Spring Renewal - Melinda Myers

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Spring Renewal Take a little time to enjoy the beauty of spring. And while you do so, take a few notes on what’s blooming. Recording bloom time can help you plan your garden for season long color and keeps you better connected to the influence of weather on our gardens.
As you start observing and recording bloom times, you’ll also notice that timing and order vary from year to year. As you explore the Boerner gardens, your backyard and neighborhood you’ll find variations due to the difference in those microclimates. So grab a clipboard and pen, your smartphone or tablet and have fun enjoying the beauty of spring. Spring Flowering Trees Magnolia (Magnolia spp.) – A variety of spring bloomers. Look for those that bloom a bit late to avoid damage by spring frosts. The Little Girl’s series (Ann, Jane, Betty) often repeat bloom and Butterflies has beautiful yellow blossoms) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Requires acid soil, medium to fast growing, zones 3-­‐9. Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) – Underused as a small-­‐scale tree. Yellow spring flowers followed by bright red fruits in mid summer. Tart fruits can be used for wine, jellies or syrup. Well-­‐
drained soils in full sun to part shade, zones 4-­‐7. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – This small scale beauty packs a 4-­‐season punch. Edible pink blooms are followed by handsome heart shaped leaves. Fall color of red or yellow. Great form, dried pods and exfoliating bark silhouette the winter landscape. Grow in moist, well-­‐drained soils in full sun or light shade, zones 4-­‐9. Look for Columbus or Minnesota strain. Nanking Cherry (Prunus tomentosa) – This small tree or large shrub is one of the first of the Prunus to flower, zones 3-­‐7 Flowering Plum (Prunus nigra ‘Princess Kay’) – ‘Princess Kay’ is a double-­‐flowering form that was introduced by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Zones 2-­‐5 Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – Four season plant, spring bloom edible (you and the birds) fruit, good fall color (yellow, orange, brick red), smooth gray bark, tree and shrub forms, full sun to part shade, moist soil, slow to establish, zones 4–9 Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana) – The subtle flowers of this North American native are often overlooked. The subsequent fruit adds to the winter interest provided by the smooth gray bark. Tolerant of heavy shade this small scale tree can be used in both small and large landscapes. Look for newer introductions like Johnson Nursery Strain, Ball ‘O Fire and Firespire selected for their growth habit and/or outstanding fall color. Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana) – Considered invasive, a better alternative is Korean Sun Pear (Pyrus fauriei ‘Westwood’) which is a small, rounded ornamental pear 12x15’ with excellent yellow-­‐red fall color and small fruit, zones 4-­‐8. Oaks (Quercus spp.) – Oaks are also medium to slow growing trees that create a powerful presence in the landscape. Bark and form as well as wildlife attracting acorns and habitat make them a plus for larger landscapes. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) – Invasive, large percentage of our urban forest Crabapple (Malus spp.) – Crabapples provide spring flowers, fall color, fruit for ornamental and bird appeal and interesting form in the landscape. Look for cultivars with good disease resistance, persistent fruit and the size and shape that will fit into your location. Hardy zones 2 to 9 depending on cultivar. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) – Upright oval tree with delicate branches, sharp sugar cone buds, furrowed sometimes shaggy bark with age, prefers moist well drained soils, great shade tree for large areas, great fall color (yellow, orange and red), 60 to 70+ feet tall and usually 2/3 wide, zones 4 to 8 Katsuratree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) – 40-­‐60’ tall with potential to reach 100’ in the wild. The leaves emerge a purplish red, turn blue-­‐green for summer and a beautiful yellow to apricot in the fall. Plus the leaves quake, much like a quaking aspen, in the wind. And as they age in fall they smell like cinnamon/brown sugar or burnt vanilla. Katsuratrees prefer full sun and rich moist soil. The weeping form (specimen in front of Education building) grows to 25’ tall. An older multi-­‐stem specimen of the standard species is in the peony garden. Hardy zones 4 to 8. Spring Flowering Shrubs Purple Filbert (Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’) – 15-­‐20’, dark purple leaves fade to dark green in summer, Zones 4-­‐8. Garland Spirea (Spiraea x arguta) – 5-­‐6’ tall with a spreading, arching habit. Flowers borne all along the stem. Zones 4-­‐8 Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) – 2-­‐6’ tall with a spread of 6-­‐10’, suckering shrub, blue-­‐green leaves turn orange to reddish purple in fall. Prefers well-­‐drained soils in part shade to full sun. ‘Gro-­‐
Low’ is a shorter variety reaching 2-­‐3’, popular as a ground cover, Zones 3-­‐9 Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) – Fragrant spring blooms give way to attractive red fruits in fall that bring in the birds, however a male pollinator plant is needed for female plants to set fruit. Leaves are aromatic when crushed and are a favorite food of the spicebush caterpillar, yellow fall color. Performs best in moist, well-­‐drained acid soils in full sun to part shade, zones 4-­‐9. Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles superba) – Spring bloom (can experience cold damage in northern limits), edible (when cooked), thorns, cut flower, deer resistant, Zones 4 to 8 Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia aquifolium ‘Flame’) – Yellow flowers in spring, blue-­‐black fruit in late summer to fall, evergreen foliage turning purplish in fall, Flame (Orange Flame) has bronze-­‐orange new foliage, Shade preferred, moist well-­‐drained, Plant in a protected location, 3-­‐6 feet tall and wide, Zone 4 to 8 Clove Currant (Ribes odoratum) – Fragrant yellow flowers, 6 to 8 ft tall suckering shrub, black berries on female plants, yellow fall color with tinge of red, full sun to part shade, zone 4 Koreanspice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii) – Fragrant flowers, in spring (prune after flowering if needed), 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, great fall color (red, orange and purple), sparse fruit, Viburnum borer can be a problem, full sun to part shade, moist well-­‐drained soil, Zones 4 to 8 Carol Mackie Daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii) – This spring bloomer is sporting a few flowers this fall. Some fall flowering is a common occurrence after a stressful growing season or major fluctuations in temperature. Watch for a few blooms on forsythia, lilac, crabapples and other spring blooming plants. Japanese Kerria (Kerria japonica) – Here is a shade tolerant shrub with year round appeal. The bright green stems are dramatic in the winter and the yellow flowers brighten the spring garden. It can suffer some dieback in extremely (-­‐20°) winters. Considered invasive in some areas Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) – Fragrant blooms in shades of white, blue or purple are a spring favorite on this 8-­‐15’ tall shrub. Full sun and good air circulation are a must to help control powdery mildew. Zones 3-­‐7, S. meyeri ‘Palibin’ & S. petula ‘Miss Kim’ are smaller, disease resistant varieties. Spring Flowers Windflower (Anemone blanda) – Sky-­‐blue, red, white or pink flowers, 3-­‐6” tall, full sun to partial shade, moist well-­‐drained organic soil, sheltered from the wind, plant tubers in fall (Zone 5 they may need to be handled like glads) Zones 5 to 8 Hellebore (Helleborus spp.) – Blooms emerge in late winter and remain well into spring. Grow in rich, well-­‐drained soil in part to full shade. Site in an east facing location sheltered from winter winds, zones 4-­‐9. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) – Blue tubular flowers in clusters atop large leaves that decline after flowering, Spreads readily, Sun or shade, prefers moist soils, native, hummingbirds and butterflies attracted, Mixes with daffodils and hosta as well as other bulbs and perennials, Zones 3-­‐9 Primrose (Primula spp.) – Grow this spring beauty in part shade in cool, moist soils rich in organic matter. Will not tolerate dry soil, Zones 3-­‐8. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) – Attractive foliage topped with early spring blooms of pink, white, red or pink fading to blue. Deer tend to resist, slugs will eat and powdery mildew can be a problem in areas with high humidity (Use variegated varieties to mask the problem). Shade to partial shade, foliage declines mid-­‐summer when grown in full sun, Zones 3 to 8 Pigsqueak (Bergenia cordifolia) – Sports attractive spring flowers while the thick foliage takes on a handsome fall color in shades of red. Tolerates a wide variety of soils, but prefers moisture retentive soils rich in organic matter receiving part to full sun, Zones 3-­‐8 Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) – An old fashioned favorite in the shade garden. Prune plants back by half after flowering to avoid summer dormancy. Zones 3-­‐9 Fern Leaf Peony (Paeonia tenuifolia ‘Flore Pleno’) – Extend your peony display by adding a fern leaf peony. The fern foliage is topped with single or double red flowers. The foliage adds an airy texture to the garden but does begin to fade in late summer. But its unique appearance is sure to capture your attention Woodland Peony (Paeonia obovata) – 18-­‐24” tall, mildly fragrant blooms are followed by attractive seed pods. Foliage dies back to the ground after frost. Grow in moderately moist soils in part shade, Zones 5-­‐8. Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) – The flowers and seedheads are of equal beauty in this plant. The nodding pink flowers are followed by feathery plumes that look like smoke. Avoid poor drainage, especially in winter, that can lead to root rot. I had this plant disappear in a garden only to return from seed a few years later. Rock Cress (Arabis spp.) – Requires very well-­‐drained soils in full sun. Will melt out in hot, humid summers. Cut back after flowering to freshen up. Zones 4-­‐7 Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.) – Another good plant for dry shade the Epimediums provide several seasons of interest. The leaves emerge tipped in red and topped by white, red or yellow flowers. The heart-­‐shaped leaves on wiry stems look good in any garden. The leaves are tinged red for fall and somewhat evergreen. Plant it where you plan to keep it as it can be difficult to move. Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) – Evergreen groundcover, winter protection or a protected location will help reduce winter damage. Grow in moist, well-­‐drained soil in shade to part shade, Zone 4. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) – Early spring blooms of white, purples, pink, red and bicolor, prune back after flowering for better appearance, evergreen leaves, Full sun and well-­‐drained to dry soil, 3-­‐6” tall by 3’+, Zones 3 to 9 Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) – An early bloomer with red, white, pink or purple flowers prefers full sun, tolerates light shade and is fairly drought tolerant. The flowers are followed by attractive seed heads that persist into summer and the foliage looks good all season long. Canadian Ginger (Asarum canadense) -­‐ It may take a little peering under the foliage, but the unique blooms of this shade groundcover are well worth the extra effort. Early settlers dried and ground eh roots and stems to use as a substitute for the ginger spice. Grow in part to full shade in moist to wet soil, Zones 4-­‐6 Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis) – Yellow, orange or red bell shaped blooms topped with a tuft of greens, Shade to partial shade (full sun in cooler regions), well-­‐drained soils a must (those in heavy soils may want to plant the bulb on its side), plant in fall with other spring flowering bulbs, skunky smell, animal resistant, zones 5 to 8 Checkered Lily (Fritillaria milaegris) – Unique, nodding purple, pink or white checkered flowers. 9-­‐
15” tall, this plant does best in full sun to light shade in areas that retain moisture throughout the growing season, Zones 3-­‐8 Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) –The blue forget-­‐me-­‐not like flowers appear in spring. The plain or variegated foliage looks good all season unless placed in hot sun and dry soils. Jack Frost and Looking Glass are two other popular Brunnera. Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) – This is a great groundcover for dry shade. It spreads quickly, but I find it manageable and not weedy like its cousin variegated yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon formerly Lamiastrum). Cultivars with white, pink or purple flowers and varying degrees of leaf variegation are available. The variegated foliage brightens the shade throughout the growing season. Summer Snowflake (Leucojium aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’) – White downward facing bellshaped flowers, on 12 to 18” plants, plant bulbs 3” deep. Partial shade to full sun, well-­‐drained moist soils, great for naturalizing, Zones 3 – 9 Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia) – Attractive, lacy foliage all season long. Grow in moist, well-­‐drained soil in part shade to avoid scorching the leaves, Zones 3-­‐9 Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens) – The evergreen foliage is a nice backdrop for the white flowers. Grow in full sun for best flowering and good drainage for winter survival. Prune back severely after flowering. Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris ‘Flore Pleno’) – An attractive groundcover for the informal garden. Be aware that creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens ‘Flore Pleno’) is often misidentified as meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris ‘Flore Pleno’). Creeping buttercup is much more aggressive than the tall buttercup seen here. Takes moist well-­‐drained soil in sun to part shade, Zones 3-­‐7 Globeflower (Trollius asiaticus ‘Byrnes Giant’) – This brightly colored spring bloomer adds a short burst of color to the spring garden. Grow in sun or partial shade with moist well-­‐drained soil for best results. And be sure to cut a few of the lemon yellow flowers to enjoy indoors. This particular globeflower tends to be larger. (Trollius chinensis (ledebourii) ‘Golden Queen’) – full sun to part shade, prefers cool, moist soils, up to 30” tall, like water lilies floating above the foliage, cut flower, zones 4 to 9 (Trollius ‘Orange Globe’) – orange flower, 12 to 24” tall For more on plant phenologies, visit: http://www.boernerbotanicalgardens.org/support/v3.html http://www.botany.wisc.edu/herb/wisflora/blooming/ http://www.olbrich.org/visit/bloom.cfm For more information on these and other plants, visit the Ask Melinda database at melindamyers.com