Flowering shrubs also brighten spring. Especially lovely with its vase-like shape and profusion of soft, pink flowers is the Flowering Almond (Prunus glandulosa). The flowers appear before the leaves. This specimen in a Springfield garden was in full bloom on April 4th. The plant grows 3-4-feet tall, thrives in full sun or partial shade, and does best in light, well-drained garden soil. Note: The blue flowers in the background are Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum).