Spring has arrived in Illinois, transforming Home Depot's garden centers into vibrant showcases of botanical possibility. The nursery sections now overflow with annuals, perennials, and ready-to-display container gardens that promise instant impact with minimal effort. This season's "drag and drop" options, from hanging baskets to decorative pots, make garden design accessible to everyone. Whether you're refreshing a small patio or reimagining your entire landscape, Home Depot's diverse plant collection offers impressive variety, with solutions for every sun exposure, garden style, and budget. Come check out my favorites below!
EZ Daisy Carefree Garden Stunners ($12.98)
These vibrant orange Gerbera daisies, priced at $12.98 for a generous 1-gallon container, deliver incredible visual impact with minimal effort. The EZ Daisy variety lives up to its name with a robust growth habit and impressive flower production. Just look at those numerous blooms reaching skyward on strong, straight stems!
What I particularly love about these daisies is their gradient coloration, transitioning from fiery orange petals to golden yellow centers, creating a sunset effect in your garden beds. The thick, textured foliage forms a lush base that helps suppress weeds while adding structure even between flowering cycles. Perfect for both container gardens and borders, these daisy plants arrive already well-established in their gallon pots, giving you an immediate color boost without the wait.
Purple Violas, The Petite Garden Charmers ($7.98)
These gorgeous purple violas bring elegant color to your garden for under $8, making them an affordable way to add instant impact this spring. The rich violet-purple petals with sunny yellow centers create a striking color contrast. I've always found violas to be incredibly versatile plants, thriving in both containers and garden beds with equal enthusiasm.
Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for edging paths or filling gaps between larger perennials. Unlike their pansy cousins, these violas show remarkable resilience to temperature fluctuations, continuing to bloom even when spring days turn unexpectedly cool. Simply deadhead occasionally to encourage new blooms and keep the show going all season long.
Woodland Phlox with Delicate Cloud-Like Blooms ($7.98)
Nestled in their simple nursery pots at just $7.98 each, these woodland phlox plants create a dreamy sea of delicate star-shaped white flowers that hover above the fresh green foliage. Each tiny five-petaled bloom contributes to the overall cloud-like effect that can brighten shaded garden corners where many flowering plants struggle. The dense flowering habit ensures you get tremendous visual impact per dollar spent. Woodland phlox naturally spreads at a gentle pace, gradually forming elegant drifts without becoming invasive.
The fine-textured foliage stays attractive even after the main flowering period ends, providing lasting garden structure through multiple seasons. Hardy and low-maintenance, these shade-tolerant plants represent tremendous value for gardeners looking to add spring interest to areas beneath deciduous trees or along the north sides of structures.
English Lavender, An Aromatic Mediterranean Classic ($5.98)
A true garden workhorse for just $5.98, these compact lavender plants bring both beauty and practicality to your outdoor space. The tidy clumps of silvery-green foliage are already sending up those characteristic slender stems topped with delicate purple flower spikes that pollinators adore. Lavender thrives in sunny, well-drained spots, making it perfect for those challenging dry areas where other plants struggle. The fragrance alone justifies adding several to your garden cart.
Beyond its ornamental value, you can harvest the stems for homemade sachets, culinary use, or simple bouquets that will perfume an entire room. Their drought tolerance once established makes them a smart choice for water-conscious gardeners looking for low-maintenance perennial options.
Catmint, A Low-Maintenance Pollinator Magnet ($5.98)
Looking for a garden stunner that delivers both beauty and wildlife benefits? These lovely catmint plants offer remarkable value at just $5.98 each. Already showing a healthy flush of blooms in purple-blue hues floating above the aromatic gray-green foliage, catmint brings texture and color to any sunny spot. The bushy habit fills spaces quickly without becoming aggressive, making it perfect for newer gardeners.
The delicate tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while generally being avoided by deer and rabbits. When placed toward the front of borders, the plants create a soft billowing effect that helps disguise the "legs" of leggier perennials behind them. After the first heavy bloom period, a light trimming will encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season, essentially giving you two shows for the price of one plant.
