At the beginning of spring, as soon as the snow begins to melt, summer cottages, alpine slides and flower beds we are looking forward to the first flowers. After a long winter, spring primroses become the first long-awaited decoration on the still cool earth.
1. Snowdrops
Snowdrops are one of the most unpretentious spring plants; before the snow has even melted, they are already in a hurry to delight us with their flowers.
Snowdrops can be propagated by daughter bulbs or seeds. In the first case, fresh seeds are sown to a depth of one to two centimeters in the soil (the depth depends solely on the looseness of the soil). The first two years the seeds will germinate, but will not bloom, but from the third year you will be able to see the long-awaited white flowers.
The second propagation option is by daughter bulbs. The purchased bulbs should be elastic, they are immediately planted in the soil, but it is better not to take dried bulbs, since snowdrops react very poorly to dehydration. When planting, add dry humus, ash or bone meal to the ground.
Replanting bulbs should begin immediately after flowering and under no circumstances during flowering. Another transplant option is in August; many gardeners consider summer a more favorable period, since the old roots stop functioning and die, and new ones have not yet appeared.
2. Crocuses
There are a huge number of species of this plant and each of them has its own color and shape of petals. Crocuses are autumn-blooming and spring-blooming. Crocuses most easily tolerate transplantation during the dormant period, and this is the summer period.
Crocus propagates like everyone else autumn views of this genus, planting corms in spring in light, nutritious, breathable soil to a depth of 5 to 8 centimeters.
The most important thing when planting crocus is the acidity of the soil, which should be close to neutral, and the planting site should be sunny, where the snow melts on the site first.
3. Lilies of the valley
Another famous spring flower is the lily of the valley. Its natural habitat is in the forest, next to bushes and subshrubs, where there is quite a lot of moisture. This plant is perennial and belongs to the lily family.
In order for lilies of the valley to delight you in the garden, they should be planted in the fall, the ideal period is from September to early November. To replant, you need to place part of the rhizome of an adult plant, on which the bud rudiments are located, in pre-fertilized soil. And be sure to ensure that the root is not bent when planting, and that all sprouts are covered with soil.
Lily of the valley is a very unpretentious plant; the only thing it needs for growth and long flowering is a moist bud, especially in the heat of summer. Humus is perfect as a fertilizer.
It is important to remember that the lily of the valley has a very highly developed root system, so he is able to survive any plants, except trees and shrubs, that he meets on his way. Do not plant lilies of the valley mixed with other flowers.
4. Hyacinths
Blooming hyacinths are a picture of stunning beauty, since not a single spring flower can compare with them in terms of brightness and variety of colors.
Hyacinth is propagated by small bulbs, of which, as a rule, an average of 3-4 are formed per year on an adult plant bulb. The baby is carefully separated from the mother bulb during the summer dormancy period, and then planted in the ground before the adult bulbs, at the end of summer. Such bulbs grow and bloom in 2-3 years.
After the hyacinth has bloomed, you need to cut off the peduncle as high as possible and then give the leaves time to turn yellow and die naturally so that the beneficial substances get back into the plant bulb.
5. Sleep-grass or lumbago
Naturally, lumbago grows in steppe meadows, on open dry slopes, in light pine forests and on sunny forest edges.
In order to grow dream grass in your garden, you should purchase seeds or a ready-made plant in a container. But, under no circumstances should you dig up a plant in the forest, firstly, this flower cannot withstand replanting and will most likely dry out immediately, and secondly, this species is on the verge of extinction and has long been listed in the Red Book.
If you decide to buy seeds, it is best to sow them in warm soil in the spring, around April, since the optimal temperature for their germination is 20 - 25°C. The soil for sowing should be light, well-drained; it is possible to add a moderate amount of peat, sand, and mineral fertilizers.
6. Scillas
Another type of plant that we associate exclusively with forest glades. Scilla is a perennial bulbous plant that belongs to the extensive lily family.
Scilla propagation occurs in two ways: by seeds and daughter bulbs. During the growing season, an adult scilla bulb is capable of producing up to 4 babies, which are separated at the time of transplantation and then grown in a separate area.
