March is when Lancashire gardens finally start to wake up after winter. The soil is still cold and the weather can be unpredictable, but there are already some brilliant plants putting on colour. If your garden still looks a little tired after winter, this is the time of year when early spring plants begin to take over, bringing colour back to borders, beds and containers.
Here’s a real-time look at what’s flowering right now in gardens across Lancashire.
Camellia
Camellias are one of the most impressive early spring flowering shrubs you’ll see in March. Their glossy evergreen leaves provide structure all year, but in spring they burst into life with large rose-like flowers in shades of pink, red and white.
In Lancashire’s cooler climate, camellias usually begin flowering late February through March, making them a brilliant focal point for spring gardens.
Camellias prefer acidic soil and a sheltered position, ideally out of harsh morning sun which can damage the flowers after frost.
If you want reliable early colour, camellias are one of the best shrubs to plant.
Hellebore (Lenten Rose)
Hellebores are a favourite among gardeners because they thrive when very little else is flowering. Often called Lenten Roses, these hardy perennials start flowering in late winter and continue well into early spring.
In March across Lancashire you’ll usually see them in full display, with nodding flowers in shades of:
- Deep purple
- Soft pink
- Creamy white
- Speckled varieties
Hellebores are perfect for shady borders, woodland planting, and under trees, where many other plants struggle.
They’re also incredibly low maintenance once established.
Forsythia
Few plants shout “spring has arrived” quite like forsythia. This shrub produces bright yellow flowers along bare stems before its leaves appear, creating a striking display that can be seen from across the garden. In Lancashire gardens, forsythia usually begins flowering mid to late March, depending on temperatures.
Forsythia works particularly well as:
- A feature shrub in borders
- Informal hedging
- A backdrop for spring bulbs
Once established it grows quickly and is very easy to maintain.
Daphne
Daphne may not be the biggest flowering shrub in March, but it is easily one of the most fragrant. The small clusters of pink or white flowers produce an incredibly strong sweet scent that carries through the garden. Many gardeners place daphne near paths, entrances or patios so the fragrance can be enjoyed every time you walk past.
Daphne prefers a sheltered spot and well-drained soil. Once planted it’s best left undisturbed as it dislikes being moved.
Pulmonaria (Lungwort)
Pulmonaria is a fantastic early spring perennial that thrives in shady gardens. The flowers often start pink and gradually change to blue or purple, which means you can see multiple colours on the same plant at once. The foliage is also attractive, with many varieties producing silver-spotted leaves that brighten darker parts of the garden.
Pulmonaria is particularly popular for:
- Woodland gardens
- Shady borders
- Underplanting shrubs
It’s also loved by early pollinators, which makes it a great plant for wildlife-friendly gardens.
Primrose
Primroses are one of the classic signs of spring across the UK. Their cheerful yellow flowers start appearing in March and often continue flowering well into April.
Primroses are incredibly versatile and can be planted in:
- Borders
- Containers
- Rockeries
- Woodland gardens
They’re also excellent for adding instant colour to pots and patio displays.
Because they thrive in Lancashire’s cooler spring temperatures, primroses are one of the easiest plants to grow for early season colour.
Visit Old Oak Farm Nurseries in Hoghton
If you’re looking to add some early spring colour to your garden, March is the perfect time to visit the nursery. Many of the plants mentioned above are flowering right now, making it easy to choose varieties that are already performing well in Lancashire gardens. Whether you're planning a full garden refresh or just want to brighten a border after winter, our team is always happy to help you find the right plants.
Local advice makes it easier
Every Lancashire garden is different. Heavy clay, poor drainage and unpredictable weather mean generic advice doesn’t always work.
At Old Oak Farm Nurseries, we can help you choose the right compost, soil improvers and plants for local conditions. If you’re unsure what your garden needs most right now, just ask. A quick chat can save a lot of trial and error.
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