In cold climates early spring is still too early for planting containers using summer-blooming annuals. It is ideal to wait till you are beyond your average last frost date. But that in-between time can seem like an eternity, especially when the sounds and sights of early spring are already upon us.
In case you just can’t wait another six weeks or so, below are some couple or plants which may stand a little chill. Their flowers and/or foliage will bring spring cheer as you’re waiting for warmer temperatures, and they will continue well into summer.
Kim Gamel
Primrose
“Primula” comes from the Latin word “primus,” which means “first,” aptly referring in this case into the early-spring flowering time. Primrose is a semievergreen perennial which comes in a vast array of colors. Its stature makes it appropriate for the front of a container.
Botanical name: Primula vulgaris
USDA zones: 4 to 8 (find your zone)
Light requirement: Partial shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 3 to 6 inches tall and 3 to 9 inches wide
Kim Gamel
Hellebore, or Lenten Rose
Hellebore is an evergreen, early-blooming perennial which works nicely in a container that is shady. It can start to bloom in winter with snow . After the blossoms have ended, you can relocate it to a landscape for blossoms in years to come.
Botanical name: Helleborus xhybridus
USDA zones: 4 to 9
Light demand: Partial to full shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 1 foot into 1 1/2 feet tall and wide
Glenna Partridge Garden Design
Tulip
Tulips and other spring-blooming bulbs include bright color to containers. Even though you can plant the container together with the bulbs in autumn, leaving it in a secure site, it is simplest to purchase already-blooming pots from the spring and then nestle the plants into your container.
Botanical name: Tulipa
USDA zones: 3 to 8
moderate requirement:Total sun
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 6 inches to two feet tall and 6 to 9 inches wide
LLC, Austin Ganim Landscape Design
Spotted Dead Nettle
A fantastic alternative for trimming your containers is seen dead nettle. While it will not bloom until May or even June, its attractive foliage will appear lovely spilling over the border of your bud. The number in this photo is ‘White Nancy’.
Botanical name: Lamium
USDA zones: 3 to 8
moderate requirement: Partial sun to shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Kim Gamel
Columbine
While its foliage stays compact, the most delicate, nodding flowers of columbine reach upward, to two feet. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds yet resistant to deer and rabbits.
Botanical name: Aquilegia
USDA zones: 3 to 8
moderate requirement:Part sun to shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 1 foot to 3 feet tall and 6 inches to 1 1/2 foot wide
Siberian Bugloss, or Brunnera
This early- to midspring bloomer features eye-catching heart-shaped leaves. Its flowers are light blue, similar to those of forget-me-not. Relocate it to a moist, shady spot in your garden once the season is finished.
Botanical name: Brunnera
USDA zones: 3 to 8
moderate requirement: Partial shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 1 foot into 1 1/2 feet tall and wide
Kim Gamel
English Ivy
That is a popular for its draping dependence in containers. As an evergreen, it has leaves which look terrific in early spring and may withstand frost. It is ideal to maintain this ivy in containers, as it can be invasive in some parts of the country.
Botanical name: Hedera
USDA zones: 5 to 9
moderate requirement: Partial to full shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 1/2 into 1 foot tall and up to 10 feet wide