HARDY PERENIALS OFFER EARLY SPRING COLOUR
by Niki Jabbour
Spring is in the air. Its impending arrival is announced by the cheery crocus blooms pushing their way up through the damp earth and the sunny yellow daffodils nodding in the breeze. Keep in mind though that spring flowering bulbs are not the only heralds of the season, as there are also many hardy perennials that brighten our gardens and revitalize our souls when winter finally retreats.
Perhaps one of the sweetest signs of spring is the first sight of a delicate primrose. There are many varieties of primroses, most offering a long blooming period that begins in April and can extend well into May.
As they are native to woodland and stream areas, primroses thrive when planted in moist shady spots — a great perennial for those areas of the garden with less-than-ideal conditions! Primroses offer a large colour range including butter yellow, wine red, pure white and deep purple, as well as a few lovely bi-coloured combinations.
A favourite primrose is Primula denticulata, commonly known as the drumstick primrose. This very early blooming plant bears 10" high perfectly round balls of tiny blossoms with bright centers. Another popular primrose is cowslip (Primula veris). These no-fuss primroses offer abundant blooms in yellow, orange and scarlet hues, lighting up the early spring garden.
With their rich green foliage and delightful purple or white flowers, sweet violets are another sure sign of spring. A favourite for children's bouquets, these low growing plants are best used as a groundcover in a partially shaded spot or under trees. As they have a tendency to be invasive, ensure your chosen site will allow them to roam at their leisure. An intriguing variety to try is Viola sororia 'Freckles', which boasts unusual white flowers that are heavily speckled with purple spots.
Pulmonaria is a truly unique and enduring plant that will grace your garden for many years. Its fascinating, often spotted foliage is only surpassed in beauty by its delicate sprays of showy bell-shaped flowers. Commonly known as lungwort or Bethlehem sage, this is another plant ideal for a semi-shaded garden.
Perhaps the most recognized lungwort species is Pulmonaria saccharata. Its large leaves are covered in both spots and small hairs that contrast well when planted next to hosta or daylilies. A popular variety is P. saccharata 'Sissinghurst White' that features attractive white flowers and showy, heavily spotted leaves. P. saccharata 'Mrs. Moon' has similar leaves, but its flowers open in cool shades of blue and violet.
The enchanting fragrance of lily-of-the-valley never fails to bring back childhood memories. In early May the bright green leaves unfurl to reveal 8" tall stems covered in tiny bell-shaped white blossoms. This low-growing, hardy perennial is best used as a ground cover under trees or along a shady slope.
The bleeding heart is a welcome sight to any winter-weary gardener. The familiar flowers are held high above the delicately cut foliage and are frequently found in the traditional white and pink combination, as well as pure white. These hardy plants require minimal care and thrive in either sun or shade. They are best planted from a root cutting in early spring or late fall, and once established will bloom unfailingly for decades.
Other early spring treasures include forget-me-nots, helleborus, rockcress and perennial alyssum.
Come spring, tulips, daffodils and other flowering bulbs often take center stage, but don't overlook the beauty and value that many hardy perennials offer. Their bright colours, charming blossoms and enduring familiarity are always a welcome sight after a seemingly endless winter.
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