With the current spell of cold, wintry weather, it is hard to imagine the sunny days of spring, when our gardens will start to burst into life again with numerous bulbs and spring flowering trees and shrubs.
Winter is traditionally the time to plant trees and shrubs so that they can establish themselves over the winter months when they will require less maintenance. However, with most nurseries and garden centres supplying their trees and shrubs in containers, planting can take place all year round.
If you are considering planting a tree or shrub for spring interest, there are many varieties to choose from. Flowering cherries (Prunus) and Crab Apples (Malus) are often ones that people go for. When deciding what spring flowering plants you would like to incorporate into your planting scheme, consideration should be given to:
- The size of plant your garden can accommodate
- What ground conditions it will require
- Whether it needs to be in a sheltered position
- What colour its spring flowers are
If you are able to plant a few trees or shrubs, consider their flowering period so that you have blossom lasting for the longest time. Flowering time is usually anytime from March until the end of May.
Here at Arundel Arboretum, we have a wide variety of spring flowering plants to choose from. Here are some ideas to help you get started:-
Edgeworthia chrysantha (Oriential Paper Bush)
The bees absolutely love this bushy, deciduous shrub! Dense flowers appear during late winter and early spring. The flowers range from a pale yellow to a deep yellow or even reddish-orange. The tubular shaped flowers are approximately 10-20mm long with silky hairs on the outside. Oval shaped leaves appear after the flowers have finished. Edgeworthia chrysantha can be planted in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered position. Plant in a moist, well-drained soil. It has an eventual height and spread of 1-1.5m.
Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’
Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ is a small deciduous tree. It has a compact, upright growth habit. Single, light pink flowers appear in spring. Its green leaves turn a lovely orange and red in the autumn. Prunus x hillieri ‘Spire’ should be planted in full sun, in either a sheltered or exposed position. With an eventual height of 8-12m and a spread of 4-8m, it should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil.
Malus x floribunda (Japanese Crab Apple)
Malus x floribunda is a small, round-headed deciduous tree, with arching branches. Its white or pale pink flowers emerge from crimson buds in late spring. These are followed by very small, yellow fruits. Malus x floribunda can be planted in full sun and partial shade, in a sheltered or exposed position. It should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. Its eventual height is 8-12m and spread of 8m+.
We have a wide range of spring flowering plants in stock. If you would like some advice on the best plants for your garden, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are always able to help you select the right plants for your conditions.
22nd December 2017
