Both can be grown in Zones 4-9.
Hellebores are hardy and require little sunlight, making them a superb addition to shady locations.
“These will turn into new plants on their own if given enough light.”
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Replant these extra seedlings in small pots; they make great gifts.
The hardiness of hellebores varies; some varieties grow as far South as Zone 9.
This native, ground-hugging phlox grows in the Appalachian mountains from Canada down into Georgia in Zones 3-9.
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The small, delicate blooms of creeping phlox appear around March or April in the South.
Also known as moss phlox, it prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soils and lots of light.
Plant it in rock gardens, along walls, and around garden edges.
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Spring-Blooming Bulbs
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Many of our favorite early springtime flowers are bulbs.
Crocuses,hyacinths, and snowdrops are the first to burst from the thawing ground.
Manydaffodilsalso bloom in late winter or early spring.
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Gordon says that bulbs are easy to plant and require little maintenance.
Plantspring-flowering bulbsin the fall in loosened, well-drained soil.
Fertilize with a slow-release bulb fertilizer each fall to keep flowers blooming for years to come.
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Winter Jasmine
Unlike other jasmine species, winter jasmine lacks a sweet scent.
The shrubs start to bloom mid-winter and continue until April.
Once established in your yard, it is an easy-to-care-for plant according to Gordon.
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Winter jasmine is suitable for Zones 6-10.
The plant flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil.
Forsythia is suitable for Zones 5-8.
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In the South, forsythia blooms as early as February, or in early- to mid-April in Zone 6.
Forsythia is easy to grow but prefers loose, moist, well-drained soils in full sun.
Viburnums
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Don’t let their dark leaves fool you.
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Once viburnums begin to blossom in spring, the flowers are as lovely as they are fragrant.
The bloom time varies from species to species.
Many viburnums do well in Zones 4-8 and tolerate various levels of light, contingent on the variety.
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The three species mentioned here bloom best in full to partial sun.
Upon planting viburnums, top off the soil with mulch.
Water weekly during the summer months to keep this shrub looking sharp.
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Some camellias are fall bloomers, so check the label before buying.C.
japonicaprefers shadier conditions, whileC.
sasanquagrows in full or partial sun.C.
sasanquais also more tolerant of clay and sandy soils, but both species require well-drained soil.
“They do well in well-drained soil and can be planted above ground in pots.
The camellia is a great sight in the early days of spring.”
Flowering Quince
Showy flowering quince is another shrub that typically bursts into bloom before it leafs out.
Flowering quince is hardy in Zones 4-8.
The beautiful flowers appear in late winter or early spring.
Paper bush blooms emit a strong and pleasant fragrance that draws out bees and other admirers on sunny days.
