Spring is in the air and there are so many plants to choose from! It’s almost impossible to choose our favorites but we settled on ten (what will we do in May??) These plants epitomize spring, offering the best of spring blooms and fresh new foliage.
BLEEDING HEART (Dicentra)
This graceful perennial has arching stems that drip with pink, white, or red heart-shaped flowers in late spring. Foliage ranges from bright golden green to deep green. A perfect addition to cottage and woodland gardens.
Part shade to shade
Average, well-drained soil; tolerates moist soil
12”-36” tall and wide, depending on variety
Blooms in spring
ROCK CRESS (Arabis & Aubretia)
One of the most beautiful spring rockery plants! This evergreen cascades down rockeries, walls, and hillsides and bursts into full splendor with purple, white, or pink blossoms April-June.
Full sun to part shade
Well-drained soil
2” tall (flowers bloom to 6” high) x 18” wide
Blooms April-June
FALSE SPIREA (SORBARIA SORBIFOLIA)
Beautiful, brightly-colored foliage emerges in spring, gradually turning green as it matures. White flowers appear in late spring on this compact deciduous shrub.
Full to part sun
Average, well-drained soil; water regularly
4’-6’ tall and wide
Blooms spring to summer
BERGENIA
This evergreen perennial sports bright green leaves that turn burgundy in winter. Pink, white, or red flowers appear on tall stems in March and last through May.
Full sun to part shade or shade
Average, well-drained soil
12” tall x up to 2’ wide
Blooms March-May, depending on variety
CLEMATIS
The climbing vines of the genus Clematis are a must in every garden. Flowers can bloom in spring, summer, and into fall, depending on the variety, and range from small bells to large, flat-petaled beauties, often with interesting centers. Look for types such as Montana and Cirrhosa for Spring blooms. Most are deciduous but a few spring bloomers, such as Armandii, are evergreen.
Full sun
Well-drained soil; let dry between waterings
8’ tall
Blooms early spring-fall, depending on variety
Barrenwort (EPIMEDIUM)
This vigorous ground cover has clusters of small flowers in various colors and heart-shaped, evergreen leaves, often with red edges of blotches. Also called “Fairy Wings,” this perennial is great for dry woodland sites.
Part shade to shade
Well-drained soil; let dry between waterings
12”-15” tall x 5’-6’ wide, depending upon variety
Blooms March-May, depending on variety
MARIGOLD (Tagetes)
Marigold are the workhorses of the spring and summer garden with their cheery, continuous blooms. A great help in the edible garden, they deter some tomato pests!
Full sun
Average, well-drained soil
8”-30” tall and wide, depending on variety
Blooms March-Fall if deadheaded regularly
Rhododendron & Azalea
This classic PNW shrub shouldn’t be overlooked for vibrant spring blooms. Evergreen leaves add interest year-round and the plant plays nicely with its neighbors. New cultivars have increased the range of flower colors, as well as leaf and plant sizes available.
Full sun to part shade
Moist, well-drained soil
Size varies, depending on variety
Blooms in spring
ANNUAL HANGING BASKETS
Pre-planted baskets filled with colorful annuals (like the mini petunias pictured) add instant color and cheer to the spring and summer garden without a lot of work.
Full sun to shade, depending on variety
Water and fertilize regularly
12 – 24” tall and wide, depending upon variety
Blooms April-Fall, depending on type of flowers
DAPHNE
This compact, evergreen shrub is coveted for its incredibly fragrant flowers. Try Daphne odora and Daphne transatlantica for a burst of blooms in springtime and scattered blooms into summer and fall.
Full sun to part shade
Well-drained soil
3’-4’ tall and wide
Blooms heavily March-May, lightly in summer and fall
We’d love to help you choose the best plants for your individual needs, whether in person or on social media using #heyswansons!
This post has been updated for 2023.