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With the onset of spring, everyone is waiting for the first flowers to appear. Unfortunately, some of them begin to bloom very late, in the summer or closer to autumn. Therefore, it is most pleasant to watch the blooming of the earliest garden flowers. They seem to enliven everything around, bringing bright colors into our lives. Some early flowers are perennials, which means that once planted, you can enjoy the beauty of the buds for many years. The most important thing is to choose the right types of flowers that are easy to care for and that bloom throughout the spring. This article contains information about many early flower varieties. We are sure that among them there will definitely be those who will not leave you indifferent.
Early bulbous flowers
One of the most popular flowers in our flower beds are bulbous flowers. This is a numerous and very common species, whose representatives can boast of the earliest flowering. It is necessary to plant such plants on your plot in the fall, and in the spring you will be able to admire the beautiful flowers. Moreover, the earlier spring begins in your region, the earlier the buds will appear. Now it’s worth taking a closer look at which bulbous plants are the earliest for our area.
Snowdrop or galanthus
These beautiful flowers got their name because of their ability to germinate as soon as the snow begins to melt. These are the earliest flowers that delight us with their blooming from the first days of March. In some areas they bloom later, in others earlier, but they are still the very first flowers of spring. On your own plots, snowdrops should be planted in places that resemble the forest where they usually live. For example, you can place these flowers near bushes and trees.
If you still want to grow snowdrops in a flowerbed, do not forget that they bloom for only a short time, after which they immediately wither and die. Snowdrops are ephemeroids, which is why their growing season is very short.
In the spring, after the snowdrops have faded, the bulbs are separated, and in the fall you can start planting. These flowers grow very quickly, so they simply need to be thinned out from time to time. Snowdrops can also spread independently throughout the garden. The fact is that ants pick up seeds that have fallen into the soil and spread them around the area. Therefore, you should not be surprised if snowdrops appear where you did not plant them.
Crocus
Not all crocuses are early bloomers. The following species usually bloom first:
- Tommasini;
- golden-flowered crocus;
- Crocus imperata;
- Ankyra crocus.
Some of these species, depending on the climatic conditions of the region, may begin to bloom even at the end of February. A little later, the Dutch large-flowered hybrids bloom. These varieties have more lush flowers and bright colors.They look very impressive and immediately attract attention.
You can grow such flowers anywhere. They feel great both in flower beds and under trees or bushes. They are often planted along borders or in lawns. And some people like to grow crocuses right on their balcony. These flowers grow well both in open ground and in containers.
Crocuses should also be planted in the fall. They tolerate diffuse shade well, so choosing a place to plant them will not be difficult. The sunny side and a place near bushes or buildings are suitable. Growing these flowers is quite easy, since the rhizomes do not need to be dug up every year and then buried again. This should only be done when you yourself want to separate the nests.
Muscari (mouse hyacinth)
These flowers are simply mesmerizing. In addition, they are very easy to grow, since the plant is not at all picky about conditions and care. It is growing quickly, and every year there will be more and more flowers. There are a lot of types of these flowers, and not all of them are considered early. But most muscari bloom already in early April.
They begin to plant these flowers in the fall, and already next year you can expect the appearance of “babies”. Thanks to such rapid reproduction, these early plants can decorate the entire area in a short time. Please note that once you plant muscari, you are unlikely to be able to completely get rid of them if you suddenly want to. Digging up small bulbs is quite difficult. Some small “babies” will still remain in the soil and will sprout with the onset of spring.To avoid difficulties with replanting plants, you should plant muscari in special baskets that you can make yourself. Then, if you want to transplant the flowers to another flowerbed or simply dig them up, it will be much easier to do.
Muscari can also be planted alone somewhere in the garden or near borders. But they look best in combination with other early flowers. Therefore, they are often used for group plantings. You can also combine muscari with flowers that bloom in different periods. Such a flowerbed will always remain beautiful and bright.
Iris reticulum or iridodictium
Iridodictium is a separate genus that is very similar in appearance to irises. These small flowers belong to the bulbous plants. The reticulated iris grows no more than 10 cm in height. Despite such small sizes, it is simply impossible not to notice these flowers. They are very attractive and graceful.
These flowers love sunny areas. Therefore, you should not choose a place for them near trees or buildings. Iridodictiums are also ephemeroids, so immediately after flowering the plants will begin to die. The reticulated iris blooms very early; depending on climatic conditions, this period begins at the end of March or in April. It loves light sandy soils that do not contain much moisture. Used for growing independently and in combination with other bulbous flowers. Iridodictiums look great on lawns and flower beds.Many people like to plant these flowers in containers and grow them directly on their windowsill or balcony.
