Spring Flowers in Ontario You Can Spot This Season
Spring in Ontario is that magical time when the snow finally starts melting (fingers crossed), the birds start singing again, and little green shoots poke their way out of the ground like nature’s confetti. Whether you're a plant nerd or just someone who enjoys stopping to smell the… hyacinths, here’s a blooming guide to some of the most delightful early spring flowers Ontario has to offer.
Ahh, spring in Ontario – that magical time when the snow finally starts melting (fingers crossed), the birds start singing again, and little green shoots poke their way out of the ground like nature’s confetti. If you’ve been hibernating all winter like most of us, this is your sign to grab your comfiest hoodie, head outdoors, and go flower-spotting - because Ontario knows how to put on a floral show every Spring! Whether you're a plant nerd or just someone who enjoys stopping to smell the… hyacinths, here’s a blooming guide to some of the most delightful early spring flowers Ontario has to offer. Bring your camera, a snack, and maybe a tissue if you get emotional at the sight of petals (no judgement).
1. Pussywillow – Fuzzy Little Signs That Spring Is Real
If you’ve never rubbed a pussywillow between your fingers and said “aww” out loud, are you even Canadian? These fuzzy buds pop up before the leaves do, usually along rivers, creeks, or swampy areas. They’re basically nature’s version of cozy mittens for branches.
Pussywillows are one of the earliest spring flowers Ontario showcases. They may not be flashy like tulips, but they’ve got charm. Bees love them, florists love them, and they just scream “winter is officially over.”
2. Siberian Squill – A Blue Blanket You’ll Want to Lie In (But Don’t)
When these little guys bloom, they do it big time. The Siberian squill looks like the ground is covered in tiny blue stars. They spread quickly, so you’ll often see huge patches of them in parks or older neighborhoods where the bulbs have gone wild (in a good way).
Their color is unreal — a rich, dreamy blue that’s rare in the flower world. They're low to the ground but easy to spot because of the sheer number. One minute, there’s nothing… and the next, BAM – blue as far as the eye can see.
3. Snowdrops – The Real MVPs of Spring
Snowdrops are overachievers. While most plants are like “ehh, still cold,” snowdrops are already blooming while there’s snow on the ground. Talk about dedication.
These little white flowers droop like sleepy fairies and pop up in gardens, forests, and pretty much anywhere they’re planted. Seeing them feels like getting a text from spring saying, “Be there soon!”
4. Wild Blue Phlox – Spring’s Woodland Supermodel
Now this one’s a looker. Wild blue phlox (also called woodland phlox) isn’t shy about flaunting its soft purple-blue petals in shady forest areas. It’s the kind of flower that makes you want to lie down on a mossy patch and take a deep breath (or maybe just post it on Instagram, whatever works).
It’s one of those early spring flowers Ontario is proud to call native. Plus, butterflies and hummingbirds can’t get enough of it, which makes your flower walks way more interesting.
5. Hyacinths – Fancy and Fragrant
You’ll smell hyacinths before you see them. These guys don’t hold back – they come in pink, purple, blue, white, and they all smell like spring in a bottle.
Hyacinths are the drama queens of the garden: bold colors, strong scents, big energy. But hey, we love them for it. Plant nurseries and city flowerbeds usually have a bunch this time of year. You won’t be able to resist leaning in for a whiff.
6. Crocuses – The Early Risers
Crocuses are tiny but mighty. They’re often the first to break through the snow and frozen soil, as if to say, “We don’t care how cold it is, we’re ready.” They come in cheerful shades of purple, white, and yellow, and when you see a cluster of crocuses flowers poking up through your sad-looking lawn, you’ll know that better days are ahead. Early spring flowers Ontario wouldn’t be complete without these brave little blooms.
7. Bloomerang Lilacs – Not Just a One-Time Thing
Lilacs are a classic sign that spring has really arrived, but the bloomerang lilacs? They bloom in spring and come back for more in late summer/fall. Like a good Netflix series, they’ve got a second season.
They’ve got the same heavenly smell as traditional lilacs, but their reblooming nature makes them stand out. You’ll find them in gardens all across Ontario, and if you're lucky, your neighbors might have a few you can “accidentally” walk past every day.
Where to Go Flower-Hunting in Ontario
So, where can you actually find all these spring beauties? Pretty much everywhere! But if you want a few solid leads, here are a few places:
And the best part? Most of these flowers come back year after year with no extra work.
High Park (Toronto)
– Great for crocuses, snowdrops, and woodland wildflowers.
Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington)
– Flower heaven. Enough said.
Your own backyard
– Seriously, check your lawn. Nature’s sneaky like that.
Forest trails and conservation areas
– Look for wild blue phlox, pussywillows, and more.
Final Thoughts: Spring, You Beautiful Thing!
Ontario’s spring flowers aren’t just pretty—they’re symbolic. After months of grey skies and slushy boots, seeing warmth, consistent sunlight and vibrant color return to the world does something extremely positive to your brain. There’s joy in watching a crocus peek out of the ground or catching the scent of hyacinths drifting through the air.
So this spring, take a moment to slow down. Go for a walk, look closely at the ground, breathe in the scent of a bloomerang lilac, and whisper “thank you” to the universe (or just smile quietly). These early spring flowers Ontario is lucky to have are little reminders that good things are always growing—even when you can’t see them yet.
We, at Apple Blossom Flowers, are proud to be one of South Ontario’s trusted flower experts. We love spreading the joy of floral goodness to clients from Pickering to Port Hope and all cities in between. So, whether you are looking for flower delivery in Oshawa, flower delivery in Bowmanville, flower delivery in Port Hope, Flower Delivery in Whitby or shopping for Mother’s Day flowers, Apple Blossom has something for everyone. If you’ve made it all the way till here, we encourage you to place an order and bring the joy of flowers to your life or have them delivered to someone special.
