Spring Flowers That Make Your Home More Inviting to Potential Buyers

Spring has finally sprung, coinciding with a busy home selling season. This year, the best week to sell your house is just around the corner. A recent Realtor.com®  report found that the week of April 13–19 “is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers more than any other week in the year.”

While home sellers get busy prepping the inside of their houses for showings, a property’s curb appeal can also make an enormous difference for buyers.

And what’s more appealing and pleasing to the eye than flowers?

According to Carmen Prince, division vice president for Tennessee Realtors, the state association of the National Association of Realtors®, the saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” rings true when it comes to selling a house.

“Landscaping makes a lasting first impression on homebuyers. When potential buyers see a poorly maintained yard, they assume the house has also been poorly maintained,” she says.

A survey by Trees.com shows property values can decrease by up to 30% due to poor landscaping alone, she notes.

That is why 92% of real estate agents have suggested sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale, she adds, citing an NAR survey.

When to plant spring flowers at home

When to plant spring flowers varies depending on where you live and your plant hardiness zone, as the weather across the country differs drastically.

Gloria Sims, florist and owner of Florist Empire, explains that the time to plant flowers depends on whether bulbs or fully grown plants are involved.

For instance, she says tulips and daffodils are bulbs that need to be planted early in the fall because they need a period of cold dormancy to flower in spring.

“For everyone who is planting already grown flowers from the nursery, it is generally accepted that the springtime is the best time to plant or when the last frost date has passed for your USDA hardiness zone,” she says.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac or local extension office should be able to help homeowners find that month’s optimal window, she adds. Climates vary widely across the country—from early planting in Southeastern locations in February, to late in April or May for Northeastern and Midwest locations.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac recently released a handy “How Soon You Can Plant” map, which shows each U.S. region’s anticipated planting conditions—including precipitation, soil moisture, and frost thaw—at the start of the spring season.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Northeast

For Northeast homeowners, excellent choices for spring flowers include daffodils, tulips, and pansies, according to Sims.

“The fall plantings would have already been in the ground for daffodils and tulips. Pansies can go in early spring, however, as they are cool-tolerant,” she says. These are also great flowers if you have wildlife problems, as they are deer-resistant.

Another planting tip: Though most thrive when planted directly in the ground, pansies also do well in containers, allowing for great versatility in porch displays, adds Sims.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Northwest

The three main flowers that color the Northwest in spring include rhododendron, bleeding heart, and tulip.

Sims notes that rhododendron remains a solid evergreen shrub that does well in the cool, wet climate of the Northwest. Bleeding heart has delicate pink flowers, which add visual charm to the landscape.

“Tulip, if planted in fall, pops its color very early in the growing season,” she says.

While tulips are great for all kinds of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, Sims notes that they may have to be protected from deer.

“Most of these plants would prefer well-draining soil and would tolerate a bit of shade, and with proper care, they will return year after year,” she adds.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Southeast

Prince says lavender is one of the best flowers for curb appeal in the Southeast, particularly in Tennessee. This fragrant, deer-resistant perennial attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies while repelling garden pests.

Additional great options for that region include sunflowers, “a bright, cheerful option that supports pollinators,” and hydrangeas, “known for their large, colorful blooms that can change color based on the pH in the soil.”

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Southwest

Ryan Nelson, founder of Property Build, a platform for rental property projects, says that in this region, the sun-loving gazania offers a burst of color that looks perfectly at home in the arid landscape.

He also suggests the self-seeding California poppies as they can subtly hint at a natural, easy-going charm. Meanwhile, the hardy verbena, which attracts butterflies, reinforces the idea of a vibrant outdoor space, even in a drier climate.

Additional options include penstemons, particularly the firecracker penstemon, which “make superb hummingbird-attracting plants,” according to Sims.

Best spring flowers to plant if you live in the Midwest

For homeowners in the Midwest, once again the classic tulips are an option for spring flowers, as they range in color and offer a universally appealing sign of spring’s arrival.

Another option? “The native purple coneflower speaks to a connection with the local ecosystem and low-maintenance appeal,” says Nelson.

He also suggests the bee balm, which can attract hummingbirds and adds a dynamic element that can capture a buyer’s attention, creating a positive association with the property’s natural surroundings.

For all other regions

Certain flowers bode well across the country. Pansies, for instance, are fantastic spring flowers for all regions, according to Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus – Luxury Estate Landscaping.

“There are a range of varieties and colors available that can be mixed into interesting displays,” says Dilmore.

These can be planted in the garden or pots, though they are best kept in pots for an interesting container display.

“Pansies are not considered perennials and are planted each spring and often fade in intense heat,” he adds.

Flower colors matter to buyers

The flowers’ colors can also have an impact, as they can convey different feelings.

Nelson says that, for instance, buyers are often looking for a sense of welcome, care, and happiness.

In turn, bright, cheerful colors such as yellows, oranges, and pinks can evoke joy, optimism, and energy.

“A splash of bright yellow daffodils or cheerful pink tulips near the front door can instantly make a property feel more inviting and well-cared for,” he says. “It suggests a home full of life.”

Calming, serene colors such as blues, purples, and soft pinks can create a sense of peace and tranquility.

“Lavender or soft blue forget-me-nots can make a property feel like a relaxing retreat,” he says. This can be particularly appealing in more hectic urban or suburban areas.

Meanwhile, white and cream flowers often convey a sense of sophistication and cleanliness.

“A border of white impatiens or elegant cream-colored peonies can give a property a polished and timeless appeal,” he explains.

Nelson also recommends avoiding overwhelming combinations.

“While color is great, you want a harmonious feel,” he says. It’s best to stick to a cohesive color palette that complements the house’s exterior.

“Too many clashing colors can feel chaotic and detract from the overall appeal,” he adds.

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