Spring Is Here! How to Plan For Early-Flowering Shrubs and Flowers

Posted by Ena on March 19th, 2008 filed in Seasons

Along with snowdrops and daffodils, early-flowering shrubs are one of the first signs of spring. Since there is little color in the garden so early, plant them together to form spring ‘cameos’ that stand out better in a landscape that is still looking winter-bleak.

Later shrubs, such as Forsythia, Star Magnolia and Bridal Wreath, flower shortly after the new foliage emerges, giving a fresh green halo to the blooms. As spring proceeds, a succession of new shrubs opens in turn, giving the garden a new look from week to week. Make the most of this feature by including as many different types as possible. Spring shrubs are very versatile - most can be used in several different ways. Spectacular compact shrubs such as Star Magnolia make brilliant specimen plants; a single plant makes a great centerpiece for a small front garden, surrounded by grass. It can also be grown in a large tub on a patio, as Magnolias need shelter else the flowers will not last.

Bridal Wreath makes billowing white clouds that are useful for filling out the back border and invaluable for cutting to use in flower arrangements. Depending on the variety, shrubby cherries can either run randomly, spreading pink blossom through a border, or form specimen shrubs or small trees.

Early-flowering shrubs produce their best flowers on shoots that grew the previous year. Prune them straight after flowering to give the plants the longest possible time in which to produce long, vigorous shoots for flowering in the following year.

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