Spring is Springing
After "Snowmaggedon" and "The Beast from the East" (or any other of the sensationalist phrases the media may like to use for winter) have passed through Great Britain, it leaves us looking forward to the spring, and on to summer. The months that we truly start to appreciate our gardens.
We start to think of what plants would be best to show off colour in the spring.
Here's a few plants that will brighten up the early spring days with plenty of colour.
Corydalis Flexuosa.
A Chinese forest plant, the corydalis flexuosa has detailed lacy blue leaves. Ideally these are best when planted as a group, helps show off the vibrant colour. They can be grown in dappled light in a rich soil, which doesn't get too wet. These are fairly resilient plants that can continue to flower for up to nine months. Ideal colour combinations are pink/yellow/dark red.
Grow these with Primula Denticulata
Chaenomeles x Superba 'Pink Lady'
These are best grown in a mixed border, behind perennials. Or they can be grown against a wall, spreading across it. There are other similar species, but the Pink Lady is the first to bloom in spring. They appear oriental in style, and are tough and tolerant of most soil types. Grow in full sun, or semi-shade for best results. Ideal colour combinations are white/light-violet/light-yellow/light-green.
Grow these with Clematis Alpina
Anemone Blanda
Plant in well drained soil, and these Anemone will return each spring. Similar to the buttercup, they will gradually cover the ground more and more every year. They can also be grown in pots, and are available in other colours. Ideally grown in sun or dappled shade, they will provide lengthy flowering time in the spring. Ideal colour combinations are pink/white/light-yellow/light purple.
Grow these with Tulipa 'Pink Diamond'
Euphorbia Polychroma
Grow in free draining soil, with some air flow around circulating, and this plant can look good with almost any other. Although avoid pairing with paler tones, this can make them look unpleasant, especially washed out yellows. Growing to approximately 45cm in height and spread this compact dome shaped shrub could be planted at the front of borders, or in a gravel garden. As spring fades away, the Euphorbia Polychroma can become rather dull, so think about the plants that will surround it. Orange and red flowers will help. Ideal colour combinations are violet/orange/red/dark pink.
Grow these with Tulipa 'Princess Irene'
Primula Vulgaris
The Primula grows in Britain's meadows, hedgerows and woodland. Grow them fringes of deciduous shrubs and they will stand out in the early spring, and then as the foliage of the deciduous shrubs grow, will create dappled shade for these light-yellow flowers. They thrive in moisture retentive, free draining soil, and will return year after year. Ideal colour combinations are purple/pink/light-blue/light-green.
Grow these with Primula Denticulata
Tulipa Clusiana
With its alternating dark pink and white stripe petals the Tulipa Clusiana reliably reappears when grown in free-draining soil. Grow in groups for an overwhelming impact this slim elegant plant with grey-blue leaves is a must for all spring gardens. Ideal colour combinations are light-violet/light-pink/light-blue.
Grow these with Myosotis 'Blue Ball'
Other plants that could add colour to your garden in spring: