Episode 135: Spring-Flowering Dwarf Shrubs

If you ’re bet to add some heft to thespring gardenbut do n’t want to overcome genteelbulbsor ephemeral perennial , then outflow - flowering dwarf shrubs are the answer . These piffling fireball are quick to put on new growth in the early part of the season and often summercater blossoms in soft hues that will complement the pastel colors that dominateMayandJune . Today ’s prerequisite are bare : the shrubs name must last out under 3 to 4 foot tall and wide and must bloom before the summer solstice . You might think this is a tall order for any plant to fill ( Peter surely thinks so ) , but a surprising numeral of candidate are up to the challenge .

Expert guest : Julie Lane Gay is a garden designer and horticultural writer in British Columbia .

Danielle’s Plants

Yuki Cherry Blossom ® deutzia ( Deutzia‘NCDX2 ’ , Zones 5–8 )

Baby Kim ® lilac ( Syringa‘SMNSDTP ’ , zone 3–8 )

‘ Cora Louise ’ Itoh paeony ( Paeonia‘Cora Louise ’ , Zones 4–9 )

‘ Jim ’s Pride ’ daphne ( Daphne×transatlantica‘Jim ’s Pride ’ , Zones 5–9 )

Carol’s Plants

Perpetua ® blueberry bush ( Vaccinium‘ORUS-61 - 1 ’ , Zones 4–8 )

Dwarf cherry - leaved sand cherry ( Prunus×cistena , Zones 2–8 )

Sugar Baby ® forsythia ( Forsythia×intermedia‘NIMBUS ’ , Zones 5–8 )

Double bid ® Candy Corn ® spiraea . pic : Proven Winners Color Choice

dual turn ® Candy Corn ® spiraea ( Spiraeajaponica‘NCSX1 ’ , Zones 4–8 )

Expert’s Plants

midget sweet box(Sarcococca hookerianavar.humilis , Zones 6–9 )

Eternal Fragrance ® daphne ( Daphne×transatlantica‘Blafra ’ , Zones 5–9 )

‘ Wabi - Sabi ’ nanus genus Viburnum ( Viburnumplicatumf.tomentosum‘Wabi - Sabi ’ , zona 5–8 )

Check out expert Julie Lane Gay ’s clause on dwarf shrubs : Surprising Shrubs for Small Spaces

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