Nothing is more welcomed then the signs that tell us that spring is coming. When the piles of dirty snow start to melt and the first patches of lawn can be seen. As soon as the warming sun hits our gardens, we can see evidence of life.
Besides the usual spring flowering bulbs like Snow Drops, Crocus and Daffodils etc., there are some shrubs and perennials that will help you herald in the coming of spring.Here are just a few of them that you may wish to incorporate into your garden for early spring colour.
Heath
There are two plants that often get confused with each other and that is Heath (Erica x darleyensis and Erica carnea) and Heather (Calluna vulgarus). Heaths blooms very early spring as the snow begins to melt and Heather is more of a summer bloomer. So it is the Heaths that we are wanting to look at.
- Heath has tiny, very fine textured evergreen foliage. When we are creating a design, we are constantly making sure that we are including different textures for that added interest.
- As early as March, depending on the weather, masses of tiny white, pink, purple or red bell-like flowers start to open. Flowers can last up to a month or two.
- They form a low mounding ground cover getting about one foot high and two feet across.
- They prefer growing in full sun and in a slightly acid soil that drains well.
- Heaths are low maintenance, deer resistant, salt resistant, winter hardy, and drought tolerant (once established). As designers, that makes this plant a winner.
Chinese Witch Hazel
- The early spring blooming Witch Hazel that blooms early from late February to late March is the Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis), not to be confused with our native variety, Hamamelis virginiana that is late fall/early winter blooming.
- Chinese Witch Hazel grows to be a large shrub reaching ten to fifteen feet in height with almost equal spread. When younger, the shrub has a somewhat vase shape, rounding out with age. A good background, filler type of plant.
- It’s unique, highly fragrant flowers can best be described as having a spidery form. Each flower consists of four golden, ribbon-like, crinkled petals. The flowers are clustered along bare branches just waiting to show off. There are some varieties, such as ‘Jelena’, that has coppery orange flowers.
Magnolia
- Nothing more glorious than seeing the Magnolia trees starting to open up in flower in the spring. There are many different species and cultivars to choose from with their large, showy flower colour ranging from white to different shades of pink, purple and reddish-purple. There are also some beautiful yellow flowering varieties as well. With some Magnolia cultivars the flowers can be sweetly scented.
- Most Magnolias will bloom early spring before their leaves open up. They normally come into bloom between mid April to early May depending on temperatures.
- Different species of Magnolias grow to be different sizes from large, multi-stem shrubs to medium size trees (10’ - 30’ tall).
Hellebore (Lenten Rose) - Helleborus
- Hellebores, are one of the earliest perennials to bloom in the spring. They are often referred to as Lenten Rose because they normally are in bloom during the Lent season just prior to Easter.
- Hellebores are very cold tolerant and will often see the flowers poking through the melting snow. Even the blossoms can tolerate freezing temperatures.
- Leaves stay green in winter so do not cut them back in the fall. Instead, wait until spring and just clean up any leaves that might have burnt in the winter sun or any leaves that are showing more browning.
- Hellebores come in a wide variety of colours from white, to apple green, through all shades of pinks, purples, reds and even black coloured ones. There are also single and double flowering varieties available. Most varieties have flowers that slightly nod while other flowers are more upright.
- They prefer to be planted in a part shade to shaded area. They grow best in well-draining soil that is fertile and rich in organic matter.
Forsythia
- Masses of bright yellow blossoms in spring. Blooms all along the stems, not just at the tips.
- Many different varieties available on the market. Some varieties will grow up to ten feet by ten feet.
- One of the best known early flowering shrubs. Blooms early-mid Apri
- While other varieties are dwarf, growing only up to two feet by two feet such as ‘Show Off Sugar Baby’. These dwarf varieties makes it easier for us to include this spring favourite into our designs.
- Grows best in full sun and will tolerate most soils.
Serviceberry
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) and Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier alnifolia) are both native species that can be found growing throughout most of Canada.
- Masses of tiny white flowers opens just prior to the leaves emerging in spring. The flowers are followed by edible blue coloured berries that ripen in June to early July. The berries are often used to make teas, pies and muffins.
- Plant forms into a large, multi-stem shrub or small tree growing to be about ten to fifteen feet tall and eight to ten feet wide.
- Grows well in full sun to part shade. Does well as an understory tree. Prefers a moist soil.
There is nothing that brightens the winter weary soul more than seeing the first signs of spring, popping up in the garden. So, if you you are looking forward to ushering in spring, these are some great plants to be adding into your garden.
As we design gardens for our clients, we always pay special attention, making sure that we are choosing the right plants that will thrive in your particular conditions. We also make sure that we are providing plants that will provide you with interest throughout the different seasons - so that you will be enjoying your garden from early spring right through the winter months.
If you are looking for help with re-designing your garden, please reach out to us and lets start the conversation.