We’re all itching for spring by the time March rolls around, and signs of life in our gardens can really cheer us up. Try these plants that bloom in March to have early spring color in your English garden. Keep in mind that plants will bloom at different times in various climates, so check out my columns on February and April flowers too!

PERENNIALS:

Bergenia is an evergreen perennial that has large glossy leaves and pink or white flowers. Full sun.

Primula vulgaris or English Primrose, has small sweet flowers in blues, purples, pinks, reds and yellows.

Saxifraga umbrosa or Londonpride Saxifrage is a short plant with small pink or white flowers. The name saxifrage means rock-breaker! This refers to the way in which their roots can burrow into rocky soil, so obviously perfect for rock gardens. Hardy only to Zone 7 in the U.S.

BULBS:

Fritillaria meleagris is commonly known as Guinea-hen Flower. It has purple-maroon speckled flowers and gets about a foot tall. Full sun.

Anemone blanda is a short plant with finely cut leaves. The white or pink flowers close at night and open in late morning. Full sun. It can take a couple of years for this to get well-established, so don’t despair if you don’t have many flowers the first year.

Chionodoxa is commonly known as Glory-of-the-snow, a clue that it’s an early bloomer. Usually found in blue, white or pink. Chionodoxa gigantea is a large flowering variety. Full sun.

Erythronium is commonly known as dog-tooth violet, although it looks more like a lily than a violet. Likes shade.

Crocus can take some shade and come in whites, purples and blues.

ANNUALS:

Pansies love the cool weather of spring. They’ll last long into summer if you deadhead them regularly. Smaller varieties are known as Johnny-jump-ups.

SHRUBS:

Forsythia will start blooming in March in some areas. Cut a few branches and bring them into the house for a little extra cheer.

Viburnum x juddii is one of the first Viburnums to bloom. Flowers are white and fragrant.