Rio Dipladenia, Tropical Elegance in Hanging Baskets ($24.98)
The Rio Dipladenia brings spectacular tropical flair to your outdoor spaces with its brilliant crimson trumpet-shaped blooms that practically glow against the glossy deep green foliage. Priced at $24.98, this plant arrives already hanging in a decorative pot, ready to create instant impact on porches or patios. The vibrant red flowers feature sunny yellow throats that add a subtle contrast, while numerous unopened buds promise continuous blooming throughout the warm season.
As noted on the display signage, this beauty combines drought tolerance with non-stop blooming, making it perfect for busy gardeners who want high-impact color without constant maintenance. The clean, vining growth habit stays relatively compact without becoming unruly, creating a perfect sphere of color when properly placed. Consider this your low-maintenance solution for bringing resort-worthy tropical vibes to your home garden.
Also Available in Raspberry Splash Color ($24.98)
This stunning Raspberry Splash Dipladenia brings a softer touch to your outdoor decor with its vibrant pink trumpet-shaped blooms showcasing bright orange-yellow centers. Though priced the same as its red cousin at $24.98, the unique raspberry pink coloration offers a distinctive option for gardeners looking to create visual harmony with other pink or purple flowering plants. For sun-drenched spaces that need reliable color throughout the growing season, these low-maintenance tropical beauties deliver exceptional value.
The Snow White Dipladenia, An Elegant Tropical Statement Plant ($31.98)
The pristine Snow White Dipladenia offers a sophisticated alternative to its more colorful relatives, with pure white star-shaped blooms that feature bright sunny centers creating stunning contrast against the deep green glossy foliage. While the $31.98 price point sits higher than standard varieties, this premium offering comes in a larger "drop n decorate" container that eliminates transplanting hassle. Simply place it where you want an instant focal point.
I find white flowering plants particularly valuable for brightening shaded areas or creating elegant nighttime gardens that glow in moonlight. This dipladenia variety maintains the same drought tolerance and heat resistance as its colored cousins, thriving in sunny locations with minimal care requirements.
Red Dipladenia & Cordyline Combo Planter for a Bold Texture Statement ($31.98)
This eye-catching combination planter takes container gardening to the next level by pairing fiery red Dipladenia with dramatic burgundy Cordyline for a striking textural contrast that demands attention. The substantial 10-inch container, priced at $31.98, delivers exceptional value by combining two premium plants that would cost more purchased separately. The upright, spiky Cordyline creates dramatic height with its burgundy sword-like foliage, while the cascading red Dipladenia softens the edges with trumpet-shaped blooms that spill attractively over the container sides.
This ready-to-display container offers instant impact for sunny locations on patios, decks, or entryways with minimal effort required. Both plants share similar care requirements, thriving in warm conditions with moderate watering, making this combination as practical as it is beautiful. For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance container with tropical flair, this pairing delivers sophisticated design.
Summerhill Hydrangea ($24.98)
These magnificent Summerhill Hydrangeas come ready to impress in cheerful yellow containers, offering remarkable value at $24.98 for such established plants. The full, rounded flower clusters showcase stunning color variations, with some blooms displaying soft lavender-purple hues that transition to creamy white centers while others burst with vibrant pink that creates an almost watercolor effect against the deep green foliage.
Showstopping Color Clusters
What makes these hydrangeas particularly special is their already-robust flowering habit, with multiple bloom clusters on display even before leaving the garden center. The substantial dark green serrated leaves provide the perfect backdrop for the flowers while offering excellent architectural interest in the garden. I've found hydrangeas like these to be surprisingly adaptable plants that thrive in morning sun with afternoon shade, making them perfect for brightening partially shaded corners of the yard.
