be planted now so it will thrive in your garden. Contact us today and let us take care of all your landscaping needs.
