What Flowers to Plant in March UK: Best Blooms for a Stunning Spring & Summer Garden

Meta Description:

Wondering what flowers to plant in March in the UK? Discover the best annuals, perennials, and bulbs to plant now for a colorful and pollinator-friendly garden.

March is an exciting month for gardeners in the UK as spring begins to take hold. With longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, it’s the perfect time to plant flowers for a stunning garden throughout spring and summer.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ The best flowers to plant in March in the UK
✔️ Which flowers to grow from seed and which to plant as bulbs
✔️ How to prepare soil for planting flowers
✔️ Tips for protecting young plants from frost

Let’s explore the best flowers to plant in March to create a vibrant and thriving garden! 🌸🌼

1. Hardy Annual Flowers to Plant in March

Hardy annuals are cold-tolerant flowers that can be sown directly outdoors in March.

🌼 Pansies & Violas – Bright, cheerful flowers that bloom from spring to autumn.
🌷 Sweet Peas – Fast-growing climbers with fragrant blooms.
🌸 Cornflowers – Easy to grow and great for attracting pollinators.
🌺 Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) – Delicate blue flowers with feathery foliage.
🌿 Calendula (Pot Marigold) – Long-flowering and attracts beneficial insects.

Tip: Soak sweet pea seeds overnight before sowing to speed up germination.

2. Perennial Flowers to Plant in March

Perennials return year after year, making them a great investment for your garden.

🌿 Lavender – Low-maintenance, fragrant, and pollinator-friendly.
🌼 Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – Adds bold yellow color to summer gardens.
🌺 Echinacea (Coneflower) – Hardy and excellent for wildlife gardens.
🌷 Hardy Geraniums – Versatile, low-maintenance, and great for ground cover.
🌸 Delphiniums – Tall, striking flowers that bloom in summer.

Tip: Mulch around perennials to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Summer-Flowering Bulbs to Plant in March

Bulbs planted in March will bloom in late spring and summer, adding height and structure to your garden.

🌺 Gladiolus – Tall, vibrant flowers perfect for borders.
🌸 Lilies – Elegant flowers that thrive in pots and garden beds.
🌿 Dahlias – Provide bold, show-stopping summer blooms.
🌼 Begonias – Ideal for hanging baskets and shaded areas.
🌷 Alliums – Tall, globe-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.

Tip: Plant bulbs at the correct depth (usually 2-3 times their height) for the best results.

4. Bedding Plants to Plant in March

Bedding plants are ideal for instant color in flower beds, borders, and containers.

🌼 Primroses & Polyanthus – Great for early spring displays.
🌸 Wallflowers – Fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring.
🌺 Bellis Perennis (English Daisy) – Compact, low-growing flowers.
🌷 Alyssum – Provides ground cover with tiny white flowers.
🌿 Forget-Me-Nots – Lovely blue flowers that self-seed easily.

Tip: Space bedding plants properly to allow good airflow and reduce disease risk.

5. How to Prepare Soil for Planting Flowers in March

Before planting, ensure your soil is healthy and ready to support flower growth.

✔️ Remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
✔️ Turn over soil to improve aeration and drainage.
✔️ Add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
✔️ Use a balanced fertilizer to promote strong root growth.

Tip: For containers and hanging baskets, use high-quality compost and ensure pots have drainage holes.

6. Protecting Flowers from Frost in March

March can still bring cold nights, so protect young flowers from frost damage.

✔️ Use fleece or cloches to cover tender plants at night.
✔️ Move potted plants to sheltered areas if frost is forecast.
✔️ Mulch around plant bases to insulate roots.
✔️ Water in the morning to prevent freezing overnight.

Tip: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to cover delicate plants when necessary.

FAQs: What Flowers to Plant in March UK?

Can I plant sweet peas in March?
✔️ Yes! Sweet peas thrive when sown in March and will bloom from late spring into summer.

What are the best bedding plants for March in the UK?
✔️ Pansies, primroses, wallflowers, and forget-me-nots are great choices.

Can I plant summer-flowering bulbs in March?
✔️ Yes! March is the perfect time to plant gladiolus, lilies, dahlias, and alliums.

Should I start perennials indoors or outdoors in March?
✔️ Hardy perennials can be planted outdoors, while more delicate ones can be started indoors before transplanting.

How can I protect flowers from frost in March?
✔️ Use fleece, mulch, or cloches to cover young plants and protect them from frost.

Final Thoughts: What Flowers to Plant in March in the UK

✔️ Sow hardy annuals like pansies, sweet peas, and cornflowers for spring and summer blooms.
✔️ Plant perennials such as lavender, echinacea, and hardy geraniums for long-lasting color.
✔️ Start summer-flowering bulbs like gladiolus, dahlias, and alliums for a vibrant display.
✔️ Use bedding plants for instant color in flower beds, borders, and containers.
✔️ Prepare soil and protect young plants from frost for a successful growing season.

March is an exciting month for flower planting, offering the perfect opportunity to fill your garden with beautiful blooms that will last all season. 🌷🌸

What flowers are you planting this March? Share your gardening plans in the comments!

Now you’re ready to start planting flowers in March in the UK and enjoy a spectacular display throughout spring and summer! 🌸🌿 Let me know if you have any questions! 🚀