Sorry to say, Winter is only half way through but now is the time to start thinking about spring. With our short growing seasons it is important to get the most out of each opportunity to grow colorful flowers. Spring is often overlooked by weeks until the arrival of tulips and daffodils, but why continue with the winter doldrums when garden life can be enjoyed in April instead of May. On warmer years some of these favorites have even bloomed in March. Here a some of my favorite blooms of spring. More information for all of these plants can be found at stonepocketkwyg.com.
Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold) – Minnesota Native found in marshes, wet meadows, and creeks
Caltha palustris
Forsythia x intermedia ‘Fiesta’ – Not only is this an early spring bloomer of tiny yellow flowers but is it more compact then traditional forsythia and leaves are variegated giving multiple seasons of interest.
Forsythia x intermedia 'Fiesta'
Helleborus x ‘Royal Heritage’ (Lenten Rose)- the nodding, colorful cup-shaped emerge from evergreen foliage even during late snows of spring.
Helleborus x ‘Royal Heritage’
Iris cristata – one of my most favorite of the early flowers of spring for is color and cheerfulness. Very dwarf, only rising four inches but spectaular in large colonies.
Iris cristata
Anemon patens (Pasque Flower) – Minnesota Native blooming around the time of Easter with a beautiful purple cup of petals holding yellow stamens. Hairy leaves and stems capture early morning frost making this little plant a real standout in early spring.
Anemone patens
Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrops) – Usually the first sign of spring in Twin City Landscapes. Single green stems emerge from late spring snows carrying a small, white, nodding flower tipped with green.
Galanthus nivalis
Anemone acutiloba/Heptica nobilis (Sharp-Lobed Heptica) – Minnesota Native that offers a variety of pastel colors in the spring from white, pink, to blue. Look for this early spring gift at St. Croix State Park.
Anemone acutiloba