7. Hazel grouse
Beautiful perennial flower hazel grouse, with its characteristic variegated color and large hanging umbel-flowers, is very unpretentious for growing in the garden. To breed it, it is enough to know a few rules. Firstly, that the soil for planting should be light and nutritious with the addition of peat, and secondly, the best time for planting is September or early October. It is optimal to choose the sunniest place for planting.
Caring for hazel grouse is in many ways similar to caring for lilies; the above-ground part of the faded plant must be cut off in July and watered very generously throughout the season. For propagation, the vegetative and seed variants, which were described above, are suitable for other flowers.
8. Hellebore
A rhizomatous perennial with evergreen leaves blooms in April - May. The color of the flowers is white, yellowish with a green tint, burgundy, peach, dark reddish, etc. Hellebore is grown in partial shade. Water moderately, do not plant in damp places or where melt water stagnates for a long time. High frost resistance. Hellebores reproduce by division, less commonly by seeds.
9. Daffodils
Daffodils, like many of the above flowers, belong to bulbous plants, and therefore they beautiful bloom directly depends on the condition of the bulb. When purchasing bulbs, you need to be extremely careful and give preference to the healthiest and most resilient specimens.
In order for the flowers to have enough nutrients, the soil should be loamy when planting.
The best place to plant daffodils is a sunny lawn with protection from strong winds.
Daffodils need to be replanted periodically. Plants can grow in one place for about 4-5 years. After this, the flowers will begin to shrink and the plantings will become denser.
10. Violet
Another popular and unpretentious primrose is the fragrant violet, stretching its blue-blue flowers towards the warm rays of the sun.
Since violet seeds germinate in the dark, they are carefully covered with soil and kept in a cool, moist and dark place until germination. A month later, the seedlings dive, later planted in pots or on permanent place in the garden. If the climate allows, you can leave them to winter, covering them from frost with spruce branches.
Another method of propagating violets is to divide overgrown curtains. In one season, a young plant increases on average five times. Division is possible at almost any time, the main thing is not to forget to water the young plantings.
11. Liverwort
At first glance, the liverwort in the forest can easily be confused with a violet; it has the same deep blue color and a sea of small flowers.
It is better to divide liverworts during dormancy, around July. After planting, the plants should be well watered and shaded. By autumn, new plants take root well, and next year, as a rule, bloom. In nature, liverworts are constantly showered with leaves or needles; in the garden they need the same. You can use bark or wood chips. This plant is very shade-loving and prefers well-moistened soil.
Planted liverworts themselves spread throughout the garden, giving quite abundant self-seeding.
Pushkinia is a very beautiful and original flower; it is difficult to compare it with other flowers or draw any parallels in the description. Pushkinia flowers are usually white, decorated with blue stripes.
Reproduction is carried out using bulbs, and there is also the option of using seeds. But the first option is still more popular. Autumn is the optimal time for transplantation, from mid-September to mid-October. For the landing to be successful, it is necessary that planting material was of good quality.
In order for the seedlings to be well preserved, provide them with dark place, as well as good ventilation.
13. Primrose
After the snow melts, usually at the end of April, oblong-lanceolate leaves with strong peduncles and dense spherical, fairly large inflorescences appear from the ground - this is primrose.
These unpretentious plants- not uncommon in gardens. The best way to get primroses is to ask your neighbors and friends for clones that have been growing well for a long time.
You can buy flowering specimens - then both the species and the variety will not be in doubt.
The best time to plant primroses is as soon as the snow melts, but if watered, they can be divided and replanted at any time convenient for you. Primroses take root when low temperatures. Primulas need partial shade with rich loamy soil, good food, absence of both soaking and drying out.
14. Daisies
Agree that just the name of a flower, not to mention the plant itself, evokes a smile of tenderness. Translated from Greek, “daisy” means pearl. Large, low-growing, double - no matter what variety you choose to grow in your garden, these flowers will certainly delight the eye with their brightness and cheerfulness.
