Spring is the perfect time to refresh your garden with bold, bright color. Yellow blooms lift the mood and add instant cheer to outdoor spaces. From daffodils to snapdragons, these flowers light up garden beds and attract helpful pollinators. They come in many forms, including shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Whether you want easy ground cover or tall statement pieces, there's a yellow bloomer for every need. Here are some of the most eye-catching yellow flowers to consider this spring.
1. Daffodil (Narcissus)
Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring. Their bright yellow petals and trumpet-shaped centers bring cheerful color to garden beds. These hardy bulbs thrive in well-draining soil and full sun. They come back year after year, making them a reliable choice. Daffodils are also deer-resistant and low-maintenance. Plant them in the fall to enjoy their early spring blooms. Grouping them in clusters makes a big visual impact.
2. Forsythia
Forsythia is a fast-growing shrub that bursts into golden bloom in early spring. Its arching branches are covered in small yellow flowers before any leaves appear. This makes it one of the most dramatic spring bloomers. Forsythia grows best in full sun and tolerates many soil types. It can be pruned to maintain shape or left to grow freely as a hedge. Its early flowers are a key signal that spring has arrived.
3. Yellow Tulip
Yellow tulips add a pop of sunshine to spring gardens. They grow from bulbs planted in the fall and bloom in mid to late spring. Tulips prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Their bold color works well in flower beds, borders, or containers. These flowers come in many shapes and heights, so you can mix them for variety. After blooming, let the leaves die back naturally to feed the bulb for next year.
4. Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds are easy-to-grow annuals with bright yellow to orange blooms. While they are more common in summer, many varieties start blooming in late spring. They love full sun and can handle poor soil. Marigolds also help repel pests, making them useful in vegetable gardens. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers. Their strong scent and bold color make them stand out in any garden setting.
5. Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis is a cheerful perennial that blooms in late spring with sunny yellow flowers. It thrives in full sun and tolerates drought once established. The daisy-like blooms attract butterflies and bees. Coreopsis is a low-maintenance plant that blooms for weeks. It works well in borders, wildflower gardens, or mixed with other perennials. Trim back old flowers to keep it looking tidy and to promote more blooms.
6. Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha)
Golden columbine features delicate, nodding yellow blooms with long spurs. It blooms in mid to late spring and does well in part shade. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and grows well in woodland or cottage gardens. Golden columbine attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. It has a light, airy look that softens garden edges. It also self-seeds gently, helping it return year after year.
7. Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Yellow iris, also called yellow flag iris, grows well in wet or boggy soil. It produces tall, striking yellow blooms in late spring. This plant is ideal for water gardens, rain gardens, or pond edges. It can spread quickly, so it may need managing in small spaces. Yellow iris prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Its sword-like leaves add structure even after flowering ends.
8. Evening Primrose (Oenothera)
Evening primrose blooms with soft yellow flowers that open in the late afternoon. It starts blooming in late spring and continues into summer. This plant grows well in dry, sandy soil and full sun. It spreads easily and is a good ground cover for sunny spots. Bees and butterflies love its nectar-rich blooms. Some species are native to North America, making them a smart choice for natural gardens.
9. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans bloom in late spring or early summer, depending on the region. They have golden yellow petals with dark brown centers. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and average soil. Black-eyed Susans attract pollinators and are often used in native or wildflower gardens. They are also drought-tolerant once established. Cutting back spent flowers helps extend the blooming season.
10. Yellow Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Yellow snapdragons bloom in cool spring weather with tall spikes of flowers. They prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Snapdragons can be grown from seed or nursery plants. Their unique flower shape adds variety to garden beds. These blooms are favorites of bees and other pollinators. Deadheading helps extend their blooming season.
11. Yellow Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Yellow daylilies produce trumpet-shaped flowers that open for just one day. But each plant has many buds, providing blooms over several weeks. They grow well in full sun to light shade and tolerate a variety of soils. Daylilies are reliable and low maintenance, ideal for borders or mass plantings. Their grassy leaves stay green through the season. Divide clumps every few years to keep them healthy.
12. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers bring bold, tall color to the garden starting in late spring. Their large yellow faces follow the sun as they grow. Sunflowers need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. They come in many sizes, from dwarf varieties to towering types. Birds love the seeds, and pollinators enjoy the blooms. Plant them at the back of beds or along fences for a dramatic effect.
