Planting for Spring Color

Your Ultimate Guide to Flowers, Shrubs & Trees That Bring the Pop

Planting for spring color in Colorado might be fashionably late (looking at you, April blizzards), but when it finally struts in? It’s ready to slay. If your yard is still rocking that “frozen tundra chic” look, don’t worry—we’ve got the colorful comeback plan. Whether you’re filling flower beds, planting new trees, or updating containers, here’s how to plant for spring color like a pro.

TL;DR: What are the most colorful flowers to plant for spring?

Answer:

You can go for quick-impact annuals like pansies, snapdragons, and petunias, to long-lived perennials such as columbine and coneflower. If you seek more height, flowering shrubs like forsythia, lilac, and quince or spring-blooming trees such as crabapple and redbud bring cheerful spring color after a long winter.

Annuals: One-Season Wonders With Serious Color

Annuals are your fast-track to instant garden glam. They bloom their hearts out in one season and make a huge visual impact while they’re at it. Want curb appeal that makes people slow down? Start here.

Top Annuals for Colorado Springs:

Pansies & Violas: Early bloomers that can handle chilly nights.
Snapdragons: Bold vertical drama with a little whimsy.
Petunias: Full, vibrant, and practically foolproof.
Marigolds: Bright, bold, and bonus—pest-repelling power.

Planting Tip: Layer colors and heights for a living bouquet effect. And don’t be afraid to go bold—spring is no time for subtle!

“Here in the Front Range, the ‘official’ frost date is more of a friendly suggestion — usually toward the end of May. A great rule of thumb is to eyeball the 10-day low temp forecast before planting. And don’t forget frost cloth — it’s like a plant’s little sweater when those surprise chilly nights show up!”

Perennials: The Long-Haul Heroes of the Garden

Perennials are in it for the long game. They return year after year, often spreading and blooming more vigorously each time. With the right mix, you’ll get spring color with zero replanting stress next year.

Perennials We Love:

Columbine: Our state flower—and for good reason.
Coneflower (Echinacea): Drought-tolerant and pollinator-approved.
Salvia: Deep purples that make bees go bonkers.
Daylilies: Tough, cheerful, and endlessly photogenic.

Want even more impact? Mix perennials with annuals for a color combo that evolves through the season. Download our complete Perennial Bloom Guide here:

Flowering Shrubs: The Mid-Sized Show-Offs

Flowering shrubs are the Swiss Army knives of the landscape. They add structure, texture, and yes—loads of spring color. Bonus: many offer colorful foliage or berries in fall too.

Must-Plant Shrubs:

Forsythia: Yellow blooms so bright, they practically glow.
Spirea: Fluffy blooms in white, pink, or purple.
Lilac: Gorgeous scent, romantic blooms—yes, please.
Quince: Bold and unexpected with coral-red flowers.

Use flowering shrubs as anchors in beds or create colorful privacy screens that change with the seasons.

Spring-Flowering Trees: Go Big With Blooms

Trees aren’t just for shade—they can be spring stunners too. These varieties are bursting with blossoms that’ll make your landscape the envy of the neighborhood.

Flowering Trees for Spring Drama:

Crabapple (Ornamental): Colorful blossoms and beautiful fall fruit.
Serviceberry: Native, multi-season beauty.
Redbud: Magenta blooms right on the branches = instant drama.
Flowering Pear or Cherry: White or pink clouds of petals? Dreamy goals.

Pro Tip: Plant these in focal areas (near patios, walkways, or entries) for the biggest wow factor.

Bonus: Tips for Planting for Spring Color

Let’s get scientific(ish) for a sec:

Know Your Zone: Colorado Springs is USDA Zone 4, 5a–6a. Stick with plants that can handle a little frost and wind sass.
Soil Check: Our soil can be pure sand to clay-heavy. Add compost or organic matter to keep those roots happy.
Water Right: Spring rain is great, but newly planted blooms still need regular watering until they are fully established.
Stagger Your Stars: Choose early, mid, and late spring bloomers for non-stop color.
Establishment: It can take years to fully establish your plants.

Bloom Color Inspiration: What’s Your Landscape's Palette?

Still not sure which plants to pick? Let’s paint with the full spring spectrum! Below, you’ll find photo galleries packed with ideas to help you choose by bloom color—because sometimes, the best way to design your landscape is to follow your color cravings.

Check out these standout selections from our favorite spring bloomers:

Trees:

White Bloom

Flowering Crabapple

Saucer Magnolia

Japanese Lilac

Newport Plum

Hawthorn

Ornamental Pear

Serviceberry

Pink Bloom

Flowering Crabapple

Saucer Magnolia

Redbud

Cherry

Hawthorn

Red Bloom

Flowering Crabapple