Looking to add a splash of colour and life to your garden? April is the perfect month to plant flowering shrubs that will brighten up your outdoor space not just this year, but for many years to come.
Planting shrubs now gives them plenty of time to settle in before summer, and the spring moisture helps them establish strong roots without too much effort from you.
Here are our top five flowering shrubs to plant in April for a stunning, low-maintenance garden.
1. Forsythia – A Burst of Early Yellow
Nothing says “spring” like the vivid golden blooms of Forsythia. This easy-going shrub flowers profusely in early spring, often before its leaves emerge, making it a cheerful highlight in any garden.
✅ Why We Love It:
- Incredibly tough and easy to grow.
- Provides a spectacular display just when you need it most.
- Grows well in most soils and positions, although it loves full sun for the best flowers.
✅ Care Tips:
- Prune after flowering to keep it compact and encourage more blooms next year.
- Works well as part of a mixed hedge or as a standalone feature.
🌿 Perfect for: Brightening up borders or creating a golden spring hedge.
2. Camellia – Elegant Spring Blooms
Camellias bring a touch of elegance to spring gardens with their glossy evergreen leaves and spectacular rose-like flowers. Flowering varieties like Camellia japonica are ideal for planting in April if the ground isn’t frozen.
✅ Why We Love It:
- Provides structure and year-round greenery, even when not in flower.
- Blooms from late winter through to spring in shades of pink, red, white, and cream.
- Great for shady or partially shaded spots.
✅ Care Tips:
- Prefers acidic, well-drained soil—consider using ericaceous compost.
- Water with rainwater rather than tap water if possible.
🌿 Perfect for: Adding colour to shady borders or pots on a patio.
3. Ribes sanguineum (Flowering Currant) – A Pollinator Favourite
If you want a shrub that attracts bees and butterflies and flowers beautifully in spring, flowering currant is a top pick. Its clusters of deep pink, red or white flowers are not only stunning but are also a vital food source for early pollinators.
✅ Why We Love It:
- Tough, hardy, and low-maintenance.
- Early flowering makes it a lifeline for bees emerging from hibernation.
- Adds a lovely, fruity scent to the garden.
✅ Care Tips:
- Thrives in full sun or light shade.
- Lightly prune after flowering to keep it compact and full.
🌿 Perfect for: Wildlife-friendly gardens and informal borders.
4. Spiraea japonica – Easy Colour for Every Garden
Spiraea japonica offers clouds of tiny pink or white flowers through late spring and summer, and it’s one of the easiest shrubs to grow for beginners. Compact, colourful, and reliable, it’s a great addition to modern gardens.
✅ Why We Love It:
- Needs very little care once established.
- Available in varieties with colourful foliage that changes through the seasons.
- Works well in borders, cottage gardens, and even pots.
✅ Care Tips:
- Cut back hard in early spring before growth starts to keep it neat.
- Loves sunny spots but tolerates some shade.
🌿 Perfect for: Adding reliable colour to beds, borders, and pots.
5. Ceanothus (Californian Lilac) – A Blue Wonder
If you dream of having clouds of blue flowers in your garden, Ceanothus is the shrub for you. Flowering spectacularly in late April into May, this evergreen is a showstopper when in full bloom.
✅ Why We Love It:
- Gorgeous, often fragrant blue flowers.
- Many types are evergreen, providing year-round structure.
- Brilliant for attracting bees and butterflies.
✅ Care Tips:
- Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot for the best results.
- Needs well-drained soil and minimal pruning (just light shaping after flowering).
🌿 Perfect for: South-facing walls, sunny borders, or informal screens.
Quick Summary: Top 5 Flowering Shrubs for April
| Shrub | Best Features |
|---|---|
| Forsythia | Golden spring blooms, very easy to grow |
| Camellia | Elegant, evergreen, flowers in shade |
| Flowering Currant (Ribes) | Bee magnet, scented, early colour |
| Spiraea japonica | Long-lasting colour, low-maintenance |
| Ceanothus (Californian Lilac) | Stunning blue flowers, evergreen beauty |
Get Planting This Spring!
April is prime time for planting shrubs and giving your garden a head start on a beautiful summer display.
Whether you want bold colour, structure, or wildlife-friendly features, these five shrubs are perfect for easy, long-lasting impact.
Need Help Planting or Planning Your Perfect Garden?
At Project Garden, we can help with planting, border design, hedge trimming, lawn care, and full garden makeovers. Let’s bring your spring garden dreams to life!
📞 Call 07795 800 772
📧 Email info@projectgarden.co.uk
🌿 Let’s grow something amazing together this spring!