Welcome to Tennessee where spring comes early, leaves again, comes back, leaves again and repeats that process until April! We really have about 4-8 different “Winters.” Somewhere along the way to springtime we are blessed with a bounty of blooms that brighten moods while the long awaited anticipation of the start of the gardening season is almost at it’s end. So what blooms in March in Tennessee? Let’s take a look!
What Plants Flower in March in Tennessee!
Daffodils
Sometimes the daffodils bloom earlier in February but often they are still blooming or just starting to bloom in March. There are many different types of daffodils you can choose to plant. Daffodils are one of the first flowering plants to pop up each Spring here in Tennessee. You can drive all around and see where they have naturalized.
Hyacinths
Like the daffodils the hyacinths are an early blooming flower here in Tennessee. They are a fall planted bulb that in the spring pops up and flowers. Hyacinths are extremely fragrant and add that extra scent element to the garden!
Dandelions
If you are a lawn purist you may not enjoy this flower but the dandelions emerge in March. Dandelions are a flower imported from Europe that has naturalized in the United States. On the positive side dandelions are edible and you could simply treat them as a crop from the garden. Use the leaves for salads and the flowers for dandelion wine! The roasted roots have also been used as a coffee substitute although I don’t believe they have the same coffee caffeine kick! Dandelions are good for honey bee pollination but other native bees prefer other flowers usually.
Bradford Pear Trees
Bradford Pears. Unfortunately the builder of our neighborhood planted the invasive Bradford Pears in every yard. Bradford pear trees should never be planted due to their invasive nature and poor quality. The other day I was clearing out some dead growth on the mums when my daughter looked up to me and said “daddy you’re stinky.” I looked at the tree we were working around and just had to laugh and say “nope, those are the Bradford Pears you’re smelling!” They’re pretty but they smell awful, like rotting fish.
Maples (Acer rubrum).
The maple trees are putting on flowers. They don’t have the showiest flowers in the spring but when a maple tree is covered with these blooms they truly give the maple a red hue.
Henbit
And of course what spring in Tennessee would be complete without our favorite spring flowering lawn weed…henbit! Henbit and it’s related cousin dead nettle are often confused with one another. The leaves of henbit tend to be scalloped and slightly rounded where as the leaves of dead nettle tend to be more angular. Both are edible plants and good flowers for insects gathering nectar.
Forsythia
Forsythia is in bloom. This picture is actually from November. Forsythia sometimes will show a rebloom in the fall but it is usually just a few flowers on the shrub.
Yoshino Cherry Tree
There are few trees I find more beautiful than a Yoshino Cherry tree. This time of year they brighten up the landscape with white to pinkish tinted flowers. They are usually loaded with bees when in bloom.
Redbud Trees
In Tennessee the redbud trees are amazing! These purple flowered native trees cover the hills and forests with their flowers and makes the countryside look like a painting. Redbud flowers, pods, and leaves are edible. They are in the legume family and work as a nitrogen fixer alongside other trees and plants.
The Early Colors of March
Here are a few of the early March blooming flowers in my garden. Crocus, daffodil, and forsythia. The forsythias have burst into full bloom since the picture was taken!
Plants that Flower in the Fall Garden
Fall is well known for its colorful foliage that paints the country each year but there’s still lots to appreciate among the flowering plants! Here’s a few of our current blooming flowers from the garden. Some don’t have much longer to go until the frost…
First Daffodil Blooms of 2012!