Dragon Wing Begonias - Shade Garden Gems ($19.98)
Vibrant coral-pink flowers cascade elegantly from these expertly grown Dragon Wing Begonias, offering remarkable value at $19.98 in their stylish hanging baskets. Glossy, asymmetrical leaves create a beautiful backdrop for the clusters of delicate pendant blooms, with some foliage sporting attractive bronze undertones that add depth and visual interest.
Unlike many flowering plants, begonias actually prefer dappled shade, making them invaluable for brightening darker corners of your landscape where many bloomers struggle. Their moderate moisture needs and resilience against common garden pests make them an excellent low-maintenance option for both new and experienced gardeners seeking reliable performance.
SunPatiens Hanging Baskets with Bold Magenta Blooms ($19.98)
Magenta blooms burst with vibrant color from these generously-filled hanging baskets, offering extraordinary value at just $19.98 each. SunPatiens combine the shade tolerance of traditional impatiens with remarkable sun resistance, creating a versatile plant that thrives in multiple light conditions. The rich burgundy-tinged foliage provides a dramatic backdrop for the electric pink flowers, adding depth and visual interest even when viewed from below.
Perfect for creating instant impact on porches, under eaves, or along fence lines where their cascading habit can be fully appreciated. I find hanging baskets like these particularly effective for adding vertical interest to outdoor living spaces while keeping the brilliant color at eye level.
Classic Impatiens Basket, Shade-Loving Color Collection ($12.98)
Bright lavender and crisp white petals shine from these 10-inch Classic Impatiens baskets, offering exceptional value at just $12.98. Perfectly suited for hanging in shaded areas where many flowering plants struggle, these ready-to-display baskets eliminate the need for transplanting or arranging separate plants.
A single basket contains multiple plants, creating immediate fullness and abundant blooms from day one. Perfect for beginning gardeners, these low-maintenance favorites require just consistent moisture and protection from direct afternoon sun to perform beautifully all season long. Consider pairing several baskets in alternating colors to create a coordinated display.
Marigolds, A Budget-Friendly Garden Champion ($3.98)
Priced at just $3.98, marigolds offer exceptional value for gardeners seeking reliable color and pest control in one compact package. The fiery orange and red bicolor blooms stand proudly atop feathery, aromatic foliage that naturally repels many garden pests while attracting beneficial pollinators. Each cell pack contains a well-established young plant already showing multiple flowers with more buds ready to open.
Try planting marigolds between tomatoes and other vegetables as natural pest deterrents, creating functional beauty throughout edible garden beds. Their drought tolerance once established makes them perfect for hot, sunny spots where other flowers might struggle, and their continuous blooming habit from spring until frost ensures long-lasting color with minimal maintenance. Consider planting in groups of five or more for maximum visual impact and pest-repelling benefits.
Annual Petunias in a Sun-Loving Color Variety Pack ($3.98)
Bursting with brilliant jewel tones ranging from deep purple to bright pink, these annual petunias deliver impressive color impact at a wallet-friendly $3.98 per pack. Each cell contains a healthy young plant already showing its vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms, promising months of continuous flowering with proper care. The compact growth habit makes these petunias perfect for borders, containers, and hanging baskets where their trailing tendency can create cascading color.
I particularly appreciate how these versatile annuals can be mixed and matched with other sun-loving plants to create custom color schemes for seasonal displays. Their moderate water needs make them adaptable to various garden situations while their prolific flowering continues from spring planting until the first frost with just occasional deadheading to encourage fresh blooms.
Read more: 25 Pink And Purple Petunia Varieties For Your Garden
Annual Celosia Are Flame-Inspired Plumes in Vivid Hues ($3.98)
Sporting fiery plumes in vibrant gold and raspberry pink, these annual Celosia plants deliver remarkable drama and texture for just $3.98 per pack. Standing 10-24 inches tall at maturity as noted on their labels, each sturdy plant features distinctive flame-shaped flower heads rising boldly above glossy oval foliage. The velvety flower clusters maintain their intense coloration for months, gradually drying in place without dropping petals, making them excellent candidates for both fresh and dried arrangements.
