A Seasonal Guide to Flowering Trees, Shrubs & Plants
One of the best ways to create a truly eye-catching landscape in Virginia Beach is by planning for continuous blooms throughout the year. In our Zone 8B climate, we’re fortunate to enjoy a long growing season meaning your yard can have color from late winter all the way through fall.
The key is knowing what blooms when and designing your landscape to flow naturally from one season to the next.
Let’s break it down: starting with spring, when everything begins to come to life.
Spring Blooms in Virginia Beach (The Main Event)
Late Winter to Early Spring (February – March)
These are often the first signs of life after winter:
Flowering Trees:
- Flowering cherry
- Plum trees
- Early magnolias
- Fruit trees(ornamental and edible)
Bulbs & Perennials:
- Daffodils
- Crocus
- Hyacinth
- Tulip
Shrubs:
- Camellias
- Winter jasmine
These early bloomers are essential for adding color when most landscapes still look dormant.
Perennials vs. Annuals: Why You Need Both
One of the biggest questions homeowners have is: Should I plant perennials or annuals? The answer: both.
Perennials (The Foundation)
Perennials come back year after year and form the backbone of your pollinator garden.
Benefits:
- Long-term investment with less replanting
- Provide consistent nectar sources
- Often include native species that support local ecosystems
Examples for Zone 8B:
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Black-eyed Susan
- Bee balm
- Milkweed (critical for monarch butterflies)
Annuals (Seasonal Color & Boost)
Annuals bloom quickly and often provide intense, long-lasting color throughout the season.
Benefits:
- Extended bloom periods (spring through fall)
- Fill gaps between perennial bloom cycles
- Attract high numbers of pollinators quickly
Examples:
- Zinnias
- Sunflowers
- Lantana
- Cosmos
The Power of Mixing Both
The best pollinator gardens combine perennials and annuals to ensure continuous blooms from early spring through late fall. This is essential for sustaining pollinators throughout their life cycles.
This layered approach also creates a fuller, more dynamic landscape with color, texture, and movement all season long.
Early to Mid-Spring (March – April)
This is when landscapes in Virginia Beach really begin to pop.
Flowering Trees:
- Dogwood (a local favorite)
- Redbud
- Saucer magnolia
Shrubs:
- Azaleas
- Spirea
- Viburnum
Perennials:
- Creeping phlox
- Columbine
- Salvia (early varieties)
Annuals (great for added color):
- Pansies
- Violas
- Snapdragons
This is one of the most important planting windows of the year, as conditions are ideal for root establishment.
Late Spring (April – May)
Late spring brings fuller, more vibrant landscapes and sets the stage for summer.
Flowering Trees:
- Fringe tree
- Crabapple
- Tulip Poplar
Shrubs:
- Hydrangeas (early varieties begin)
- Gardenias
- Roses
Perennials:
- Coreopsis
- Black-eyed Susan (early bloomers)
- Yarrow
Annuals:
- Petunias
- Begonias
- Marigolds
By late spring, your landscape should be layered with color, texture, and depth.
Summer Blooms (June – August)
While spring gets the spotlight, summer keeps your landscape alive with bold color especially in Virginia Beach’s heat and humidity.
Trees:
- Crape myrtle (a staple in coastal Virginia)
- Southern Magnolia
Shrubs:
- Hydrangeas (full bloom)
- Butterfly bush
Perennials:
- Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Daylilies
- Blanket flower
Annuals:
- Zinnias
- Sunflowers
- Lantana
Summer plantings should focus on heat-tolerant and drought-resistant varieties to thrive in coastal conditions.
Fall Blooms (September – November)
Fall is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most rewarding seasons for color and texture.
Trees:
- Some late crape myrtle blooms continue
- Trees transition into fall foliage color
Shrubs:
- Camellias (fall varieties begin)
- Beautyberry (for berries and interest)
Perennials:
- Asters
- Goldenrod
- Sedum
Annuals:
- Mums
- Ornamental kale & cabbage
- Pansies
- Snapdragons
Fall is also one of the best times for planting in Virginia Beach, thanks to cooler temperatures and reduced stress on plants.
Winter Interest (December – January)
Even in winter, your landscape doesn’t have to feel empty.
Evergreens & Structure:
- Hollies
- Boxwoods
- Wax myrtle
Winter Bloomers:
- Camellias
- Hellebores (Lenten rose)
Adding structure and winter bloomers keeps your yard visually appealing year-round.
Why Seasonal Planning Matters
A well-designed landscape isn’t just about what looks good today, it’s about what looks good all year long.
By combining flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that bloom in sequence, you can:
- Maintain continuous color across all seasons
- Support pollinators throughout the year
- Increase curb appeal and property value
- Reduce the need for constant replanting
How We Help Bring It All Together
Knowing what blooms when is one thing, designing a landscape that actually works is another. The team at Coastal Roots Landscape & Design in Virginia Beach specializes in creating landscapes tailored to Virginia Beach’s Zone 8B climate. We help homeowners:
- Select the right mix of trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Design beds for year-round blooms
- Incorporate both perennials and seasonal annuals
- Install and maintain landscapes for long-term success
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing yard, we can help you build a landscape that evolves beautifully through every season.
