Whatever the weather, March marks the start of spring! And for us gardeners, the excitement is palpable. New shoots are erupting everywhere and there’s a burgeoning array of plants to bring colour to our gardens. Here, we share our favourites. There’s something for every space, whether you want a pot to brighten a patio or a statement shrub to bring years of pleasure. Our choices include recommendations from the Gardeners’ World team and familiar faces from across the gardening industry.
Find more March inspiration:
Almond tree
Chosen by Sue Kent, Gardeners’ World presenter
My almond tree, covered in blossom, is a real March highlight for me, especially as the blossom was an unexpected bonus! I planted the tree because I love growing my own food and harvesting my own nuts is a step nearer self-sufficiency – and luckily squirrels don’t seem to like them.
Chrysosplenium macrophyllum
Chosen by Nick Bailey, Gardeners’ World presenter
I did a double take when I first encountered this bergenia-looking perennial, thanks to its unique green-white umbel-like flowers studded with pink stamens! Ideal for dappled shade, its large and lush leaves eventually form a ground-covering carpet.
Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’
Chosen by Kevin Smith, head of content
Great value, easy to grow and full of spring cheer, this mini daff has been my go-to choice for as long as I can remember. I grow Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ in plain terracotta pots and place them on the deck, right outside my kitchen window – the perfect way to enjoy them without having to venture into the cold!
Chaenomeles
Chosen by Catherine Mansley, digital editor
Flowering quinces provide such a welcome burst of colour, with their chunky pink flowers, held on bare stems. These are the ultimate unfussy plant, they will grow in almost any soil, in sun or partial shade, and you can train them into an informal hedge or to grow up a wall.
Primula Pretty Polly
Chosen by Michael Perry, presenter and plant lover
A real step forward for plant breeding, and bred just outside Cambridge. A Polyanthus-style stem, topped with double flowers, in all sorts of chic colours. It makes a joyful punctuation to a cool season bedding scene, or why not give it pride of place in a pot on an outdoor table top.
Clematis ‘Apple Blossom’
Chosen by Emma Crawforth, horticultural editor
Almost out of nowhere, a blanket of pink-blushed flowers overwhelm my garden fence, saying “spring is here!” This evergreen climber is only frost-hardy, so grow it in a sunny, sheltered spot where you can enjoy its almond scented flowers.
Leucojum aestivum
Chosen by Lily Middleton, content creator
I’ll never forget the time when, early in my career, I mistook a snowflake for a snowdrop – never again! They tend to be bigger than snowdrops, with green markings on their flowers, and are a wonderful addition to the spring garden.
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
Chosen by Oliver Parsons, horticultural sub-editor
It’s been a cold, wet winter, and it seems like spring may never happen again. Then it happens – you’re walking to work through a park one morning and these beauties are there for you, shouting their little yellow heads off and cheering everyone up as they go. And it means it must be my birthday soon, too.