Garden centers often sell these beauties as young plants, but they're already showing their characteristic plumes, giving gardeners immediate visual impact. Plant them in groups by color or mix the gold and pink varieties for a sunset-inspired display that will continue performing until frost.
Bronze Leaf Wax Begonias - Bold Foliage Contrast Plants ($3.98)
Scarlet flowers pop brilliantly against the rich bronze-burgundy foliage of these eye-catching wax begonias, creating a dramatic color combination for just $3.98 per pack. The glossy, metallic-like leaves form a compact mound that remains attractive even when not in bloom, making these plants valuable for their foliage alone.
Begonias with bronze foliage like these tend to tolerate more sun exposure than their green-leaved cousins, expanding their versatility in the garden. The waxy texture of both flowers and leaves explains their common name while providing natural resistance to moisture-related diseases.
Green Leaf Wax Begonias - Multi-Color Shade Performers ($3.98)
Available in shades of white, pink, and red with bright yellow centers, these classic green leaf wax begonias deliver exceptional long-season performance for a modest $3.98 investment. The glossy, rounded foliage creates a lush backdrop for the cheerful flowers, which continue appearing without deadheading from spring through frost. Perfect for brightening shady garden corners where many flowering plants struggle, these versatile annuals maintain a neat, mounded habit that rarely exceeds 8-12 inches in height. Consider mixing color varieties for a playful cottage garden effect or planting single colors in mass for modern, monochromatic impact.
Annual Lobelia, a True Blue Cascading Beauty ($3.98)
Royal blue flowers dance above fresh green foliage in these charming annual lobelia packs, delivering impressive color impact at just $3.98. Growing only 5-9 inches tall as indicated on their labels, these compact plants create a naturally spreading habit that works beautifully in hanging baskets, window boxes, or as front-of-border accents. The vibrant blue blooms feature tiny white "eyes" at their centers, creating a starry effect when viewed up close.
Lobelia's cool-hued flowers provide a perfect color counterpoint to warmer-toned plants like marigolds or petunias in mixed container designs. I've found lobelia particularly valuable for spring and early summer gardens, where it thrives in the moderate temperatures before summer's peak heat arrives.
Citrus Mix Violas for a Cheerful Garden ($4.98)
Sunny gold and orange blooms create an instant mood boost in these Citrus Mix Violas, a vibrant spring essential priced at $4.98 per pack. Standing just 6-8 inches tall at maturity as noted on their label, these compact plants pack a remarkable visual punch despite their modest size. The happy-faced flowers feature distinctive whisker-like markings that add character and charm to their simple five-petal form. Each plant produces an impressive quantity of blooms simultaneously, creating dense patches of color when planted in groups.
Early Season Pansies ($4.98)
Celebrating spring's arrival with bold personality, these annual pansies deliver impressive flower power for a modest $4.98 investment. Available in golden yellow, pristine white with purple "faces," and rich solid purples, their cheerful blooms measure nearly two inches across, dwarfing their smaller viola cousins. The classic pansy bloom features five overlapping petals arranged in that unmistakable face-like pattern that gives them their charming character.
Cool Weather Color Collection
Unlike many annuals, these cool-weather performers thrive during spring's unpredictable temperatures, often remaining colorful through light frosts that would damage less hardy options. My favorite use for pansies involves planting masses of single colors for dramatic impact, allowing their saturated hues to create waves of coordinated color throughout the garden. Consider mixing white and yellow varieties for a sunshine-inspired combination, or pair purples with whites for elegant contrast in containers and beds.
Vigoro Dahlia Plants, Semi-Double Blooming Beauties ($6.98)
Magenta-pink dahlias make a bold spring statement with their eye-catching semi-double blooms, each featuring bright golden centers that create striking contrast. Priced at $6.98 per pot, these Vigoro-branded dahlias provide exceptional value considering they'll continue producing flowers throughout the growing season with proper care. Many gardeners don't realize that these versatile plants perform beautifully in both garden beds and containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies, or traditional landscape settings.
