Blossoms that Herald Spring

Much of North America has experienced an unusually cold and snowy winter this year and we now await the harbingers of spring: the migrating birds and spring bulbs. Along with the early bulbs, flowering shrubs and trees announce the arrival of spring. In the colder climates it is especially hard to wait for those first blooms of spring.

Earliest to bloom is Hamamelis vernalis (Vernal Witch Hazel). This North American native flowers in February. The fragrant, yellow-red flowers are small but plentiful along otherwise bare branches. Hardy to zone 4 this multistemmed shrub has cold hardy
protective measures to extend the flowering period.For warmer climates, Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel) zone 6, also has early, fragrant flowers that precede the foliage. Both species are most suited to well-drained soils that are acid to neutral pH. Frame these species with an under planting of the earliest spring bulbs or against a darker background to launch spring in the landscape.

By March the choices increase Prunus tenella (Dwarf Russian Almond), is one of the best spring flowering shrubs for the coldest climates, up to zone 2. Pink-rose late cold spells this shrub offers reliable bloom. The small stature allows use under windows or as a low hedge. The plant will suffer in extremely hot summers, but otherwise plant in full sun. Drought resistance and size makes it a preferred choice for roof gardens.

Pussy willows such as, Salix caprea (French Pussy or Goat Willow), zone 4, Salix chaenomeloides (Japanese Pussy Willow), zone 6, Salix gracilistyla ‘Melanostachys’ (Black Pussy Willow), zone 6 , have large ornamental catkins. While other shrub willows, zone 2 and up, have smaller catkins, any branch with the emerging fuzzy flowers signals that early spring has arrived.

Cornus officianlis (Japanese Cornelian Dogwood) Zone 4, zone 5, flowers about a week before the very similar Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry Dogwood), zone 4. Both bloom in March to April with masses of small yellow flowers along leafless branches. As small trees ranging to around 20', they provide an excellent focal point in mixed beds or as specimen plantings. Bright red, purplish fruit will follow in summer and fall. The selection Cornus mas ‘Redstone’ was made in Europe for fruit production for jellies, syrups or wildlife enjoyment. This species thrives over a wide range of pH and soil types including heavy-clay and alkaline soils.

Other early bloomers include Chaenomeles japonica (Japanese Flowering Quince), zone 4, and the cultivars of Chaenomeles speciosa (Common Flowering Quince) Jet Trail and Texas Scarlet, both zone 5.With red-orange, white or red flowers, these Quinces are show stoppers. Blooms cover the branches before and during leaf emergence, foliage is a shiny, deep green that can serve as a background for later blooming flowers or plants can be trained against a wall. These shrubs are easily transplanted and adapted to extremes in heat, cold, drought and soils. While thorns must be considered when selecting a site, birds often nest in these shrubs due to the added protection. After March heralds spring... then, “April Explodes in Bloom”

By April spring has arrived in all but the coldest locations. While May and June will be the peak months, there are now many trees and shrubs in flower. The color pallet of bloom dominated with yellows, pinks and whites with the addition of greens and purples of emerging foliage. Yellows are provided by traditional favorites Forsythia and Mahonia with its holly-like leaf. Forsythia varieties need full sun and require winter temperatures that below freezing to trigger flowering. Especially hardy Forsythia x ‘Meadowlark’ and Forsythia ‘Northern Gold’, zone 3, with the selection made specifically for flower bud hardiness. All Forsythia respond best to pruning that is done soon after bloom. To encourage flowering the following spring, it is recommended that the flowering branch be cut back just to the closest side branch that did not flower.

Mahonia species, zone 4, bloom in clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that stand out against the persistent foliage. In shaded areas the lowers are like a spot of spring sunshine. These native species will handle full sun or shade and tolerate dry conditions though best growth is n moist soils. Purple fruit and winter color of the persistent foliage add interest later in the year.

So many favorite spring flowering trees, shrubs and perennials have pink flowers whose color is strongly associated with this time of year. Prunus triloba (Rose Tree of China), zone 2, is one of the most cold hardy of the many pink flowering plums and cherries and one of the earliest to bloom.

Another early season bloomer is Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’ (Thundercloud Flowering Plum), zone 5. Light pink blooms emerge first followed by purple leaves. This tree is in full bloom before many trees have started to have buds open. The purple leaves provide interest throughout the growing season. As the season progresses, many of the flowering cherries will provide clouds of pink blooms.

Prunus x cistena (Purple-leaf Sand Cherry), zone 2, combines the purple leaves and pink-white flowers in an extremely hardy shrub. Bloom is in later April and into May. The shrub tolerates a wide range of conditions and is showy for home landscapes, roadside plantings and parks. The small fruit is used by songbirds.

Aslo extremely hardy is the early blooming Prunus tomentosa (Nanking Cherry) zone 2. White-light pink flowers are small but profuse. Bright green foliage and bright red, edible fruit in the summer make for a colorfula nd useful hedge in summer. Tough enough to windbreak plant and ornamental enough for home landscaping this is one of the most versatile species we offer. Book for 2009!

