For many, the first week of spring offers the opportunity to enjoy seasonal flowers in the garden (and around the home) – and the royal family is no different.
The family offered a look inside the most famous royal residence of all – Buckingham Palace – dressed for the new season with magnolias and camellias and the flower synonymous with spring: daffodils.
'Spring has sprung in the Buckingham Palace garden,' the family says. The photo carousel below shows five of the many flowers on the expansive London grounds, aptly beginning with the March birth flower.
3 flowers seen in Buckingham Palace' spring garden
Unsurprisingly, the royal spring garden has acquired a host of attention from fans worldwide – but what does it include? These are the three most notable flowers you can bring into your backyard this season.
1. Daffodils
The first flower is also the most associated with spring – but it's also the national flower of Wales, meaning it likely has a special meaning for the former Prince of Wales. It was also loved by the late Queen, who had a daffodil created for her in 2012 (the Narcissus Diamond Jubilee, among other specially-bred varieties).
While you won’t be able to get your hands on these special varieties, there are others, such as the Tazetta daffodils and the fragrant Pheasant’s Eye daffodils, that are easy to find far beyond Buckingham Palace's gates. We also love these daffodil bulbs from Amazon for their bountiful, colorful, and long-lasting qualities.
'Bulbous flowers are a great addition to any garden as they make gorgeous bouquets to enjoy inside or brighten up a yard when most other plants are still awakening,' says the garden-planning experts at Screen With Envy. The experts add that daffodils are also beautiful indoor flowering plants – adding that miniature varieties are ideal for growing inside.
2. Magnolias
As seen in the second image, magnolias are widely grown ornamental trees that are at their most impactful in spring or early summer. If you're looking to replicate the royal garden, the RHS recommends planting in a sheltered spot in the sun or in light shade. 'Some need acidic conditions, but many are happy in any fertile, moist, well-drained soil,' they say.
Larger species, much the like seen in Buckingham Palace, needs ample space, but if you're working with a small garden, you can grow more compact magnolias in containers.
3. Camellias
If a look inside the Palace has inspired you to grow camellias, you may be pleased to hear that the process is refreshingly easy.
Growing up to 39ft (12m) and 26ft (8m) wide (with the right care), these royal family-approved blooms are suitable for both flower beds or containers (once again, a good idea if you're working with a more compact garden). Evergreen foliage means they are great for screening and maintaining privacy (which we imagine makes them a favorite among the family).
This spring is the first since Queen Elizabeth II's passing in September 2022, and consequently, the king's coronation on May 6th, 2023. On the theme of springtime (and summer flowers), Buckingham Palace also unveiled the official Coronation emblem for King Charles III and the Queen consort, which honors the couple's dedication to the environment – and all four corners of the United Kingdom.
The new emblem includes the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the daffodil of Wales (fittingly), and the shamrock of Northern Ireland. It also features the flowers of St. Edward’s Crown, which the king will wear during the ceremony (Merco Press reports).
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