Plant Encyclopedia
Discover plants for your garden — filter by sun, water, bloom time and more.
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11 plants
ShrubsCeanothus thyrsiflorus
California Lilac
California Lilac is a spectacular, evergreen shrub covered in masses of sky-blue flower panicles in spring. The small, glossy dark green leaves provide an attractive backdrop year-round. One of the few shrubs that produce truly blue flowers.
TreesCercis siliquastrum
Judas Tree
The Judas tree is a spectacular small tree that bears bright pink flowers directly on the bare branches and even the trunk in April and May — a rare phenomenon called cauliflory. After flowering, heart-shaped blue-green leaves appear, giving the tree a Mediterranean character. The Judas tree slowly develops into a graceful, multi-stemmed specimen.
ShrubsForsythia × intermedia
Border Forsythia
Forsythia is one of the first shrubs to bloom in spring with an explosion of bright yellow flowers along bare branches. From March to April, this robust shrub turns the garden golden before the leaves appear. Forsythia grows quickly, is fully hardy, and makes a stunning specimen or hedge plant.
Bulbs & tubersHyacinthus orientalis
Common Hyacinth
The hyacinth is a beloved spring-flowering bulb with dense, cone-shaped flower clusters that release an intoxicatingly sweet fragrance. In March and April, blooms appear in blue, pink, or white above the stiff, glossy foliage. Hyacinths are perfect for borders, pots, and indoor forcing. The bulbs return each year, though the trusses become slightly looser.
PerennialsIris germanica
Bearded Iris
The bearded iris is a stately perennial with sword-shaped grey-green leaves and elegant, multi-coloured flowers. In May and June, striking blooms appear in purple, blue, or yellow, often with a characteristic 'beard' on the drooping petals. The plant is perfect for formal borders or along pathways.
ShrubsKerria japonica
Japanese Rose
Japanese Rose is a cheerfully flowering shrub with bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers on graceful green branches in April and May. The green stems remain decorative in winter. An easy, versatile shrub that thrives in partial shade.
Bulbs & tubersMuscari armeniacum
Grape Hyacinth
Grape hyacinths are charming, small bulbs that produce dense clusters of cobalt-blue, bell-shaped flowers in March and April. They release a light, sweet fragrance and naturalise effortlessly, returning in ever-larger groups each year. Ideal for naturalising in lawns, under trees, or as edging along paths.
Bulbs & tubersNarcissus pseudonarcissus
Daffodil
The Daffodil is one of the earliest spring bloomers, with distinctive yellow or white flowers that release a fresh, sweet scent. Blooming in March and April, daffodils naturalise easily in lawns and under trees. The bulbs are toxic to rodents, so they remain untouched.
TreesPrunus serrulata
Japanese Cherry
The Japanese Cherry is one of the most beloved ornamental trees in the world, exploding into a cloud of pink or white blossom in April. The bloom is brief but breathtaking and marks the start of spring. In autumn, the foliage turns warm orange to red.
ShrubsSyringa vulgaris
Common Lilac
The Common Lilac is a beloved spring bloomer with dense, cone-shaped flower clusters in purple or white that release an enchanting fragrance. It flowers in April and May and becomes a highlight of the spring garden. Lilacs can grow quite large and remain faithful for decades.
Bulbs & tubersTulipa gesneriana
Garden Tulip
The Garden Tulip is the icon of the Dutch spring, with chalice-shaped flowers in virtually every imaginable colour. It blooms in April and May, transforming borders and pots into a colourful spectacle. Tulip bulbs are planted in autumn and reward with a reliable spring display.