White flowers forming puffy clouds of blossoms abound from April and into May. Fruit trees and many flowering crabapples contribute to the burst of fragrance. For fruitless white blossoms Malus ‘Spring Snow’, zone 4, is one of the best choices. A hedge.of Malus sargentii ‘Roselow’, zone 4, blooming in front of Lawyer Nursery has caused passing drivers to pull into the parking area just to find out the name of the blooming shrub. The showy white blossoms have truly stopped traffic.

Native trees also provide early white blooms that appear before the forest has leafed out in spring. Amelanchier leavis (Alleghany Serviceberry), zone 4, is one of the earliest Serviceberry trees to bloom. The white flowers are surrounded with red bracts and red juvenile foliage. The fruit produced is sweet and extensively used by wildlife. Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood), zone 4, provides drama in the spring forest or any landscape with the large white bracts. At Lawyer Nursery we grow this species from seed collected from a northern site for greater hardiness. Delicate white bells appear in April along the branches of native Halesia tetraptera (Carolina Silverbell), zone 4. See Lawyer Nursery. newspaper article Jan. 3, 2008 posted at www.lawyernursery.com.

Offered for Long Lasting Bloom

Nothing livens up the landscape like season-long color. For Northerners most flowering trees and shrubs are in bloom for only two to three eeks in the spring or summer, that’s it! This can be one of the most frustrating aspects of cold climate gardening. Fortunately, there are some great choices available that will bloom through most, if not the entire growing season. Known for their extended flowering period the Potentilla varieties, with their array of yellow, white or pink are unsurpassed for climate and soil tolerance. Hardy into USDA zone 2, They are drought resistant and are excellent xeriscaping species. They fit well into parking lots and strip plantings where they cheerfully tolerate reflected heat, wind, and heavy pruning. Blooming starts in May and will last until the first hard freeze, early November in many areas.

Potentilla fruticosa ‘Absaraka’, Dakota Goldrush ® Potentilla is one of the best varieties. It’s a naturally dwarf shrub to only 3 feet in height with a dense, compact growth and profuse flowering. Deep golden flowers, with large blossoms to 1½" light up landscapes from the rains of spring to the frosts of fall. Dakoata Goldrush® matures early and will begin flowering when just a few inches high. It fits well in street-side plantings where its small size won’t create a visual obstruction.

Low maintenance is also a key feature, because of its small size, it rarely needs pruning and drought resistance reduces water needs. It works well in shrub beds, foundation plantings and makes an attractive small hedge. Few flowering shrubs can compete with the roses in popularity, but in cold areas, roses can be a gardener’s biggest headache. North of zone 5, most hybrid teas and floribundas freeze unless they’re heavily mulched and protected-high maintenance for such color. Yet, many own root shrub selections fit well into colder regions of the North. ‘Hope for Humanity’, for example, makes an excellent substitute for floribundas and hybrid teas in cold areas.

In 1995 The Morden Research Centre released ‘Hope for Humanity’ as part of the Parkland series in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Red Cross Society. This everblooming variety is hardy throughout zone 3 and is worth a try in zone 2. The 2½" blooms are borne in clusters of 2 to 15 and announce the arrival as early as June first. ‘Hope for Humanity’ has a deep blood red flower with a light fragrance. Best of all, blooms are fully double for an outstanding show. This shrub rose is small, growing only to a size of 24" x 36" and is well suited to shrub beds, borders or as a specimen tub plant. Mix with Alyssum and Lobelia for an eye catching 4th of July display!

We often long for a touch of the tropics in northern areas. Hibiscus syriacus and its hybrids combine temperate toughness with some of the flashier traits of their tropical cousins. The petals are large with an extended pistil and quite showy at a distance. Their summer-long flowering makes this shrub a welcome addition to any landscape in zone 5, but they can do well in sheltered zone 4 sites. This species does best in areas with a neutral to acidic soil; higher pH soils will need amendment.

‘Diana’ is an all white variety that tolerates drought, extreme heat and makes an outstanding subject for the moonlight garden. ‘Aphrodite’ is a pollution tolerant variety that displays a strong upright character with leathery dark green leaves. The blossoms are pink with a dark red center. ‘Minerva’ combines pollution and drought tolerance with red centers within pink or lavender blooms. This species and its varieties make a beautiful informal screen and work well in shrub beds, foundation plantings or as specimens.

The challenges of northern gardening are many, but we in the nursery industry can provide the means to success. Nothing says mission accomplished better than a landscape in full bloom after a long winter. These species are just a few highlights that will liven a Northern landscape. Don't let winter drag on, call us today to add these species to your spring plan.

... into High Gear!

The busiest time of the year is upon us and we are working hard to provide the best crop and service for you. Spring lifting of conifers and
sensitive deciduous species will continue for another month. Some items may be delayed in shipping if Mother Nature postpones the spring
in Montana. Shipping season hits its peak in April. We suggest that you review your orders now. If you need to make any changes, please try to give us three weeks notice so there will be no delay for your order. New orders will need about the same time frame. The sales staff is
dealing with a very high call volume and your patience is greatly appreciated. You may reach us by email and get information from the website at any time. The website is updated daily so you can check availability there as well. Thank you and may your spring be the very best!