After a rough winter, gardens in the Southeast are beginning to shake it off with plants swelling with buds. Plus the promise of loads of brilliant blooms to come over the next few months.
If that doesn't sound like your garden, now's the time to consider where you need color early in the season. Get that shopping list started.
Spring planting will be here soon. Why not get a jump on it with a few flowering shrubs that do their thing early. Just when you need a cheerful pick-me-up? Here are five we guarantee will be just the cure for any wintery blues.
(For even more choices, check out other regions as zones can overlap: Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest)
Snow Panda Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense ‘Snow Panda’)
Do you have this? You should! Stunning snow-white flowers in late winter and early spring are highlighted by exceptional sage green foliage. Use as a showy accent in borders and containers. A United States National Arboretum introduction. Partial to full sun. Up to 8 ft. tall and wide. Zone: 7 – 9
Kumasaka Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Kumasaka’)
You knew we had to include a camellia! We love the bright, rose-pink hue of these blooms. Magnificent hedge or accent in a shady space such as a north facing wall. Filtered sun. Up to 8 ft. tall and wide. Zone: 8 – 10
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Bursts into bloom mid-winter for a spectacular show tumbling over a wall or down a slope. What it lacks in fragrance (sorry), it makes up for in sheer flower power. Full sun. 4 ft. tall and 7 ft. wide unsupported; will trellis up to 15 ft. Zone: 6 – 9
Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
N. American native with fluffy, fragrant flowers in spring, deep-green leaves in summer and brilliant yellow, red, orange fall color. Plus deer do not love it. Partial to full sun. Up to 4 ft. tall and wide. Zone: 5 – 9
Mediterranean Pink Heath (Erica x darleyensis ‘Mediterranean Pink’)
Terrific winter color, with lavender-pink flowers through early spring. Great front of border shrub or plant in mass for a zippy, low groundcover. Up to 1 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 6 – 8