Hamamelis intermedia 'Pallida'
For those who think that Forsythias and crocuses are the floral harbingers of spring, they are late to the party. Witch Hazels (Hamamelis) have been blooming in our gardens since the end of February, and will continue for weeks to come. They are the earliest woody plants to bloom where they are hardy (USDA Zone 5). Although of exotic origin, they are related to our native Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), which unfurls its pale yellow ribbon-like petals in October and November.
The spring-bloomers are ornamentally superior to the native Witch Hazel. Their flowers are far showier, and hybridization has resulted in colors ranging from soft yellow to brassier tones, and even orangey-reds. Most are fragrant, adding to their charm, and an armload of branches brought into the house will scent the air with sweetness. The variety ‘Arnold’s Promise’ has long been my favorite, with its bright lemony-yellow blossoms.
Hamamelis intermedia 'Pallida' flowering with snow still on the ground
Whether in bloom or in size, these are not timid shrubs. They’ll flower dependably, beginning in late February or early March, even in the snow. Each year they’ll grow larger, eventually reaching twenty feet or more in height, with a wide spread. I think they are excellent choices for a sunny corner of the house, or at the edge of a woodland garden, as Witch Hazels can tolerate a little shade. Plant some Snowdrop bulbs (Galanthus) beneath one in the fall, and you will be rewarded with your own flower show each year.
Corylopsis spicata 'Golden Spring' in bloom
Forsythias can be troublesome shrubs, as they often grow ungainly without proper pruning. A better choice might be Winter Hazel (Corylopsis spicata), which as I write this in late March, is just coming into bloom. The flowers are a lovely shade of soft yellow, and are carried on stems that are much more elegant than the common Forsythia. Although reported to be hardy only to Zone 6, we have been growing Winter Hazel in our Zone 5 gardens for the past 20 years with little or no winter damage. The pleated, bluish-green leaves remain attractive all season. We have a chartreuse-foliaged one planted in our garden (C. spicata ‘Golden Spring’,) and hope to offer this variety for sale soon. All benefit from a little shade, especially in the afternoon.
Hellebore hybrid
Lenten Rose, or Hellebore (Helleborus), have long been appreciated in Europe for their early blooms that defy cold weather. Over recent years, they have gained a following in the US, and there has been much breeding work done to produce a virtual rainbow of colors and “doubled” flowers. Our Hellebores started to emerge from the ground once the snow melted, and a week of unusually mild weather has brought their flowering stalks to attention, while catching ours. If snow were to fall on them, it’s no matter, as they will patiently wait for it to melt and reveal their long-lasting blooms. Placing Hellebores under a deciduous tree or shrub will give them sun early in the season, and shade later. The foliage is leathery yet quite handsome, and effective all season. I like to clip off last year’s foliage in the early spring, to give room for the new shoots.
Helleborus 'Blue Lady'
It’s little wonder why these superb plants are rarely seen in gardens. Often, they have finished blooming before gardeners seeking springtime cheer are visiting nurseries – all the more reason to do some homework before making a plant purchase, rather than buying what’s in flower. To have four-season interest in your garden requires planning, and patience. To quote W. E. Johns, “One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.”
Helleborus 'White Spotted Lady'
