Show summary Hide summary
- Shrubs and woody bloomers to establish in March
- Tall perennials that attract pollinators
- Sun lovers and meadow-style perennials
- Low-growing groundcovers and fragrant herbs
- Showy clump-formers and cottage garden favorites
- Bulbs, delicate perennials, and fine-textured accents
- Practical March planting tips for lasting spring color
March is the moment many gardeners wait for — the month to finally get plants into soil and set up a spring display that returns year after year. With a little planning around frost dates and soil temperature, planting resilient perennials now gives them time to establish roots and reward you with durable, vibrant blooms. Below are 20 excellent perennials to put in the ground this March, grouped by growing habit and garden use, with practical advice to help you pick the right varieties for your climate.
Shrubs and woody bloomers to establish in March
Roses (Rosa spp.)
In mild climates, March is ideal for bare-root roses. Plant when soil is workable and roses break dormancy. Planting in early spring helps roots spread before summer heat. Look for disease-resistant varieties if you want lower maintenance.
Michaels holiday finds under $25: 20 new gifts that look like $50
Target wall-mounted find frees up countertop space: timeless style for small kitchens
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas thrive when set out in cool spring soil. Choose acid-loving spots with dappled sun. Many cultivars are hardy and will reward you with showy pinks and whites later in spring. Plant before buds swell for best establishment.
Tall perennials that attract pollinators
Coneflower (Echinacea spp.)
Coneflowers love full sun and well-drained soil. Sow or transplant in March so roots can develop in cooler conditions. These long-lived plants draw bees and butterflies all summer.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
Joe Pye Weed prefers moist soil and will form tall clumps with mauve blooms. Start seeds indoors if you need to extend the growing season, or set transplants out when the ground thaws. They need cold stratification to germinate well.
Delphinium (Larkspur)
Delphiniums do best with a cool start. Plant seedlings or set out started plants in March for strong root growth. Tall spikes of blue and purple will follow when the season warms.
Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea)
Though often biennial, hollyhocks self-seed readily and create striking vertical color. Sow or transplant in March once frost risk diminishes and watch them transform bare walls and fences.
Sun lovers and meadow-style perennials
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)
Hardy and undemanding, black-eyed Susans do well from seed started in early March or sown after frost. They prefer full sun and will naturalize in mixed borders.
Tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
Coreopsis offers bright yellow blooms that attract pollinators. In colder zones, start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before last frost. In warmer zones, direct sow as soon as soil can be worked.
Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale)
Sneezeweed blooms late summer into fall, but planting in March ensures strong plants for later color. Sow in pots or plant seedlings; they favor fertile, moist soil and full sun.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow tolerates poor soils and drought once established. Plant in well-drained, sunny spots. In many regions, March planting gives roots a head start before seasonal heat sets in.
Low-growing groundcovers and fragrant herbs
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Ideal for sunny borders and between pavers, creeping thyme spreads low and blooms with small pink or purple flowers. Sow seeds in late March when temps approach 60°F for best germination.
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
English lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Plant in March after frost to let roots develop during cool weather. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima)
Sweet alyssum grows quickly from seed and blooms within weeks. Plant in March for early-season carpets of white or pastel flowers. It thrives in cooler spring temperatures and will struggle in high heat.
Showy clump-formers and cottage garden favorites
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Lupines often overwinter better, but early March sowing can work. Soak seeds before planting to soften the seed coat. Plant seeds directly where they will grow; lupines dislike root disturbance.
Hardy geraniums (Cranebills)
Hardy geraniums are versatile and long-lived. Plant divisions or transplants in March so they can root before summer. These ground-hugging perennials make excellent filler plants between larger shrubs.
Painted daisies (Tanacetum coccineum)
Plant painted daisy seedlings or transplants after frost to create bold clusters of red, pink, or white flowers. They appreciate sunny sites and regular moisture during the establishment phase.
Masterwort (Astrantia major)
Astrantia brings delicate, star-shaped blooms and prefers rich, moist soil with partial sun. March planting is ideal for transplants started in winter; they establish best with a cool root run.
Bulbs, delicate perennials, and fine-textured accents
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Bulbs are usually planted in fall, but March is the last chance for missed daffodils in many climates. Plant early in March so bulbs still experience cool soil and can bloom next spring.
Blue flax (Linum perenne)
Blue flax makes airy, pale-blue displays and can be broadcast over a bed. Late March is a good time to sow seeds on moist soil; they do not require burying seed deeply.
Bellflower (Campanula spp.)
Campanula can be planted from pots in March or started in fall for earlier blooms. They adapt well to borders and rock gardens, producing bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, white, or purple.
Practical March planting tips for lasting spring color
- Know your last frost date. Plant after your area’s final frost risk or start indoors when necessary.
- Prepare soil with compost for improved drainage and nutrients.
- Water newly planted perennials regularly until roots are established.
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
- Match plants to site conditions: sun lovers need full exposure; shade-tolerant species need protection.
