Springtime shrubs

WITH the longer daylight hours, slowly warming temperatures and the sunny days we've experienced of late, the garden really seems to be bursting back into life. The nodding heads of daffodils, the little groups of snowdrops and cheerful crocus are the obvious sign that spring has sprung.

Plants that flower at this time of year often have their origins in woodlands as they need to flower before the tree canopy above them develops. In addition to the lower growing plants there are plenty of spring-flowering shrubs that are just coming into their own now. Many provide a valuable food source for smaller birds and insects.

Flowers on bare wood that are particularly attractive on deciduous shrubs are the Magnolias. These are typically trees, but some smaller versions such as Magnolia stellata grow up to 3m with star-shaped white flowers which also give off a sweet scent. There are some flowering cherries that are smaller too, such as Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’, growing to 2.5m with zigzagged stems covered in little white blossoms. Others that are attractive are Chanomeles, Forsythia or Corylopsis.

Deciduous shrubs add height and form to beds throughout the year, being structural features in winter when all the perennials have died down. To extend the season of interest climbers can be grown using the shrubs as a framework. Clematis or rambling roses are good candidates for this, flowering in summer making the most of the space. Shrubs can be selected that have interesting autumn leaf shape, foliage colour and berries such as Viburnum or Amelanchier, to provide further interest throughout the year.

There are evergreen shrubs in full bloom now such as Berberis Darwinii or Azara microphylla, both of which have vibrant yellow flowers on a permanent green backdrop. Osmanthus delavayi and Daphne bholua have strong perfumed scents.

Ericaceous plants can be grown on acidic soil such as rhododendron, Camellia, and Heathers. Varieties can be carefully chosen to have blooms from before Christmas to end of spring. The Glade and Woodland at RHS Garden Harlow Carr is filled with many rhododendrons of all sizes and forms. One of the first to flower is Rhododendron ‘Christmas Cheer’ covered in light pink blooms.

Shrubs can be selected for production as well as ornamental value, especially useful in small gardens. Rosemary is a fine example for its scent and culinary value and lovely pale mauve flowers. Fruits can be grown such as Blueberries which have bright white flowers and vibrant autumn colour. Also apple and cherries with their spring blossoms, look beautiful and are followed by home-grown fruits.

Shrubs can be planted any time now, as long as the ground is not frozen. Early spring is a good time to plant as temperatures are warm enough for plants to be actively growing, but not so hot that the ground is drying out quickly. These are the ideal conditions for establishment. Pots are also great for the smaller garden or for manipulating soil conditions. They can be planted long-term with woody plants as long as they are not allowed to dry out in the growing season and receive some fertilising. Shrubs can also be used for temporary seasonal displays and there are many of these dotted around the garden at Harlow Carr. There really is every reason to consider adding a selection of shrubs to enhance the garden year round.