Our Favorite Spring Flowers to Brighten Your Landscape

Spring is the time of renewal, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a garden bursting with color. Here at R&R Landscaping, we’re all about choosing flowers that not only bring a smile to your face but also work in harmony with our Alabama landscape. Let’s dig into our favorite spring bloomers — including some native plants that are as practical as they are beautiful.

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Native to Alabama, the Eastern Redbud is a small tree that puts on a big show in early spring. Its vibrant pink blossoms emerge before the leaves, making it an early standout in any garden. Not only is it stunning, but it’s also a favorite of pollinators like bees. Plant one as a focal point or along borders to add height and dimension to your landscape.

2. Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)

This native climbing vine is perfect for adding a splash of yellow to your spring garden. Carolina Jessamine’s fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and it’s a great choice for arbors, trellises, or fences. Bonus: It’s low-maintenance and deer-resistant.

3. Woodland Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

For a groundcover that’s as functional as it is lovely, Woodland Phlox is hard to beat. This native perennial produces clusters of blue, lavender, or pink flowers that thrive in shady spots. It’s an excellent companion plant for larger shrubs and trees.

4. Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)

Bright yellow Coreopsis, or tickseed, is like a little ray of sunshine for your garden. These cheerful native wildflowers are tough, drought-tolerant, and easy to grow. They’re also magnets for bees and butterflies, helping support your local ecosystem.

5. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

Okay, we know magnolias are iconic year-round, but their large, creamy white blossoms in May are showstoppers. This native tree is a staple of Southern landscapes and provides shade, fragrance, and plenty of photo ops. Just give it some room to grow — it’s worth it!

6. Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Dogwoods are a quintessential spring favorite in Alabama. This native tree dazzles with its white or pink blooms and provides year-round interest with its bright red berries in the fall. Dogwoods thrive in partial shade and are perfect for adding elegance to your landscape.

7. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)

While not native, daffodils are a must-have for any spring garden. These cheerful yellow or white flowers are among the first to bloom, signaling the arrival of spring. Plant them in clusters for maximum impact – they’re deer-resistant and easy to grow.

8. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

Another non-native, forsythia is a standout with its brilliant yellow flowers that appear on bare branches in early spring. This hardy shrub is perfect for creating a bold statement along borders or as a hedge and it one of my favorite in arrangements. Its early blooms make it a beacon of spring color.

9. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)

Spring in the South wouldn’t be complete without azaleas. These vibrant shrubs come in a rainbow of colors and thrive in Alabama’s acidic soils. While they’re not native, they’re undeniably iconic — just ask anyone who’s seen the azaleas at Augusta National during the Masters. Whether lining a walkway or tucked into a garden bed, they’re guaranteed to be a hole-in-one for your landscape.

Why Native Plants?

Native plants aren’t just pretty faces; they’re also practical. Because they’re adapted to our local climate and soil, they’re easier to maintain and more resilient to pests and diseases. Plus, they provide critical habitat for local wildlife, from pollinators to birds.

That said, mixing in a few well-chosen non-native species like daffodils, forsythia, and azaleas can add unique charm and variety to your garden, so don’t be afraid to combine the best of both worlds. JUST STAY AWAR FROM PLANTING INVASIVES!

Ready to Bloom?

Whether you’re planning a full-scale garden overhaul or just looking to add a few pops of spring color, our team at R&R Landscaping is here to help. From design to installation, we’ll make sure your landscape is as beautiful as the season itself.

Let’s make your yard the talk of Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin. Give us a call — and let’s get planting!