Spring has long been one of my favorite seasons in the garden. As days grow warmer, I find myself immersed in outdoor activity. Though many annual flowers are slow to become established and begin blooming, spring flowering bulbs are ready to burst into life. With careful planning in the fall, ornamental flower gardeners and landscapers can create beautiful green spaces that are sure to dazzle. Below, I have outlined some of my favorite spring blooming flower bulbs.
The Beauty of Early Spring Flowering Bulbs
- Anemones – Also known as Anemone coronaria, anemones are often among the first flowering bulbs to bloom in the late winter. Delicate flowers are produced on tall stems, above short foliage. Each plant produces masses of stems which seem to “dance” in the breeze. Though several cultivars for cutting gardens exist, most blooms range in color from white to shades of blue and pink.
- Daffodils – Coming into bloom around the same time as anemone, daffodils make an excellent companion in perennial bulb beds. Though traditional yellow blooms are most common, many cultivars offer exceptional interest. These varieties of daffodil include those which are fully double, unique split-corona types, and those with vibrant peachy-orange hues.
- Muscari – Also known as grape hyacinth, muscari bulbs produce small clusters of true blue flowers. This stunning blue color is extremely complimentary to many other spring blooming hues. Since muscari is known to thrive in part shade, the bulbs can quickly multiply and begin to naturalize when grown where conditions are ideal.
- Ranunculus – Much like anemone, ranunculus corms can be planted in either fall or spring, depending upon the growing zone. Ranunculuses are prized among cut flower growers for their intricate rose-shaped flowers and wide range of color. Since each plant produces multiple flowers, growers can expect the stunning floral display to last several weeks in the garden.
- Tulips – A springtime classic in many gardens, the emergence of tulips are a certain sign that warmer weather is on the way. Ranging greatly in size, flower shape, and color; it is likely that growers can easily find cultivars which will effortlessly blend into the landscape. While early season tulips will come into bloom around the same time as other bulbs mentioned here, gardeners can further extend the season by planting other mid and late maturing varieties, as well.
