How to Grow Spring Flowering Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Spring flowering shrubs is one of the best ways to add color and interest to your landscape. There are many different types of shrubs that flower in the spring, so you’re sure to find one that will fit your needs. From low-growing groundcovers to tall hedges, there’s a spring flowering shrub for everyone.

How to Grow Spring Flowering Shrubs - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Forsythia
  • Viburnum
  • Deutzia
  • Philadelphus
  • Weigela

Common Knowledge

  • They can brighten up any garden with their colorful flowers.
  • Some of the most popular spring flowering shrubs include azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons.
  • They are relatively easy to care for, although they do require some basic maintenance.
  • regular pruning is necessary to keep them looking their best.
  • They prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • They are generally low-maintenance plants, although some varieties may be more susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • They can provide valuable habitat for wildlife, especially pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Some spring flowering shrubs are also fragrant, adding another dimension of pleasure to their garden display.
  • They can be used in a variety of garden styles, from formal to cottage and everything in between.
  • With so many different varieties to choose from, there is sure to be a spring flowering shrub that is perfect for any garden.

Related plant:
Spring Flowering Bushes

How to Grow

  1. For spring flowering shrubs, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting area by removing any weeds or grass that is present.
  3. Using a spade or shovel, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball of your plant.
  4. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
  5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down as you go to remove any air pockets.
  6. Water the plant well, saturating the root ball.
  7. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  8. Fertilize the plant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  10. Deadhead the plant regularly to encourage new growth and prolong blooming.

Related plant:
Spring Bouquet Viburnum

The Soil

About soil condition, it is said that the best time to plant spring flowering shrubs is in the fall, before the ground freezes. This is because the shrub's roots will have time to establish themselves in the new soil before the ground freezes. Also, it is important to make sure that the soil is not too compacted, as this can prevent the roots from spreading properly.

Light requirement

Not too different with other plants, sun light requirements for spring flowering shrubs vary based on the species. Some species require full sun, while others prefer partial sun or even full shade. Knowing the sun light requirements of the specific species you want to grow is important for ensuring it blooms in the spring.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature is cooling down and the flowers are blooming. It's time to start thinking about planting spring flowering shrubs. Some of the most popular choices include azaleas, rhododendrons, and magnolias. All of these shrubs prefer cooler temperatures and will do best in areas that do not experience harsh winters.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and higher. The plant blooms in the spring and prefers full sun. It is a low maintenance plant that is deer resistant. This shrub is a great addition to any garden.

Fertilizing

For the fertilizer, this family of plant food is specially formulated for spring flowering shrubs. It contains all the essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This fertilizer also has a low concentration of chlorine, so it will not harm your plants. Apply the fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins. Apply it around the base of the shrubs, and water it in well. Root is another important factor in the health of your spring flowering shrubs. The roots of these plants are very shallow, so they need to be in moist, well-drained soil. If the soil is too dry, the roots will not be able to absorb the nutrients they need. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot. Amend your soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important aspect of plant care for many spring flowering shrubs. By properly pruning your shrubs, you can encourage new growth, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve the overall shape and appearance of the plant. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Spring-flowering shrubs can be propagated in a number of ways, including by taking cuttings, rooting hormone, and planting seeds. Cuttings are one of the most common and easiest ways to propagate spring-flowering shrubs. To take cuttings, simply cut a piece of stem with leaves attached and root it in a pot of soil. Rooting hormone can help encourage growth. Seeds can also be used to propagate spring-flowering shrubs. To plant seeds, simply sow them in a pot of soil and keep them moist. Once they germinate, they can be transplanted into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the amount of sunlight and water they receive. However, there are a few other things that can impact a plant's growth rate. The type of soil, the pH of the soil, the amount of nutrients in the soil, and the temperature all play a role in how fast a plant grows.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are poor drainage, improper fertilizer, and pests. Poor drainage can cause the roots to rot, while improper fertilizer can cause the leaves to yellow and the shrub to fail to bloom. Pests can cause the leaves to turn brown and the buds to fail to open.

List to Know

  • If you want to encourage growth in your spring flowering shrubs, make sure to fertilize them regularly.
  • Be sure to water your plants regularly, as they will need extra moisture during the spring blooming season.
  • To encourage more flowers, Deadhead spent blossoms regularly.
  • Make sure to prune your shrubs regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Try to place your plants in an area that receives full sun for at least part of the day.
  • When planting new spring flowering shrubs, be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
  • When adding mulch to your plants, make sure to keep it away from the stems to prevent rot.
  • Be sure to stake taller plants to prevent them from falling over.
  • To keep your plants healthy, try to avoid overcrowding them.
  • If you notice any problems with

Related Plants

  • Bellwort
  • Geranium
  • Heliotrope
  • Pansy
  • Snapdragon
  • Petunia
  • Viola
  • Phlox
  • Dianthus
  • Moss phlox

Source:
Forcing spring flowering trees and shrubs to bloom indoors
Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs | UNL Gardens | Nebraska
Pruning Spring Flowering Shrubs - University of Illinois Extension

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category