We look forward to the arrival of spring flowers with eager anticipation. The small green shoots which develop and open their flower heads assure us that winter is finally over and we can look forward to the new season. This list of all-star spring flowers is divided into three categories comprising early, mid and late spring varieties. The plants are described in an article by Anne Balogh which I found on the Garden Design Magazine website.
Zones: 4-9 Bloom time: Late January to May Height: 12-18 inches All-star qualities: This long-blooming spring beauty, also called the Lenten rose, features exotic single or double flowers in a vast array of colors, often with dramatic contrasting stamens and interiors. The flowers may appear even before the snow melts and will last two months or longer. In mild climates, the glossy dark-green leaves remain evergreen and can be used as a groundcover. Best locations: Hellebores grow best in sites protected from extreme conditions, such as cold winter winds and full sunlight. They are ideal for brightening up shady locations under trees or shrubs and look stunning incorporated into woodland gardens. Growing tips: Hellebores are easy to propagate by dividing or by allowing clumps to spread through self-seeding. To encourage the growth of new foliage, which can be enjoyed after the bloom season, cut back the stems after the flowers fade.
SNOWDROP
(Galanthus)
Zones: 3-7 Bloom time: February to March Height: 6-12 inches All-star qualities: This defiant cold-hardy plant isn?t the least bit intimated by Old Man Winter, and will often push its ethereal white flowers up through a blanket of snow. Under ideal growing conditions, snowdrops will naturalize freely to form sweeping drifts of color. Best locations: Snowdrops prefer cooler climates and light shade, making them the perfect choice for woodland gardens where they can be planted under deciduous trees that will leaf out later in the spring. Their relatively short stature also makes them good additions to rock gardens and borders. Growing tips: For the best massing effects, plant snowdrops in clusters of at least 25 bulbs, spacing them about 3 inches apart. They prefer moist, humus-rich soil in areas protected from full sun.
DAFFODIL
(Narcissus)
Zones: 3-9 Bloom time: March to May Height: 6 to 18 inches All-star qualities: Daffodils are one of the easiest and most dependable flowers to grow, making them a great choice for beginning gardeners and those who want a flower that will spread naturally throughout their garden. Their lovely trumpet-shaped flowers are typically yellow or white, but there are many hybrids available with features such as double flowers, contrasting cup colors, and various bloom sizes. Best locations: Plant in masses in the perennial garden or let them naturalize in a woodland garden. Daffodils grow best in full sun or light shade, but do quite well planted beneath deciduous trees that leaf out after the flowers have finished blooming. Growing tips: Once planted, daffodils require very little care. As with most plants grown from bulbs, you should leave the foliage in place until it yellows in order to supply food to the bulbs for the following season. To hide the fading foliage, intermingle your daffodils with annuals or other later-blooming perennials in the garden.
I am a keen gardener and so created Garden Pics and Tips for people who love gardens and enjoy great pictures of plants and gardens. Also covered are practical tips on all aspects of gardening.