Daisies are either annual or perennial, the former bloom only for a year, and the latter are grown only for two years, since by the third year the flowers begin to become smaller and thinner, and often die. The main time for planting daisies is the beginning and middle of May. These flowers also bloom in early May, as the leaves and buds survive the winter well under the snow. In places where a small amount of snow falls, plants should be covered for the winter.
Reproduction of daisies is carried out both by seeds and cuttings, and by dividing the bush.
A distinctive feature of this primrose is that in its inflorescences you can see both pink and dark blue flowers. Of all the above plants, this species is the most durable; it lives for about 30 years.
In nature, most species grow on fertile, sufficiently moist soils, so our ordinary garden soils are quite suitable.
This plant reproduces vegetatively, it begins after the transition to flowering and continues throughout almost the entire growth period. Old sections of the rhizome die off over time, and the bush disintegrates.
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After cold winter The first sprouts that appear from under the snow cover bring special joy. The main place in the spring garden is occupied by early flowering species. The bright colors of spring flowers attract insects, and even on cloudy days they enliven the landscape.
All primroses are divided into several groups depending on their morphological characteristics. There are biennial and perennial plants, as well as rhizomatous, herbaceous, bulbous and corm spring-flowering plants.
Their peculiarity is that flowers grow from succulent storage plant organs - bulbs. The list of bulbous plants is very diverse. It includes both miniature species (scilla) and powerful plants about 1 meter tall (hazel grouse).
Modern ornamental gardening cannot do without representatives of this class. Both wild subspecies and varieties bred relatively recently are popular.
Spring whiteflower (Leucojum)
A low (15-20 cm) delicate plant, with colors and belt-like leaves reminiscent of a snowdrop. The flowers are bell-shaped, white with greenish markings at the tip of each of the 6 petals.
Whiteflower
Blooms in April, loves semi-shaded places. The bulbs have a short period of rest, after which fresh roots begin to form. Therefore, it is best to plant white flowers after the leaves turn yellow. It also reproduces well by seeds, which are spread throughout the area by ants.
Galanthus, snowdrop
Snowdrops - translated from English this name means “snow droplets”. Famous and beloved by everyone, one of the first to please the eye in spring. If a connoisseur of beauty finds a secluded shady corner for it in the garden, galanthus will thank you for this by regularly flowering from snow thawed patches.
Galanthus
The most commonly found plant in gardens is the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis). In addition to the species form, several interesting varieties are grown:
- Flore Pleno - with terry crown;
- Sandhill Gate has 6 slightly bluish petals of equal length;
- Viridapice with a clear green heart-shaped pattern on the three inner petals and a more diffuse one on the outer ones;
- Snow White Gnome - according to the name, it is really snow-white miniature (up to 5 cm tall).
Due to the poaching of vast areas of the plant, it was listed in the Red Book.
Oriental hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
This series of primroses is famous not only for its colorful blooms and outstanding aroma. All varieties of hyacinths are easier to grow in pots than all bulbous crops. If desired, it is possible to grow a blooming ear of hyacinth even for the New Year holidays. IN open ground blooms in April, after snowdrops.
The most popular varieties:
- L "Innocence (from French "innocence") - snow-white;
- Ann Marie - soft pink;
- Pink Pearl (“pink pearl”) - pink with a darker stripe;
- Ostara has a blue-violet hue;
- Miosotis - pale blue;
- Jan Bos - raspberry.
Iridodictium, reticulate iris (Iridodictyum)
One can rightly call it a spring miracle. As soon as the snow has melted, its unusual small irises with a speckled beard appear from the ground. They bloom for only a few days, but so colorfully that the flowerbed comes to life, attracting the first awakened insects. After flowering, thin leaves appear like sharp skewers. This mini-iris prefers sunny places.
Iris reticulum
Some of the most notable representatives of the species include:
- Cantab - soft blue;
- Harmony - blue;
- Edward - blue-violet;
- J. S. Dijt - purple-violet;
- Pauline - bright blue.