Spring Clematis Vines, Vertical Garden Showstoppers ($19.98)
Lavender-pink star-shaped blooms adorn these robust Clematis vines, creating dramatic vertical interest for a reasonable $19.98 investment. Already showing several open flowers despite their compact container size, each plant features distinctive cream-colored stamens. Clematis combines luxurious flowering with practical versatility, capable of transforming ordinary fences, arbors, or mailbox posts into stunning focal points.
While requiring an initial investment higher than annual vines, these perennial climbers return year after year with increasing bloom count, making them an outstanding long-term value for gardeners seeking permanent landscape enhancements.
Variegated Hostas, Shade Garden Essentials ($9.98)
These impressive hostas offer tremendous value at $9.98, featuring both solid green and yellow-edged variegated varieties that brighten shady garden spots. Their distinctive ribbed, paddle-shaped leaves create architectural interest even without flowers, though they do produce delicate lavender spikes in summer that attract hummingbirds.
I've found hostas to be unmatched problem-solvers beneath trees and along north-facing foundations where their spreading habit naturally suppresses weeds. These vigorous perennials return larger each year, eventually forming impressive clumps that can be divided to create new plants or share with friends.
Read more: 12 Hosta Care Hacks Every Gardener Should Know
'Spring Splash Violet' Creeping Phlox Ground Cover ($7.98)
This vibrant 'Spring Splash Violet' creeping phlox creates a spectacular carpet of lavender-pink blooms for just $7.98. Growing only 4" tall with a spreading habit, it's perfect for rock gardens, border edges, and spilling over retaining walls. The needle-like evergreen foliage stays attractive year-round, while spring brings an explosion of five-petaled flowers that completely blanket the plant. I find creeping phlox invaluable for solving erosion problems on sunny slopes where it establishes quickly and requires minimal maintenance once settled.
Patio Paradise Calla Lilies, a Multi-Color Collection ($29.98)
Elegant calla lilies bring sophisticated tropical flair to any outdoor space with their sculptural blooms in white, yellow, and pink varieties. Priced at $29.98, these "Patio Paradise" branded plants come garden-ready in decorative pots with multiple lilies already showing their distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers. The lush, lance-shaped foliage provides attractive structure even when not blooming. Perfect for containers or partially shaded garden beds, these low-maintenance beauties make excellent focal points that naturally attract pollinators.
'Bella' Mixed Container Garden ($29.98)
This designer-crafted planter combines cheerful yellow begonias with feathery ferns for instant sophistication. Priced at $29.98, the 'Bella' container comes perfectly arranged and ready to display on patios, porches, or as a colorful centerpiece. The lush textural contrast between the structured begonia blooms and the airy fern fronds creates visual interest that would take considerable effort to achieve when starting from individual plants.
The Red Variety ($29.98)
This eye-catching 'Bella Vita' container combines vibrant red begonias with delicate ferns and trailing foliage for instant professional design appeal. At $29.98, it comes ready to display in a stylish ridged planter that complements the botanical mix. The thoughtful combination balances different textures, colors, and growth habits to create a dynamic arrangement that would take considerable time and plant knowledge to recreate from scratch. These premium containers solve the challenge of coordinating compatible plants while providing immediate impact for patios, porches, or entryways.
Vigoro Cyclamen are Multi-Color Indoor/Outdoor Gems ($6.98)
Available in crisp white, soft pink, and rich red varieties, these compact cyclamen plants offer remarkable value at just $6.98 each. The swept-back petals create an elegant butterfly-like appearance above distinctive marbled foliage that provides interest even between blooming cycles. Perfect for shaded patios or bright indoor spaces, cyclamen thrive in cooler temperatures and make excellent seasonal decorations for entryways and tabletops where their unique flowers can be appreciated up close.
