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What’s in Bloom? March at RBG

March 2, 2023

What Blooms in March?

Note: this is a general guide of what typically blooms this month at RBG. Bloom periods may vary by up to 2 weeks. For the best view of what’s blooming right now at RBG, see the current photos on RBG’s Instagram, or find the “Bloom Watch” section on the What’s in Bloom page.

The saying proves true this year: March comes in like a lion, out like a lamb. After a snowy start, spring is right around the corner this month!

At the Rock Garden and RBG Centre, Winter Aconite, Snowdrops, and Crocus will begin to appear as we transition to a new season. Early blooms provide bees with a fresh source of nectar in late winter and early spring when they start to come out of their hives on warm days.

Witch-hazel cultivars continues to bloom at the Arboretum. The first spring wildflowers Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) begins to bloom in March with this large plant found in spring feed lowlands of RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries. The best trails to spot it include the Grindstone Marsh in Hendrie Valley, the Anishinaabe Waadiziwin Trail on the north side of Cootes Paradise, and Westdale Ravine Trail on the south side.

  • Orange and red witch-hazel blooms
  • Two dark purplish brown mottled flowers with twisted, hood-like spathe
  • snow drops
  • Purple Crocus Blooming On Lawn

Pictured, left to right: Hellebore, Japanese Pittosporum, Citrus grove, Orchid display, Bird of Paradise

To get through the final stretch of winter, the Breezeway at RBG Centre is bursting with a rainbow of spring blooms. You’ll find assorted colours of Ranunculus, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Crocus, Hellebore, and Primula species in the Breezeway. Don’t miss this display during your visit to the latest winter exhibit: Frogs!

Continue through to explore the Mediterranean Garden and the Cacti and Succulent Collection which thrive during these bright winter months. Scents of the blooming citrus collection will lure you to the second level, where you will also find Giant Bird of Paradise, Bush Lily, Bottlebrush, and many more in bloom.

Laking Garden is closed for the season. We eagerly await its spring reopening – it won’t be long now!

  • white crocus planted amongst pink primula and purple hyacinth
  • Small white flowers blooming on Japanese pittosporum
  • pink, orange, and yellow ranunculus in an indoor garden display
  • Cluster of bright orange trumpet shaped flowers

Pictured, left to right: Crocus and primula, Japanese pittosporum, Ranunculus, Bush lily, False oxalis

March Favourites

Six petalled white flower that resembles an iris with purple and yellow at the centre

Mediterranean Garden

Two landscaped levels showcase cultivars of native and exotic Mediterranean plants. This indoor garden blooms through the winter, creating an ideal escape from the cold.

white crocus planted amongst pink primula and purple hyacinth

Breezeway Display

Spring comes early to RBG Centre with assorted colours of Ranunculus, Crocus, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Hellebore and a mix of various Primula species in the Breezeway. Some fantastic frogs are overwintering with us throughout the winter exhibit: Frogs!

Hickory Valley trail partially covered in snow

Winter & Early Spring Hiking

Explore RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries with 27km of hiking trails through Hamilton and Burlington!

Plants of Interest in March at RBG

  • Witch-hazel (Arboretum, Rock Garden)
  • Skunk Cabbage (Nature Sanctuaries)
  • Crocus (RBG Centre, Rock Garden)
  • Snowdrops (RBG Centre, Rock Garden)
  • Winter aconite (Rock Garden)
  • Orchid display (RBG Centre)
  • Spring Breezeway display: Ranunculus, hellebore, primula, hellebore, crocus, hyacinth, and daffodil
  • Citrus Collection (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Giant bird of paradise (Mediterranean Garden)
  • African bush lily (Mediterranean Garden)
  • African iris (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Japanese pittosporum (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Eucalyptus (Mediterranean Garden)
  • False Shamrock (Mediterranean Garden)
  • Aloe (Cacti and Succulent Collection)

Blooms by Season

Plants of interest are ever-changing in RBG’s five cultivated garden areas and nature sanctuaries. Learn what’s blooming now or see the blooms calendar for a rough estimation of what to expect each season.