No less popular is the Dunford iris with bright lemon flowers, which is earlier and more compact (up to 10 cm).
Muscari, mouse hyacinth (Muscari)
Flowering begins in the second half of spring. Belongs to a completely different species compared to hyacinth. Only the shape of the inflorescence is similar. Small tubular flowers sit tightly together on the stem, giving the impression that this is not a flowering plant, but a miniature bunch of grapes.
Interesting varieties:
- Fantasy Creation - blue-green;
- Christmas Pearl - purple;
- Blue Spike is a multi-flowered double silver-blue.
Narcissus
Due to the diversity of species and varieties, the flowering of this crop is extended: it begins in March and continues until the late May tulips bloom.
Narcissus split-crown
Main groups:
- 1. Tubular. Combines plants with flowers that have a long crown - a tube. For example, Arctic Gold, Brighton, Las Vegas, Little Gem, Foresight.
- 2. Large crowns with a wide large crown: Ice Follies, Armada, Velasques, Daydream.
- 3. Small crowns: Amor, Barrett Browning, Rockall, Sabine Hay.
- 4. Terry represents the most diverse range of flower shapes: only the crown can be double, or many wide petals are folded into one large flower. There are also multi-flowered double daffodils. Representatives of double daffodils: Ice King, Acropolis, Bridal Crown, Double Fashion, Rip van Winkle.
- 5. Triandrusaceae. The most early group with small flowers located 2-6 per stem. Perianth petals are bent, the crown is medium-sized: Ice Wings, Thalia.
- 6. Cyclamenoides also have petals bent back, but their tube is narrow and long. Early dwarf group: Wisley, Jumblie, Tete-a-Tete.
- 7. Jonquil daffodils bloom mostly late compared to other groups. They bear several small flowers on peduncles: Baby Moon, Bell Song, Sweetness, Hillstar
- 8. Tatset. Round flowers with a short crown, 4-8 per stem: Grand Soleil d'Or, Orange Wonder, Scarlet Gem.
- 9. Poetic. Late (May flowering): Actaea, Sarchedon.
- 10. Narcissus Brandushka - bright yellow, has a large long crown surrounded by small sharp petals.
- 11. Split-crown. The crown is large, strongly cut. The most popular group. Some varieties: Dolly Mollinger, Cassata, Orangery, Tricollet, Pink Wonder.
Species daffodils have found application in gardens with natural landscapes. Small and unpretentious, they grow, forming blooming pictures.
Scilla, Scilla
One of the first to emerge from under the snow. The species received its Russian name due to its tendency to grow on forest edges. Small blue flowers still peek out from under the snow.
Scilla
The genus includes about 90 species. In temperate and cold climates, some of them have become widespread:
- Siberian, also has white flowers.
- Bifolia and its subspecies with white, pink, soft and dark blue corolla colors.
- Lucilia, formerly called Chionodoxa, includes varieties of several tones.
Prefers sunny or semi-shaded areas.
Puschkinia
A small plant resembling blueberries. There are mainly 2 species grown in gardens - scilla and hyacinth. The first of them blooms in March, the second - after about 2 months.
A distinctive feature of Pushkinia is its small pale blue flowers with a dark blue stripe in the center of the petals.
Pushkinia
Hazel grouse, fritillaria (Fritillaria)
A rather unusual plant that blooms in mid-spring. The name is due to the color of the bell-shaped flower of some species: they can be checkered or painted, variegated, “pockmarked”. Of the many varieties used in ornamental gardening:
- 1. Checkerboard - a low plant (up to 35 cm) with single flowers of white, reddish and purple tones, often with a checkerboard pattern. Flowering - late March - early April.
- 2. Imperial (“royal crown”) - a powerful (up to 1 m) stem bears several large (6 cm) orange or yellow flowers, located at the same height under the top - a tuft of bright green leaves.
It is important to provide the hazel grouse with good drainage and fertilizing for stable flowering.
Imperial hazel grouse
Tulip (Tulipa)
The most famous bulbous plant allows you to admire the flowering from the end of March to May inclusive, depending on the flowering period. According to this criterion, varieties are divided into 4 groups: early, middle, late. Group 4 includes wild species and varieties.
