Top Picks for Blooming Garden Plants in April: Enhance Your Summer Flower Beds with These 6 Stunners

March Garden Chillers* 1. Pansies* 2. Snapdragons* 3. Zonal Geraniums* 4. Cosmos* 5. Bacopa* 6. Hardy Fuchsias

Spring might be just around the corner, but the old man winter isn't ready to say goodbye yet. Fear not, as our horticulture gurus are here to help you plot your garden games for March.

Since we're dealing with cooler temperatures and the last chilly bits of snow, it's best to play it safe and opt for hardier varieties of flowers. So prepare your shovels and gloves, and let's conquer the season ahead!

1. Pansies

Pansy Caring Academy is a breeze, because these tough problem solvers can make it through March with minimal fuss. Plant them now, and you'll be rewarded with vibrant displays that will grace your garden well into the summer.

'"Pansies and violas will all go on to give colorful displays well into the summer," beams Pim Dickson, the brilliant horticulturist at Mr Fothergill's Gardens. "These can then be complemented with half-hardy bedding plants once all risks of frost have passed, and the soil has warmed."'

2. Snapdragons

If you're aiming for colorful flower spikes between late spring and early autumn, snappoint (yes, just like a tattoo) snapdragons, or antirrhinums, on your gardening bucket list. They're considered "buzz magnets" for their irresistible pollen, which will draw in the friendly buzzing bees and butterflies, adding an extra whimsy to your backyard bash – or sanctuary of serenity, depending on your floral aesthetic.

'"Known as 'pollination powerhouses', antirrhinums are one of our favorite bedding plants as they not only look attractive, but they also attract pollinators such as bumblebees, into the garden which will help many other plants flourish," says Lucie Bradley, horticulture and greenhouse expert at Easy Garden Irrigation.

Though they can handle a few nippies, we recommend waiting until the last frost warning before giving them a place in your garden. Or, if you've got a greenhouse, go ahead and sow them indoors for a headstart.

3. Zonal Geraniums

Geraniums are the reigning champions of flower beds, pots, and garden borders, and their sturdier minions can withstand March's chill.

'"Zonal geraniums begin to flower from as early as late March, and although not hardy, they will tolerate cooler temperatures (if not frost) and will grow away quickly in March, providing an early colorful display," says Julian Palphramand, plant boss at British Garden Centres.

So when the last frost warning has come and gone, or if you're feeling lucky, plant your zonal geraniums towards the latter half of March.

4. Cosmos

While you can't handpick young cosmos plants for your garden just yet, you can prepare for baking up some fabulous flower confections by learning how to sow cosmos seeds from scratch.

'"We don't generally create traditional bedding displays here at Raby – our planting tends to be based on much less formal schemes using a mix of perennials and annuals," says Dickon Harding, resident gardener and landscape manager at Raby Castle.

'"We did create a beautiful border with simple white cosmos which looked stunning last summer, and we raised them from seed earlier in the year as they are frost tender (half-hardy)."'

You may plant your cosmos seeds indoors or out when the threat of frost has passed, and watch those gorgeous blooms raise a flowery toast to the end of March.

5. Bacopa

Bacopa, or miniature "Blue Eyed Susans," are brilliant for trailing and low maintenance, making them ideal candidates for bedding plants come March.

'"One of the lesser-known bedding plants, bacopa, are great additions to your garden as they thrive in the cooler temperatures of the UK whilst being low maintenance and producing a mass of tiny flowers from spring through to autumn," says Lucie.

6. Hardy Fuchsias

Fuchsias might be popular for their eye-catching blooms, but making them a part of your garden repertoire requires a bit of planning. Specifically, figuring out the Magic Moment of Planting (M.M.O.P.) – the best time for hardy varieties to find their permanent gardening home. And for March, the answer is YES!

'"The 'Bella' range of Fuchsia flowers early and keeps flowering right through the summer," says Julian from British Garden Centres. "They are perfect for containers and baskets."'

Special Mention: Prepping the Soil

Since the ground will still be partially frozen, it's essential to prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to enhance drainage and nutrients. After all, a healthy soil foundation will ensure a successful garden, no matter the month.

Which bedding plants will you be adding to your March garden?

Get your weekly dose of gardening tips, seed sowing advice, winter pruning guides, and more – right in your inbox!

Sophie KingSophie, our resident Gardens Editor, joined our team in the spring of 2024, after earning an English degree from Royal Holloway, University of London. Her journey in horticulture began with writing articles for Grow Your Own, which ignited her love for all things gardening.

From nurturing vegetable gardens to tending roses and dinnerplate dahlias, Sophie's passion for growing shines through in her work. As the leader of the our platform garden team, Sophie is always excited to explore the latest trends and techniques to help both seasoned gardeners and budding green thumbs achieve their dreams.

To enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home-and-garden, consider adding hardy fuchsias to your garden repertoire, as the 'Bella' range of flowers starts to bloom early in March and continues through the summer, making them perfect for containers and baskets.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance, trailing plant for your March garden, bacopa, also known as miniature "Blue Eyed Susans," can be great additions to your garden, as they thrive in the cooler temperatures of the UK and produce a mass of tiny flowers from spring through to autumn.