Spring Flowers for Color & Mood

Early spring flowers bring warm moods and pops of color to the landscape: a welcome change after the doldrums of winter. Not only are they pretty, early spring blooms are the promise of new life. They attract our eyes, the first pollinators of the season and make our lives joyful.  I have a childhood friend whose Aunt lives in Tennessee. As long as I can remember, this woman has mailed my friend a daffodil. Since I don’t see this friend in daily life anymore, I sure look forward her social media post of Aunt Teddi’s special gift. By the comments she receives, I know I’m not the only one who adores this sweet tradition. Best of all, these selections can be planted in containers to be enjoyed indoors!

Daffodils

An extremely popular flowering bulb that comes in an overwhelming arrow of varieties. some 13,000 to be exact. They are grouped into about a dozen categories which include my favourite: Jonquilla (fragrant with tiny flower clusters), Bulbocodium (large “trumpet” with smallish petals) and Poeticus (one fragrant flower per stem with large white petals and a small, vibrant “trumpet”) to name a few. 

When growing daffodils, you should plant the bulbs in groups of ten or more in early autumn. I like to plant a circle with a few in the middle. Daffodils like a sunny spot and will continue to produce year after year. They are a great choice in formal gardens. 

Tulips

Are a quintessential early spring flower. Their flowering season generally lasts about three weeks. Like the aforementioned daffodil, tulips are a bulb that should be planted in the fall. Tulips like plenty of light and well-drained soil. Because there are so many varieties, it’s best to follow package instructions when planting. After planting your bulbs, I suggest covering the area with mulch: it’s a great way to prevent weeds. Bulb fertiliser when planting is also a great idea. I like MIRACLE-GRO PERFORMANCE ORGANICS: BLOOMS and use it annually for best results.

There are every color, size and shape that you can imagine when shopping for tulips. Right now, my very favourite comes from Brecks.com. It literally looks like peacock feathers with gorgeous shades of iridescent purples, blues and greens. Give it a look: “Black Parrot.

Crocus

Low-growing perennials, Crocus are an early spring flower that comes from the Iris family. In many regions, they are the very first blooms. There are more than 80 species with a fast growth rate. They fade quickly once the weather warms and as with other bulb flowers, the plants are nourished as the foliage breaks down. Don’t trim dying leaves, just let them be. Extremely low maintenance, popular options include the Dutch Crocus and the Tricolor Crocus. Sweet little beauties, for sure.

Lenten Rose

Have tough, almost woody stems and form a large clump of deeply divided, umbrella-like leaves. An early flowering perennial from the buttercup family, the Lenten Rose is a small genus of about 20 species that originated in Asia and Europe. Flower buds on these pretties form during the previous summer and boast distinctive, long lasting flowers made up of 5 petals surrounding a ring of green nectaries. The whole flower gives a bell-shaped impression. Fully mature plants can have as many as 50 flowers at once, making the Lenten Rose a real show-stopper. Consider the Lenten Rose for shaded areas and explore the options: I’m crazy about this peachy option for Spring Hill Nurseries. “Sandy Shores”.