Early blooming perennials offer a much-needed lift to our gardens at this time of the year, and they also provide an attractive cover for the unsightly foliage of many bulbs as they begin to die down.
The early blooms of vibrant white arabis, purple and blue aubretia and yellow alyssum have been particularly long-lasting this year because of our cooler temperatures. As they begin to die back, it’s important to give them a good trim to tidy them up and to feed them with a slow-release fertilizer, like 14-14-14, to keep them looking nice and green because they also make a beautiful evergreen groundcover.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is generating quite a show right now with its bright shades of pinks, purples and whites. They also make great evergreen groundcovers. When they finish blooming, a little feed will keep them looking attractive all summer.
Candytuft (iberis) has suddenly become the most sought-after, early-blooming perennial. This low mounding, pure white or pink groundcover is incredibly popular because of its long-lasting flowers that bloom for weeks. It, too, has evergreen foliage which makes an attractive groundcover. A significant amount of breeding has been done with iberis, so that now there are over 15 varieties from which to choose. Darwin Plants in the Netherlands has been breeding perennials that bloom far longer, and one of their varieties, Iberis Summer Snowdrift, blooms from May to October. Kieft Seeds has introduced the ‘White Out’ iberis which will grow into one of the most sensational carpets of white. Iberis Snowsation has been bred to produce the largest flowers for a great impact in a spring garden. It’s not hard to see why this shiny leafed perennial has become so in-demand.
Early columbines (aquilegia) are highly valued for their old-fashioned charm, and they are just beginning to open. Being available in so many sizes and flower forms has secured their place in the favourite perennial category. Some varieties of note belong to the Winky Double Series with its upward-facing flowers. The fully double Winky Red and White and the vibrant spring flower colours of A. kirigami Spring Magic have helped contributed to the increased popularity of aquilegias.
Common foxgloves are not so common anymore. These tall-growing, old-fashioned favourites now come in a wide range of colours, and they tend to bloom longer, especially in those shady spots. The Camelot Series of digitalis have slightly scented blooms, and the Dalmation Series comes in a wide assortment of colours and with spiked blooms that make them far more interesting and beautiful. One of my favourite features of blooming foxgloves is being able to watch bumblebees squeeze into their long, tubular flowers in search of pollen.
These are just a few of our early perennials that can add so much charm and colour to our spring gardens. Now is a great time to visit a garden store to discover the beauty of early blooming perennials.
