Early Blooming Trees And Shrubs: 3 Unsung Heroes That Deserve The Spotlight
This year’s cool spring has allowed us to enjoy long-lasting spring blooms. But as much as I like them, early flowering trees and shrubs such as lilacs, dogwoods, forsythia and azaleas get a little old after awhile. Why not experiment a little and usher in spring with something different? There are many underused woody plants that deserve attention. In honor of the new planting season, I’d like to acquaint you with three of my favorites.
Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) at year ten. It was in a gallon pot when I planted it.
1. Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) : I challenge you to find a flashier shade loving shrub. It begins blooming around mid-May and flowers til the middle of June depending on the weather. It isn’t a real fast grower, but makes up for it’s once established. You’ll want to make sure to give it plenty of room because it gets tall and wide (about 10-12 ft tall by 5-6 ft wide.) I’ve pruned mine to keep it in check.
Hummingbirds love the flamboyant red flowers.
Merits: I have read that this shrub prefers moist, well drained soil. However, mine is growing in dry sandy soil underneath a large mulberry tree and is quite content. I rarely water it.
Native shrub, commonly found in woods, along streams, in thickets, and on rocky hills.
Flowers in the shade
Tolerates root competition from trees and other shrubs. Can be planted underneath black walnuts.
Deer don’t eat it.
Looks good after flowering - small pear like fruits that appear in fall are quite attractive.
Needs little care.
*The only downside is that the seeds and stems are poisonous to humans if ingested. Might not be a good choice if you have small children running around.
Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood), a terrific four season tree that has a mature height of 20-25 ft.
2.Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood): Mine began life as a seedling I discovered when I first moved into our house 20 years ago. I potted it up and kept it in a container for a few years - we called it ‘the temporary tree’ because we moved it around so much.
Merits: I have found Pagoda Dogwoods to be more reliable than Cornus florida. It is susceptible to minor leaf infections and gold stem canker, but I’ve had no problem with either. It prefers a little protection, partial shade and well drained soil.
Good structural plant, graceful horizontal branching habit.
Produces fuzzy white flowers in June, excellent red fall color and clusters of blue black berries birds flock to.
Native to North America, resistant to deer browsing.
Can be planted underneath black walnut trees.
Once established, easy to care for (I rarely water mine.)
I think this tree looks like it’s dancing when it flowers. You can’t beat the graceful shape and tiered branching habit.
Closeup of the flowers just getting ready to burst.
3.Spiraea media ‘Snowstorm’ is a flashy four season shrub that is not used nearly enough. Moderately sized (3-4ft.), it flowers in early June.
Merits: I’d be hard put to find anything more durable and easier to grow than a Spirea. In my opinion, this one is pretty special. It doesn’t require much care, all I do is chop mine in half every spring to keep it compact.
Long lasting white flowers.
Attractive gray foliage that turns burgundy in fall.
Deer browse this shrub in winter but it comes right back no matter how much they munch it.
Relatively drought resistant.
Bulletproof shrub, fast growing.
*The only downside to this shrub is that it looks like a bunch of sticks in late winter and early spring. If the deer munch it, the poor thing looks chewed up. But in my opinion, it’s worth it for the show you get later.
Spirea ‘Snowstorm’ in early fall. The leaves are just starting to bronze up.
Shopping tips: Both Pagoda Dogwood and Red Buckeye can be a little hard to find at local nurseries. You might have better luck at a native plant nursery or shopping on-line. Don’t be afraid to plant small material, they grow fast! If you’re worried about planting out something small, try growing it in a container like I did.
Spireas are readily available. If you can’t find ‘Snowstorm’, ‘Double Play ‘Blue Kazoo’ or ‘Snowmound’ would be good options.
Sources:
Wayside Garden Center 124 Pittsford Palmyra Rd Macedon, NY
Dancing Oaks Nursery and Gardens
Happy shopping!