We all to love to see spring coming, so if you want to get that spring feeling going in your garden early this year why not plant some of these exciting 'green perennials'? This selection of plants gives you exquisite flowers, 'evergreen' foliage and is easy to care for - ideal for this time of year when we all (and the garden) need a boost.
Perennials which flower early in spring include members of the Helleborus family. Their appealing clusters of flowers are perfect for the spring garden. Look out for Helleborus foetidus and the Corsican hellebore. Both of these plants are delightful as they come into bloom in early spring. The flowers of Helleborus foetidus (stinking hellebore) are bell-shaped and pale green, usually with purple margins. They measure approximately 1.5 to 2.5cm across. For larger flowers, the Corsican hellebore produces pale green bowl-shaped flowers, approximately 2.5 to 5cm across. Both these hellebores prefer a neutral to alkaline, moist, humus rich soil and will perform in full sun or dappled shade. Helleborus foetidus and the Corsican hellebore are also over-wintering perennials with their dark green leaves providing interest all winter long.
Another perennial providing 'evergreen' foliage and early spring blooms is the Euphorbia amygdaloides. Its matt dark green leaves become darker in winter and red underneath. In mid-spring and early summer this plant bears greenish-yellow clusters of 'inflorescence'. This Euphorbia performs best in moist, humus rich soil in light shade. Euphorbia amygdaloides is a bushy perennial reaching about 80cm in height and 30cm spread - to encourage the plant to grow from the base it is best to remove the stems once it has flowered.
From the family of plants commonly known as the 'Lords and Ladies' there is one special perennial well worth a mention, Arum italicum. The arrow-shaped leaves are particularly eye-catching, with white veins complementing the mid-green leaves and growing up to 35cm long. This attractive foliage is also over-wintering, lasting from late winter to late spring. Arum italicum does well in a sheltered site either in a sunny spot or partial shade. Please note: largest leaves are produced in a partially shaded location.
All the plants mentioned are fully hardy and require little maintenance if planted in the right conditions. So what are you waiting for? Why not pop down to your local garden centre and get spring off to an early start?
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