Easter is coming, which means that chocolate eggs have been waiting on the supermarket shelves for approximately six months, the weather has (mostly) committed to it being spring, and we’re no longer surprised that it’s still light when we close the shop at 6pm. We are definitely feeling that Easter itself has arrived late this year…
It is a festival intrinsically linked to the time of year - to spring, and the seasonal and religious themes of rebirth, renewal and regeneration. And so many cultures find something to celebrate in the spring - so whether you are celebrating Easter here in the UK or over in the US, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, or Holi in Northern India, we hope you are looking forward to the season ahead.
With all this celebration of growth and renewal around, it’s unsurprising that, over the years, we have turned to plants and flowers to help us celebrate the spring and Easter itself. We thought it would be fun to look into some of the most appropriate Easter plants to bring into your homes and gardens this year - whether you’re looking for an Easter gift or seasonal decorations for your home, here’s some lovely foliage and blooms to start you off…
Easter Plants for your Garden
Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
The Easter Lily may well be the first plant that comes to mind for one that’s themed around Easter. As with many species of lily, its delicate white colouring has been used to symbolise innocence and purity, themes often closely associated with the religious festival. While this plant is often sold in the spring, and can be ‘forced’ to flower earlier indoors, it is actually a summer bloom in the UK. Plant it outdoors in a sunny spot at Easter for beautiful white blooms in June.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
These bright yellow blooms have a long and strong association with spring and Eastertime. One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, the daffodils are often in full bloom at Easter and bring cheer to any garden or grass verge. They may have already bloomed this year, but that won’t make them lose this connection. With strong connotations of renewal and rebirth as well as hope, daffodils are a fantastic addition to your garden this time of year - and, planted in the green, they can establish more quickly in your home for flowers and growth next year.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus spp.)
Perfect for Eastertime, Hyacinths bloom in early spring and bring bright shades of pink, indigo and white to your garden. Often included in seasonal bouquets, they will look beautiful growing outdoors as part of your spring bedding or brought indoors as cut flowers. They symbolise joy, forgiveness and sincerity, all staples for celebrating Easter in or out of the church.
Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
One of my favourite sights to see in spring is the eruption of vibrant, colourful tulips. A reminder of spring in full bloom, tulips often flower in perfect time for Easter. Thanks to the time of year, they are also associated with rebirth, as well as happiness, forgiveness and love.They are often included in spring decorations and bouquets, bringing some of that symbolism indoors. Found in a variety of colours, tulips are an ideal way to bring spring into your garden. Plus, I always thought the flowers are slightly egg-shaped, echoing one of the most recognisable symbols of Easter.
Irises (Iris spp.)
The beautiful iris is another early spring bulb associated with rebirth, and the various colours of the iris flowers also have their own connections: blue for faith, yellow for passion, white for innocence. In antiquity the flower was named for the rainbow, and believed to be a symbol of divine protection; Victorian floriographers - those who sent messages through flowers - used them to mean ‘good news’; and to this day, they are a symbol of hope. I do think that any plant optimistic enough to bloom early in spring must be a hopeful one!
And what about indoor plants, you may ask? Well, because the conditions in our homes are not as dependent on the season as those outdoors, there are not as many close seasonal connections with houseplants as with spring bulbs in our gardens. There is plenty of opportunity to fill your home with colour for Easter, however - here are our top suggestions!
Easter Houseplants for your Home
Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)
You may have heard of the Easter Cactus, or if not, of the Christmas or Thanksgiving Cactus. Like its winter-blooming cousins, the Easter Cactus flowers seasonally indoors, and this species is ready for approximately Easter each year. Fill your home with colour with these colourful, tubular blooms for a tropical indoor spring to complement the temperate outdoor spring.
Orchid (Various Orchidaceae)
Many species of Orchid are happy to bloom in their consistently showstopping fashion in spring. They like the increasing light through your windows, and the lower nighttime temperatures that extend into this season. And unlike a bouquet, they can flower again after the original blooms have faded. Check out our care notes for individual species to find out how best to look after them - if you’re just starting out, colourful Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) and Hybrid Cambria orchids are good for beginners.
Kalanchoe (K. blossfeldiana, K. beharensis, K. tomentosa)
The genus of Kalanchoe gives a few options for thematic Easter houseplants. If you want to fill your home with colourful blooms, the Flaming Katy (K. blossfeldiana) is an excellent addition. Plus, its succulent leaves are expert at coping with increasing sunlight this time of year. Foliage Kalanchoes can also be thematically appropriate; with their growth pattern, they make cross shapes when seen from above. So while you’re munching a hot cross bun, you could also be admiring a fluffy Kalanchoe tomentosa or the striking Kalanchoe beharensis‘Maltese Cross’, whose leaves grow in cross-like patterns.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Like the Easter Lily, the Peace Lily’s white blooms can symbolise purity and innocence, as well as the calm they are often said to bring into our homes. It is also happy to stay in your home year-round, and bloom at this time of year. It may not be a true lily, but it will grow quite happily somewhere out of direct sun in your home, appreciating April-shower-levels of water year-round and bringing some tropical vibrancy into your home for this season and the next.
Begonia (Begonia rex)
These foliage Begonias are a striking way of bringing colour into your home without the need to bloom. There is a huge range of colourful foliage available in this species, from shimmering silvers to deep mauve and bright, shining scarlet. A cheerful addition of colour for spring, these plants can flower, but their foliage is the main event - and will stay just as vibrant year-round.
Whether you are celebrating Easter with your family, in your church, or in your own home; or whether you are simply full of the joys of spring, we hope this has inspired you to bring some seasonal colour into your home and garden. Whether as an explicit celebration of Easter or simply a seasonal excuse for more plants, keep growing and keep smiling this season - and, as ever, Happy Sprouting!
Rhianna Bangham
Rhianna works in the shop and contributes to Sprouts of Bristol’s content, including plant care notes, product descriptions, and blog posts. With a degree in Classics, Rhianna’s love for languages – including Latin – is perfect for decoding plant names and adding extra detail to our plant care guides. Outside of work, she enjoys rowing, cycling, and learning the violin. Her favourite plant? The ever-popular Spider Plant, of course!