In addition to group affiliation, each variety is included in a specific class:
- 1. Simple early ones. They are characterized by a height of 25-40 cm and a classic flower shape: Christmas Marvel (lilac-pink), Diana (white), General de Wet (orange), Prins Carnaval (yellow with a red flame), Ruby Red (rich red).
- 2. Terry early ones grow up to 30 cm. bright colors and the ability to hold a flower for a long time is valued by landscape designers and florists. Monte Carlo (yellow), Montreux (white), Queen of Marve (lilac-pink), Orange Princess (orange).
- 3. Triumph. Includes varieties with a medium flowering period (from mid-April). The flowers are large, goblet-shaped, on high - up to 70 cm - strong peduncles: Gavota (dark red with a wide yellow border), New Design (pale pink with white-edged leaves), Happy Generation (white with a crimson flame), Lustige Witwe (crimson with silver edge), Mascara (ruby red).
- 4. Darwin hybrids bloom a little later than the Triumph class. The most powerful of all - the height reaches 80 cm. Dawnglow (dense pink with an apricot edge), Ad Rem (red), Banja Luka (golden yellow with a red edge).
- 5. Simple late ones are slightly lower than Darwin hybrids (50-75 cm) and later in flowering time (mid-May). Blushing Lady (apricot-yellow with a pinkish tint), Catherina (white), Queen of Night (purple-black), Aileen (yellow).
- 6. Liliaceae - late series with sharp, bent tips of petals. Opening in the daytime, the flower really looks like a lily. Height - 50-60 cm. Adonis (red), Akita (cherry with white border), Ballade (yellow), Lilac Time (lilac).
- 7. Fringed. They bloom at the same time as Darwin hybrids. Fabio (red with yellow fringe), Smirnoff (white), Valery Georgiev (carmine), Santander (pink).
- 8. Green-colored tulips have a characteristic green pattern on the back of the petal. Flowering time is from mid-May. Artist (salmon pink), Dancing Show (yellow), Doll's Minuett (raspberry).
- 9. Rembrandt tulips include all varieties with variegated colors: Saksia (yellow-red), Columbine (white-pink).
- 10. Parrots are unusual in the shape of their petals, strongly dissected and bizarrely curved. Apricot Parrot (orange), Black Parrot (purple-black), Caland (cherry).
- 11. Terry late flowers resemble peonies - large and bright. Flowering occurs in the second half of May. Blue Diamond (pearl lilac), Anfield (red), Angelique (pink).
- 12. Kaufman - the most early class(bloom from early April). Their small height (15-5 cm) and large flowers with long petals make them especially attractive. Alfred Cortot (red, leaves with purple stripes), Ancilla (white with crimson back), Berlios (yellow with striped leaves).
- 13. Foster is distinguished by even larger flowers in comparison with T. Greig. Height - 30-50 cm, flowering - from the end of April. Charley Kuntz (white with reddish back), Copenhagen (red).
- 14. Greiga - late long flowering and variegated leaves with speckles. They grow up to 35 cm in height. American Cocktail (red), Bella Vista (yellow with a reddish back).
- 15. Wild species bloom early and are small in stature. Some are very fragrant. T.biflora (cream with a yellow center, star-shaped), T.gesneriana rosea (crimson).
A wide palette of shades makes it possible to create excellent colorful compositions. Many series are used for cutting and forcing. Dwarf varieties are ideal for a small flower bed.
Planting bulbous
The optimal timing is late summer - early autumn. The bulb has time to take root before the cold weather, and flowers appear in the spring. The dormant period occurs in late spring and summer. At this time, all life processes freeze. In regions with high summer temperatures, it is recommended to dig up tulip and hyacinth bulbs after the leaves turn yellow: this method will avoid the degeneration of hyacinths, when the bulbs become smaller, and the disease of tulip variegation, on which mosaic spots and stripes appear.