13. Goldenrod (Solidago)
Goldenrod blooms in late summer, but early varieties start in late spring. Its tall stems are topped with clusters of tiny yellow flowers. Goldenrod grows well in full sun and tolerates poor soil. It attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Despite its reputation, it does not cause allergies like ragweed. Goldenrod adds height and a natural look to borders and meadows.
14. Yellow Ranunculus
Yellow ranunculus features layers of soft petals in a rich, golden shade. These cool-season bloomers grow from tubers planted in fall or early spring. Ranunculus prefers full sun and rich, well-draining soil. They are often grown in containers or cutting gardens. Their long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers. In warm climates, they can return each year with the right care.
15. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Calendula, or pot marigold, blooms with bright yellow to orange flowers. It grows easily from seed and prefers cool spring temperatures. Calendula does best in full sun and well-drained soil. The petals are edible and sometimes used in teas or salads. Deadheading spent blooms keeps the flowers coming. This annual is a good choice for borders, containers, or herb gardens.
16. Yellow Rose (Rosa spp.)
Yellow roses bring classic charm to spring gardens. Many modern varieties bloom in spring and continue through summer. Roses need full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps shape the plant and encourage more blooms. Yellow roses symbolize friendship and joy. They can be grown as shrubs, climbers, or in containers, depending on the type.
17. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Blanket flowers bloom from late spring to frost with daisy-like flowers. Many varieties have yellow petals or yellow-red blends. These perennials prefer full sun and poor, sandy soil. They attract pollinators and do well in hot, dry spots. Blanket flowers are low maintenance and bloom for a long time. Removing spent flowers helps keep the plants looking fresh.
18. Yarrow 'Moonshine' (Achillea)
'Yarrow Moonshine' is a compact variety with soft yellow flower clusters. It blooms from late spring into summer. Yarrow grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant and attracts beneficial insects. The fern-like foliage adds texture even when not in bloom. This plant works well in borders, cottage gardens, or dry landscapes.
19. Yellow Zinnia
Yellow zinnias are bright, cheerful flowers that bloom from spring to frost. They grow best in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Zinnias are easy to grow from seed and come in many heights. They attract butterflies and bees and are great for cutting. Regular deadheading helps them bloom longer. Their bold color makes them stand out in beds and borders.
20. Bulbine (Bulbine frutescens)
Bulbine is a succulent-like perennial with yellow flower spikes. It starts blooming in spring and continues into fall. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is very drought-tolerant and perfect for xeriscaping. Bulbine spreads gently to form clumps. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the fleshy leaves add texture.
21. Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia)
Mexican sunflower blooms with bright orange to yellow flowers. It starts in late spring and keeps going into fall. This tall annual prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. The plant can reach six feet or more, adding height and drama. It works well at the back of beds or along fences.
22. Chrysanthemum (Yellow varieties)
Yellow chrysanthemums are often seen in fall, but early-blooming types appear in late spring. These perennials grow well in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Pinching back stems in early summer keeps them compact and full. Chrysanthemums offer rich color and dense blooms. They are great in borders, containers, or as cut flowers.
23. Yellow Lupine (Lupinus luteus)
Yellow lupines are striking, upright plants with tall flower spikes. They bloom in late spring and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Lupines improve soil by fixing nitrogen, making them great for mixed plantings. Their bold color stands out in borders or native gardens. They also attract bees and butterflies. Lupines may need staking in windy areas.
24. Yellow Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri)
Yellow wallflowers bloom in early to mid-spring with clusters of fragrant flowers. They grow well in full sun and average, well-drained soil. Wallflowers are often short-lived perennials or biennials. Their sweet scent and vivid color make them garden favorites. They are especially useful for filling gaps in borders or rock gardens.
25. Yellow Peony (Paeonia hybrids)
Yellow peonies are rare but stunning additions to spring gardens. They bloom in mid to late spring with large, soft yellow flowers. These perennials prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Peonies can live for decades with little care once established. Their blooms are short-lived but make a strong visual impact. Supporting the heavy flowers helps keep them upright and tidy.
Brighten Your Garden One Bloom at a Time
Adding yellow flowers to your spring garden is an easy way to make your space feel warm and full of life. With so many options to choose from, you can find the right plant for every spot, whether sunny or shady, wet or dry. These blooms not only look cheerful, but many also support bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects. Mix tall and short varieties for layers of color and texture. By planning ahead and choosing the right mix, your spring garden can glow with golden beauty all season long.