The first daffodil blooms of 2012 are now on display in my garden! Every year I like to track the first daffodil of the season. It amazing how much each year can differ. The warmer the weather the earlier the flowers appear. We’re almost a…
Tough Plants – Salvia nemorosa
While the winter is still in gear I thought it might be helpful to begin reviewing some of the toughest plants I have grown over the years. I’ve grown a lot of them (and killed a few of them along the way). In my garden…
Growing and Blooming Around the Garden
It’s time to show you a few pictures of the plants around my garden! The gardens themselves are in need of weeding, mulch, and assorted other chores I haven’t had time to get to yet but that doesn’t stop the plants from looking impressive. Our…
It Won’t Be Long…
…before the daffodils bloom! We are definitely behind last year’s blooms. The only daffodils I saw outside today were 1-2 inch leaves protruding from the ground. Anyone have a guess as to when the first daffodil in my garden will be blooming? Latest Greenhouse Post:…
Dave .. while looking at your wonderful blooms for today .. you did make me LAUGH with the dandelion !! .. are THEY out already ? good grief !! LOL
Dave,
Great blooms! You are an equal-plant opportunity guy with sharing the good with the bad blooms.
I have henbit blooming, too! 🙁 It’s raining so much that I’ve not been out in the garden in 3 days. Two more days of rain. It is good for the garden, though.
Cheers,
Cameron
Beautiful collections of blooms today Dave! Too bad Henbit is a weed, I have a beautiful patch of it growing along the fence I need to remove, lol. As soon as the rain stops…
Lots of color Dave. I am very fond of daffodils mixed with the muscari-they look super. Even the henbit has excellent color this time of year. I must tell you I FINALLY smelled a Bradford Pear up close-not too pleasant. It does smell like rotting meat I guess. I never knew until you said it. Have a great day!
Isn’t it funny how the humble Dandelion can lift the spirits. You’re right when you say spring is here when the Dandelion flowers.
They’re called ‘pissenlit’ over here.
I like that henbit. I’m currently fighting a losing battle with bittercress. That chickweed is a real thug.
Rob
Great photos! I will be plucking dandelions this spring too. oh what fun.
Funny thing about the Bradfords – I don’t find the smell offensive. I wonder if it like boxwood, some find it smells like cat pee. I don’t smell that though.
Nice color in your garden.
I am finding myself oddly jealous of everyone’s pictures of henbit! I like the yellow/blue bulbs. Gotta get some!
Spring has definitely come to your Tennesee garden Dave! I love those bright blue hyacinths.
I love henbit and dandelions…but you can keep the bradford pears! I was visiting a nursery and thought they had spread manure…it was the Bradford Pears all over Brentwood! Love your post dave… Gail
The daffodils and hyacinths are gorgeous. I’ve reviewed my past experiences and plan to plant fewer daffodils and more hyacinths next year.
Lovely photos. I’ve not heard of Bradford Pears before – the blossom is stunning. Not sure I like the idea of the smell though!
I know you Americans dont like Bradford Pear but as someone living in the UK who doesnt have them I think they look lovely!!
Oh, Dave, sometimes, I swear we live in the same place. Up and down weather, the same flowers and the same bloomin’ weeds. Yes, those Bradford pears do stink. Our church is surrounded by them, and they are nauseating on a warm spring day. Happy Bloom Day!~~Dee
I’m glad I’m not the only one posting weed blooms for Bloom Day!
I had no idea they smelled like fish! Don’t you just love how children say what’s on their mind? Very cute! I have to say that I may just have to try that beautiful Cherokee Purple Tomato, as well!
Happy almost spring!
Dave, your narcissus and hyacinths are beautiful. I must say henbit and dandelions look pretty wonderful to me too ~ we’re still buried under snow! Your henbit/onion arrangement is very attractive!
Very colorful, I have that darn henbit everywhere!
I love Hyacinths… only got one this year. The bulbs get neglected for the veggies over here.
I actually like the smell of the Bradford pears, but I know what you mean. We lose ’bout 2 of the trees in our Bellevue neighborhood every year to wind. I’m glad ours went away 5 years ago. Pretty cloud plum in its place.
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Lovely, Dave! Your collages are all great. My henbit isn’t blooming though…I’m so jealous!
he he! The bradford pears have such pretty flowers…I can’t understand why God made them with such an awful smell;-)
Happy GBBD!
Nice blooms and photos!