GardenLine | Yard & Garden | The Border in Early Spring: Part 2

This week we continuing with our description of early blooming perennials and shrubs for your border.

Perennials

The drumstick or Himalayan primrose (Primula denticulata) will overwinter in more sheltered locations. It is 25-40 cm (10-15 in.) in height with lilac, violet, or white flowers. It does best in a rich, evenly moist soil in full or partial shade.

The polyanthuis primrose (Primula x polyanthus) is also in full bloom by mid-May. It flowers in a wide range of colors under conditions similar to the drumstick primrose.

The early blue violet (Viola adunca), native to the Prairies, is readily adapted to garden conditions. It is very low, less than 2.5 cm (1 in.), with pale blue to violet flowers.

One of the most satisfactory of the early bloomers is the European pasque flower (Anemone pulsatilla). A close relative of the 'Prairie crocus,' it is similar in appearance but with larger flowers of a more intense color. The grey-green leaves are finely divided and covered with silky hairs. Plant in a sunny, well-drained location.

The snowdrop anemone, or windflower, is 30-38 cm (12-15 in.) with nodding, pure white, scented flowers. It grows equally well in sun or shade in most soils, but performs better with even moisture.

Although we tend to think of clematis as more of a vine than a herbaceous perennial, there is one herbaceous type which is in full bloom by mid-May. Unfortunately its "real" name is uncertain and it goes by the common name of the fern-leaf clematis. The foliage is very finely divided, the plant itself is about 46 cm (18 in.) high, and the flowers are purple bells with yellow centres.

Giant rockfoil (Bergenia cordifolia) is usually referred to as "that plant which has leaves like rhubarb and pink flowers in early spring." It is both tough and adaptable. It will grow in sun or shade and is quite drought-tolerant once established.

Dwarf iris (Iris x germanica) is in bloom long before its larger counterparts are more than a few inches out of the ground. The dwarf iris is diminutive in size (only 15-30/6-12 in. high) and early blooming, so plant it where you'll see and enjoy it: close to a walk or patio.

Rockcress (Arabis spp.) is a low, mat-forming perennial which is ideal for the rock garden or the front of the border. The flowers are pink or white and it is easily raised from seed.

Last but not least, and certainly one of my favorites, is lungwort (Pulmonaria), which is pink in the bud stage but flowers blue or violet. Bethleham sage (P. saccharata) is one of the first of the lungworts to flower. Its leaves are heavily spotted with silver and pointed at both ends. The common name is derived from the fact that these plants were once thought to cure lung problems. It was once believed that a plant's physical appearance suggested its medicinal use. Thus the spotted leaves were compared to diseased lungs. Lungworts prefer an evenly moist, organic soil is full or partial shade,

Shrubs

One of the earliest shrubs in bloom is the Russian almond (Prunus tenella). It is very drought-tolerant, does well on sandy soils, and tends to sucker. It is about 61 cm (2 ft) high with bright pink flowers.

Pincherries (Prunus pensylvanica), also a member of the plum family, is 25-38 cm (10-15 in.) in height with an abundance of small, white flowers (followed by small, bright red cherries which are excellent for jelly). 'Jumping Pound' is a particularly nice smaller cultivar with an atttractive weeping habit.

Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia) are also among the earliest shrubs to bloom. Here is a perfect marriage of the edible and the ornamental. Up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in height, the shrub has white flowers followed by blue fruit. Edible selections include Smoky. Thiessen, Honeywood, Pembina, and Northline. Altaglow is an ornamental cultivar, columnar in form, with white fruit and good fall color.

The golden currant (Ribes aureum) is about 1-2 m (3.2-6.5 ft) in height with showy yellow flowers in early spring followed by edible black fruit. It's tough and super drought-tolerant.

Last in the parade of early spring bloomers in the fragrant rose daphne (Daphne cneorum). It is an evergreen, low, spreading shrub on only 30 cm (1 ft) in height which is covered in deep pink, perfumed flowers; a real gem for spring!

Williams is a specialist in horticulture with the Extension Division. This column is provided as a service by the Extension Division and the Department of Horticulture Science, University of Saskatchewan.

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Sustainable horticultural information, offered free of charge to the public with the support of the University of Saskatchewan Extension Division, the Department of Plant Sciences and the Provincial Government.