Some gardeners say that as soon as the iris begins to die, it should be dug up. Bulbs of these flowers should be stored in well-ventilated, dry areas. They must be completely protected from direct sunlight.
Vesennik or erantis
Vesennik is one of the earliest plants in our gardens. Its golden flowers delight the eye and give a wonderful spring mood. The first buds appear at the end of March or early April. It is very hardy and is not afraid even of spring frosts.
Vesennik is very short (about 10 cm), and the flowers themselves can reach up to 2.5 cm in diameter. Most often the plant is grown together with other early flowers. For example, spring flowers complement flower beds with snowdrops and crocuses very well.
Vesennik can grow anywhere. The main thing is that it is slightly shaded. The most common environment for this plant is the forest. Therefore, flowers feel very good under trees and shrubs.
Scilla or Scylla
The most common representative of this species is the Siberian blueberry. It blooms by the end of March. Its bell-shaped flowers are sky blue. There are also varietal blueberries, which are often found in white.
These flowers are unpretentious to conditions and care. They can grow both in sunny areas and in a completely shaded flower bed. The most important condition for good growth and flowering of blueberries is soil moisture.The soil should not be very dense in order to easily absorb moisture. Scilla especially needs water during the flowering period.
This flower reproduces very quickly. It grows with the help of daughter bulbs and also reproduces by seeds. Sometimes this process happens so quickly that it has to be controlled. It is best to grow Scilla in the garden as it is a wild plant.
Early herbaceous flowers
Herbaceous perennials are far from the most common group. However, these flowers have a beautiful appearance and deserve a place in our gardens.
Hellebore
These flowers are able to remain green and fresh for a long time. Hellebore has high resistance to diseases and is unpretentious to conditions. The flowering of this plant often coincides with the Easter holidays, which is why it received the name “Christ Rose”.
Today there are about 20 species of hellebore. At home, hybrid varieties are most often grown, which bloom from the beginning of April. The variety of colors of hellebore is simply amazing. They can be white, red, yellow and pink. The bright purple variety has gained the most popularity. It is customary to plant hellebores in the spring, although in warm regions it can also be planted in the fall. You can start planting this herbaceous plant immediately after the soil has warmed up.
Primrose
Scientists count a huge number of species of primrose (at least 550). But unfortunately, only a few of them are grown at home. You can plant primroses either from seeds or by purchasing ready-made seedlings.They are very easy to divide and replant, as these flowers easily take root in a new place. Some gardeners note that even flowering plants can easily tolerate transplantation.
The reason for this is the use of growth stimulants, without which in the future the flowers will no longer bloom as actively.
The safest thing to do is purchase seedlings from gardeners or ask your friends who grow primroses at home. Such flowers are more adapted to soil without growth stimulants.
The flowering period of primroses begins in April, and in the southern regions at the end of March. Quite a lot of flowers are produced, and towards the end of summer the primrose may bloom again. These flowers are suitable for growing in flower beds and lawns. They are often planted in containers on balconies or loggias.
Periwinkle
This plant always remains green, and even under the snow in winter it keeps the foliage fresh. Young shoots appear immediately after the snow begins to melt. Periwinkle begins to bloom in April. The flowers of this plant are small and have a soft blue tint.
At home, I most often grow varietal periwinkle, which was bred from the wild “Vinca minor.” Such varieties can have not only the blue color we are accustomed to, but also white, red or lilac. There are even plants with double flowers. Foliage may also vary. Traditional varieties have green leaves, but among the hybrids you can also see variegated colors with white and yellow patterns.
These flowers love moderately moist soil and slightly shaded areas. It is not advisable for periwinkle to be exposed to direct sunlight.In principle, these are all the basic rules in growing periwinkle. The plant quickly spreads throughout the area. For propagation, you can use both cuttings and divided roots. By purchasing just one periwinkle seedling, you will soon have a whole flower garden of this beautiful plant.
Conclusion
This list can be continued endlessly. Of course, it is impossible to list all the early garden flowers in one article. In addition, there are a huge number of varieties of early tulips and hyacinths, as well as other equally beautiful flowers. Unfortunately, it is impossible to plant all types of flowers known to us on our site. We have to be content with only a few of our favorite varieties. Some people prefer crocuses and irises, some are crazy about snowdrops, while others cannot imagine their life without tulips. In any case, flowers fill our lives with colors and give a feeling of joy.
