Monty Don’s Top Flower Picks That Every Gardener Should Grow in Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and gardeners nationwide are beginning to notice signs of life emerging in their flower beds.

If you’re planning a trip to the garden center this March to add a splash of color to your outdoor space, Gardeners’ Worldexpert Monty Don has shared her top five must-have blooms for every garden.

Pasque flower

Monty’s first pick for stunning spring blooms is the Pasque flower. Once more common in the UK, this delicate perennial now blooms primarily around Easter, earning it the nickname “the anemone of Passiontide.”

Monty describes it as “really delicate, really beautiful, and the fluffiness and airiness of the foliage just makes it really special.” The Pasque flower forms a tidy clump of soft, hairy leaves and thrives best in full sun with well-drained soil, making it ideal for rock and gravel gardens.

Although rare in the wild, this charming plant is readily available at garden centers. However, take care when handling it—its leaves contain a chemical that can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands after planting.

Magnolias

A true classic, the magnolia thrives in plenty of sunlight and moist soil. While some varieties bloom in summer, Monty highlights the spring-flowering magnolias as “really, really special.”

Unlike the Pasque flower, which requires careful handling, magnolias offer a delightful bonus—you can eat the petals! Monty notes, “They have a really gingery flavor that makes them even more interesting.”

Alliums

A close relative of onions, leeks, and garlic, ornamental alliums add a vibrant burst of color to gardens in spring and early summer. Their long-lasting blooms also make them a stunning addition to indoor arrangements.

“Spring is really synonymous with bulbs in the garden. There are so many amazing ones, but I think my favorite is the allium,” says Monty.

Monty admires their bold and striking appearance, adding, “There’s something about the bright, perfectly spherical flower that is both brazen and beautiful—I love it!”

Snake’s head fritillary

Introduced to the UK in the late 16th century, the snake’s head fritillary is a versatile garden plant that flourishes in both well-drained soil with bright sunshine and moisture-retentive soil in dappled shade.

“They grow beautifully in a meadow-like setting,” says Monty. “If you have a lawn that you let grow tall in the spring, adding a snake’s head fritillary—or a few dozen—will make it even more stunning.”

Cherry blossom

Monty’s final pick is a true springtime icon—the cherry blossom tree. Best planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, this stunning tree thrives with regular watering.

A cherry blossom display in spring is pure “magic,” Monty says. “You can get double blooms that look like a blancmange, or single flowers, which are much more delicate. The single ones often go on to produce cherries and are the best for pollinators.”

While the cherry tree adds elegance to the garden year-round, spring is when it truly shines. “When they’re covered in blossom,” Monty adds, “it transforms them completely and makes spring feel so magical.”

Other Flowers best for Springs

1. Daffodils– The Quintessential Spring Bloom

Few flowers capture the spirit of spring quite like daffodils. Their cheerful yellow, white, or orange blooms are among the first to emerge, often signaling the arrival of warmer days.

✅ Growing Tips:

• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
• Care: Plant in autumn for a stunning spring display. Allow the foliage to die back naturally to replenish energy for next year’s growth.

Daffodils are perfect for borders, flower beds, and even containers. They’re also deer-resistant, making them a low-maintenance favorite for many gardeners.

2. Tulips (Tulipa) – A Classic Burst of Color

Tulips are another springtime staple, offering a dazzling variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. From bold reds to delicate pastels, these flowers create breathtaking displays in gardens, parks, and floral arrangements.

✅ Growing Tips:

• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
• Care: Plant bulbs in the fall and water moderately. For longer-lasting blooms, deadhead spent flowers but leave the foliage until it turns yellow.

Tulips are perfect for garden beds, borders, and pots, adding a structured elegance to any landscape.

3. Primroses (Primula) – Delicate Yet Hardy

Primroses bring a charming, cottage-garden feel to any space with their clusters of vibrant, fragrant flowers. They thrive in both woodland settings and garden beds, offering early-season color before many other plants start blooming.

✅ Growing Tips:

• Light: Partial shade (some varieties tolerate full sun)
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Care: Keep soil consistently moist and mulch around plants to retain moisture.

Primroses come in a variety of shades, from soft pastels to deep purples, making them an excellent choice for brightening up shady spots in the garden.