Christie’s Blog

September 2024

Plant Soon for Late Winter and Early Spring Blooms

Virginia Bluebells in upper photo.

I am writing about early spring gardens now in early fall because for the next few months you can plant and later enjoy blooms in early spring.

Before we get into actual plants, it is important to consider the different levels of “air space”.  Plants discussed here belong on  the lowest level on the garden floor .

Levels of Air Space

The upper/highest levels are filled with large trees like oaks or maples.

Next level down are mid sized trees about 25’ tall like redbuds, dogwoods, or serviceberry.

Third level down are shrubs and sub shrubs.

Fourth level are perennials (some of which get 5’ tall).

The fifth or lowest level  is the one that gardeners forget about or don’t know about. Plants for this lowest level is what will be reviewed.

Here below are the names of delicate early blooming spring perennials.  Most of them take shade to part shade and are used as woodland plants.  Almost all are deer proof.  These are the kind of perennials that you can step on and never know it.  Live dangerously, give some a try.

Lenten rose – evergreen flowering perennial. They self seed and can take over an area. Bloom time is February to early April. Lenten Rose or Hellborus is one of first to show its colorful blooms, even under snow!

Crocus – a small bulb planted in the fall. Bloom time is from February thru March.  

Daffodils-these bloom times range form Feb- May. Check on whether they are early, mid or late bloomers.

Tulips -Early and late varieties- deer are almost guaranteed to eat these so put them in a fenced in area.  They take full sun.

Corydalis– (yellow) early spring thru frost. Part of the bleeding heart family.

Winter Cyclamen– Dec to March depending on type.  You plant these as bulbs.

Bleeding heart– a biennial. They live for only 2 years then don’t come back – March bloomer.

Columbine– Early to  late spring bloomers. Re-seeds by itself and easy for people to scatter their seeds elsewhere.

Epimedium– blooms are underneath leaves from April- May.  They take dry conditions.

Brunnera (forget me nots)-March thru early May.  Hummingbirds like them.

Virginia bluebells– bloom time March-April and disappear in summer.

Lily of the valley- bloom for about 4 weeks mid spring to early summer.  You can plant these as bulbs.

Acanthus– Different heights depending on species. Bloom time is late spring to early summer

I think it is really important if you can find a spot for just a few of these. They don’t take up much space and seeing a little color in the midst of a cold and long winter really lifts the human spirit!

I have been ordering some of these plants online. I never believed in doing on line ordering before, but I have had great success in finding varieties I love. Local nurseries have selections, but this time of year they have sold out of a lot of ‘spring’ flowers.  There are so many hybrids that just browsing on line can be fun. Plants on line for me have been a good size in a quart gallon. Generally plants on line  are more expensive with the shipping, but if its a hobby you spend hours on research with great joy… go for it! Buy only 3!

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.