We all have favorite early spring bloomers and, today, I’ll talk about some of mine – three stellar plants that are beautiful, hardy and low maintenance – my criteria for qualifying as “power” perennials!
For most of us right now it’s all about the early blooms of bulbs, but soon enough our sleeping perennials will emerge in a big way. Combining perennials with bulbs is not only beautiful but a great way to keep the garden looking tidy as the growing plants will hide the dying foliage of the bulbs that have come and gone. The earliest perennials will even share the stage with our blooming bulbs and enhance their beauty.
One example of such a plant is the classic, old-fashioned Bleeding Heart, so named for the multiple pink heart-shaped blooms that are carried on its graceful arching stems. When planted in compost-rich soil in an area with plenty of morning sun, these plants can grow 2 to 3 feet in height and width. With their large size, they make an impressive statement all on their own but combined with daffodils, tulips, or bluebells, the effect is enchanting! I love the combination of white “Thalia” daffodils with pink Bleeding Heart and a sprinkling of bluebells. The plants will remain robust for many weeks after the early bulbs have bloomed but, in the heat of summer, Bleeding Heart dies back to the ground where it will sleep until the following spring. Because of this, I find it best to plant another perennial nearby that will fill the leftover gap. Hostas, which enjoy similar growing conditions but are slower to emerge in spring, make the perfect summer companions. You can grow Bleeding Heart in US Zones 3 to 9 and they’re deer and rabbit resistant.
The second early power perennial on my list is the Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells. Growing in popularity every year, these tough little plants come in color variations too numerous to mention, from the deepest purple to the brightest yellow-green! They sport tiny flowers on dainty spikes throughout the summer months but it’s the color of the foliage that makes these plants shine in pots and borders. In my Zone 6 garden, heucheras remain evergreen and are one of the first perennials to spring back every year! On the smaller side at 12 to 18 inches in height and width, heucheras look stunning grouped together at the feet of larger perennials, especially with a contrasting or complementary color. I use heuchera “Lime Rickey” nestled around cimicifuga “Hillside Black Beauty” to make both colors pop. They prefer afternoon shade but can take more sun if kept evenly moist. Heucheras grow best in US Zones 4 to 8 and are deer and rabbit resistant.
Looking for some eye candy? Candytuft or Iberis is another old-fashioned plant that remains evergreen in my garden and blooms for weeks with masses of pure white flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, these low-growing plants prefer rocky, well-drained soil and are perfect for use in rock gardens along with creeping phlox, rock cress, “Basket of Gold” alyssum and colorful spring bulbs. They grow anywhere from 6 to 10 inches tall and spread 12 to 30 inches depending upon the cultivar. After blooming, I like to remove the spent flowers and enjoy the dark green foliage through the rest of the season. Candytuft prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade, especially in hot areas. Drought-tolerant once established and also deer resistant, they can be grown in US Zones 3 to 9.
April to mid-May is the perfect time of year to visit local nurseries where only the hardiest plants have been moved outside, all ready for gardens and pots. This is a great way to find early blooming perennials to fill out your spring garden including the fine plants mentioned above. And don’t forget to add some cheerful pansies and violas while you’re at it!
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