Popular Flowers in April

Popular bulbs include tulips.

Popular April flowers offer a vibrant burst of color after a long winter. April flowers add new life to a dormant garden or park setting. Cut flowers can grace a table centerpiece or a spring wedding. Early bloomers, such as the tulip, are highly marketed at Easter.

Tulip

The tulip belongs to the genus Tulipa and family Liliaceae. According to Texas A&M University, this bulbous perennial originated in central Asia and arrived in Europe in the 16th century. Its natural habitats are hilly areas with hot, dry summers and cold winters. The cup-shaped blooms feature three petals and three sepals. Most species have one flower per stem. Early spring tulips include Kaufmanniana, Fosteriana, Greigii Tulips and Double Early. Popular colors include red, yellow, apricot and white. Bi-colors include Kees Nelis with red and yellow petals. Flower bases often show a darker coloring. Height ranges from 4 to 28 inches, depending on the variety.

Peruvian Lily

The Peruvian lily belongs to the Alstroemeriaceae family. Native to South America, this perennial is named for Swedish botanist and consul Baron Von Alstroemer. These long-lasting blooms come in yellow, purple, violet and bi-colored varieties. Resembling miniature lilies, the Peruvian lily symbolizes friendship and devotion. The Peruvian lily features an upright or vertical form ranging in height from 24 to 28 inches tall. Width ranges from 8 to 28 inches wide.

Bellflower

The bellflower or cup flower (Campanula carpatica) belongs to the family Campanulaceae. The bell-shaped or cupped blooms feature blue or white flowers that measure 1 or 2 inches on wiry stems. Growing conditions include full sun with partial shade. This perennial grows as a border flower and ground cover. Bellflowers also grow on dry wall and in rock gardens. Campanula reaches a height of 8 inches and a width of 12 to 18 inches. The Pearl Deep Blue variety features blossom with an open umbrella shape instead of the characteristic bell shape.

Common Lilac

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) belongs to the family Oleaceae (Olive). This common shrub features an oval to irregularly round crown and a shallow, dense root system. According to North Dakota State University, the crown height ranges from 8 to 12 feet and the crown width ranges from 6 to 12 feet. The showy, fragrant flowers have white to purple petals. Flowering time ranges from early to late spring. Leaves feature a smooth, leathery surface. Popular uses include cut flowers, shelters, shrub borders and massing.

References

• Flowers & Plants Association: Flowers by Month -- April
• Texas A&M System, AgriLife Extension: Peruvian Lily, Alstroemeria
• University of California, Davis: Alstromeria, Peruvian Lily
• Texas A&M System, AgriLife Extension: Cupflower or Bellflower, Campanula Carpatica
• North Dakota State University: Common Lilac
• Texas A&M University, Lecture: Bulbs

Resources

• University of Illinois Extension, Homeowner's Column: Carnation -- Not Your Granny's Bloomers