Vibrant Kalanchoe Plants, Color-Packed Succulents ($6.98)
Kalanchoe blooms create an impressive color display in vibrant red, yellow, white, and orange varieties for just $6.98 each. The thick, succulent foliage remains attractive between flowering cycles, offering built-in drought tolerance that forgives occasional neglect. Perfect for bright windowsills or outdoor containers in frost-free areas, these easy-care plants produce multiple clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers that last significantly longer than most flowering houseplants.
Shade-Loving Impatiens as Multi-Color Garden Staples ($10.98)
Vibrant impatiens create a colorful carpet in white, coral, pink, and purple varieties, perfect for brightening shaded garden areas. Priced at $10.98, these classic bedding plants bloom continuously from spring through frost with minimal maintenance. The densely-branching habit naturally fills in to create lush displays in containers or garden beds. I've always relied on impatiens to bring reliable color to those challenging north-facing spots where few flowering plants thrive!
'Amore' Star-Patterned Petunias, Premium Eye-Catching Annuals ($19.98)
These striking purple and white star-patterned petunias from the 'Amore' collection make a bold garden statement with their unique bicolor blooms. Priced at $19.98, they feature dramatically contrasting purple centers with crisp white star-shaped stripes radiating outward. Perfect for hanging baskets or container gardens where their trailing habit can be fully appreciated. The novelty pattern holds its distinctive markings throughout the growing season, making these specialty petunias worth the premium price compared to standard varieties.
Salvia Are Eco-Friendly Pollinator Magnets ($6.98)
These vibrant purple Salvia plants offer tremendous garden value at just $6.98. Their tall spikes of nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. The aromatic foliage naturally deters deer and rabbits, making these water-wise perennials ideal for problem areas where other flowering plants get browsed. I've found few plants deliver such reliable garden performance with so little maintenance required!
Read more: 25 Fabulous Pollinator-Friendly Perennials
Spring Azaleas, Classic Landscape Showstoppers ($14.98)
Vibrant fuchsia blooms blanket these spring azaleas, creating spectacular impact for a modest $14.98 investment. Ready to plant in black nursery containers, these established shrubs will provide years of reliable spring color with minimal care. The abundant trumpet-shaped flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds while providing a perfect backdrop for spring bulbs and perennials. Plant in groups of three for maximum impact in partially shaded locations where their shallow roots won't compete with aggressive plant neighbors.
'Hino Crimson' Azaleas, Premium Landscape Investment ($29.98)
These striking 'Hino Crimson' azaleas showcase vibrant red blooms covering nearly every inch of their compact form. At $29.98, they represent a higher investment than smaller varieties but deliver mature size and immediate impact for landscape focal points. The glossy evergreen foliage provides year-round structure while their spectacular flowering performance transforms spring gardens. These established plants have clearly been well-maintained at the nursery, with multiple flower buds promising extended color display.
'Stewartstonian' Azaleas, Sale-Priced Spring Showpieces ($19.98)
These vibrant 'Stewartstonian' azaleas deliver spectacular red blooms on compact, well-branched plants at a sale price of $19.98 (reduced from $22.98). The distinctive bronze-burgundy winter foliage provides multi-season interest when the flowering display concludes. Perfect for foundation plantings, woodland edges, or mass plantings where their acid soil requirements and partial shade tolerance make them ideal companions for other acid-loving plants like camellias and rhododendrons.
Transform Your Garden with These Home Depot Plant Finds
As Illinois embraces spring, Home Depot stands ready with an impressive array of plants to elevate your outdoor spaces. From budget-friendly annuals to statement tropicals, this collection balances visual impact with practical considerations like maintenance and climate compatibility. These plants will only grow more lush as temperatures warm, rewarding your investment with months of color and texture. Visit soon to secure the best specimens from this exceptional spring collection before they find homes in other Illinois gardens.
Read more: I Went to Home Depot and Found These Must-Have Planters and Accessories! (Starting at 47¢)