Vibrant Vernals

Happy spring, everybody! Although March is in its lion-before-the-lamb phase, it’s been nothing short of relieving to experience the arrival of warmer, longer days: the orchestra of birdsong is hitting a crescendo with previously southern-flown winter migrating species reclaiming their territories in our temperate Northeastern forests and wood lines; bright yellow daffodils and purple crocuses promise the return of color to our favorite outdoor spaces, signaling the true beginning of the new growing season.

It’s natural to feel impatient for bucolic summertime pastures, lush green tree canopies, and the sweet scent of grasses in a cloak of sunshine. But, before we get there, let’s revel in some of the treasures of the early spring.

The Vernal Equinox is all about renewal, rejuvenation, growth, and resilience, and what better way to celebrate the re-emergence of life than with highlighter-bright plants that act as beacons of color in a newly awakening landscape? This week, we bring you some of the best and brightest selections the early spring has to offer. First up, Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’.

Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ | speedwell

Bright blues in the garden are like rare gems, far and few between, but even more so in the springtime. Not true for ‘Georgia Blue’ speedwell, an early-blooming groundcover perennial perfect for enveloping slopes and rock gardens with a stunning blanket of indigo flowers from March into early May.

Rabbit and deer resistant, this long-blooming selection is ideal for softening borders, edges, and pathways, and is a wonderful contrasting companion to sunshine-yellow daffodils. For those hoping not to put too much effort into their gardens, ‘Georgia Blue’ speedwell may very well be the perfect plant.

Its inherited Plantaginaceae family characteristics make it a rough and tumble, no-fuss grower that creeps about steadily and blooms sporadically throughout the year. Veronica umbrosa ‘Georgia Blue’ also makes a fantastic spiller element in container plantings, contrasting beautifully with the chartreuse foliage of fellow creeper, Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’.

Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’ | meadowsweet

You can’t mention vibrant, early blooming plants without paying tribute to the classic landscape shrub, Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’. This workhorse begins to emerge far before its fellow meadowsweet brethren, and blooms much earlier as well. ‘Ogon’ meadowsweet makes a lovely low-growing hedge, and offers bright, chartreuse foliage throughout the growing season that acts as a lovely backdrop for dark purple, maroon, and blue-flowering perennials.

Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ (PP35867)   | catmint

While we’re on the chartreuse caboose, let’s pay a visit to Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’. This catmint is a new selection here at Pleasant Run, and it’s become one of our favorite Nepeta species.  Not only is it currently in bloom, but it blooms sporadically basically all year long without being cut back, producing lilac-colored flowers above bold, chartreuse foliage. As the foliage emerges during the cooler months, it exhibits a slightly darker green color, lightening up as the weather warms and sunlight becomes more abundant. As with other catmints, ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ catmint is an easy grower, ideal for sunny spots with well-draining, average soils. Its height makes it perfect for small spaces, containers, and garden edges, reaching no more than 10-12” at maturity and preferring to spread horizontally, instead. The characteristic aromatic foliage and flowers of Nepeta species make this selection great for adding to sensory gardens and children's gardens, where the flowers will also be enjoyed by plenty of pollinators, from bees to butterflies to hummingbirds.

Phlox stolonifera ‘Pink Ridge’ | creeping phlox

Another new groundcover selection, Phlox stolonifera ‘Pink Ridge’, a native perennial chosen for its excellent garden performance, boasts bright flamingo pink flowers in early spring above a dense mat of soft green foliage. During the Phlox Garden Trials at Mt. Cuba Center, it was found to be one of the easiest growing and most spectacularly blooming of the creeping phlox, doing particularly well in partial shade conditions especially when given well-draining soil. Paired with the charming indigo blue flowers of Phlox divaricata ‘Blue Moon’, one could very well create a lovely, intermingled groundcover matrix of blues and pinks along the edge of the woodland garden, blooming just in time for springtime celebrations.

Add these and more wonderful selections to your next order by visiting our online availability. Our Grower’s Comments are changing weekly, informing you with some of the best, boldest, and brightest selections we have to offer. Similar to the plants, our notes are always changing, so make sure to check back regularly for new comments!