If you carefully consider the choice of planting material, its preparation and planting, you can ensure abundant flowering. After purchasing the bulbs, they are carefully inspected, damaged parts of the scales are cut out, and the sections are treated with crushed charcoal or an antifungal drug in powder.
When planting bulbs, their size is taken into account: the depth of planting from the bottom (the place where roots form) should be equal to the height of the bulb itself, multiplied by 3. On heavy soils (for example, clay), the depth is reduced by half or three times. In order to obtain more baby bulbs are planted higher. For full flowering, observe the standard location relative to the level of the soil horizon.
Often in markets you can see blooming scillas, tulips and other bulbous plants sold with bare root systems. This method of replanting cannot be called successful: during flowering, all the power of the plant is directed to the formation of offspring (seeds), the roots serve as powerful conductors of water and nutrients in this process. When digging, this process is disrupted and the root system is injured. This affects future flowering and growth vigor. In addition, you cannot expect instant beauty from plants: their flowers and leaves wither and turn yellow, and there may be no flowering next season. A good option would be to buy bulbs grown in pots. In this case, the integrity of the roots is ensured, and metabolic processes in the bulb and aerial parts are not disrupted.
Since bulbous plants have retractable roots, with age the bulb itself ends up at too great a depth, which will certainly affect flowering. Therefore, plantings are renewed by planting bulbs at least once every 2-3 years.
Corms
Their difference is that instead of the mother corm, several daughter corms are formed. The main storage organ dies, and the babies germinate the following spring. Then each of them is divided according to the same principle.
Spring corms touch you with their simple beauty and tenderness. These are low plants with cup-shaped flowers. Petals - 6, curved with a rounded edge.
Crocus, saffron (Crocus)
From large number species grown in gardens are botanical with small flowers of different shades and large-flowered, the diameter of its flowers reaches 5.5-11 cm.
The most famous varieties: Jeanne d'Arc (white), Negro Boy (deep purple), Pickwick (lilac with purple stripes), Flower Record (purple, flower size - up to 11cm).
Crocuses are unpretentious, but grow better in loose, nutritious soils. Need periodic seating.
Bulbocodium, brandushka (Bulbocodium)
Of the two types of fireweed, one blooms in autumn, the second blooms at the end of April - May. The petals are lilac-lilac, the flower resembles a crocus, reaches 7 cm in diameter.
Looks beautiful in group plantings. This species is planted once every 4-5 years.
Bulbocodium
Herbaceous perennials
Early-blooming, overwintering plants can tolerate low winter temperatures without harming their blooms. For most of them, the above-ground part dies off in late autumn, and new flowers and leaves appear in the spring. Other crops are evergreen - retaining their leaf mass throughout the winter.
Group representatives;
- 1. Adonis, Adonis, colors the April meadows with bright yellow colors. A bright background is created by emerald green pinnately dissected leaves. Prefers sunny places and loose, infertile soils.
- 2. Arabis (Arabis), requiring no care, pleases with abundant flowering. Caucasian arabis, which has a snow-white color, is used in garden design. To date, varieties have also been bred with bright pink flowers (Lotti Deep Rose).
- 3. Aubrieta, like Arabis, belongs to the cold-resistant Cruciferous family. Its compact habit attracts landscapers: one low, spreading plant can form a flowering lake. The group looks even brighter. Having overwintered under snow cover, the shoots of aubrieta are already covered in March with countless small (up to 2 cm in diameter) flowers of pink, lilac, purple, and lilac colors. Aubration is widely used in the design of rock gardens.
- 4. Bergenia, heart-leaved bergenia. It is notable for its large, juicy shiny evergreen leaves and small pale pink flowers, which in the form of an umbrella-shaped inflorescence rise 40 cm. With age, the rhizome of bergenia becomes bare, so it is recommended to plant it once every 3-5 years.
- 5. Hellebore (Helleborus). Black hellebore is widely used in cultivation, which has become the ancestor of many interesting variety series with white, red, green, purple-black, and pink flowers. They can be simple or terry, pure color and with dark specks in the middle. Evergreen. The leaves are palmate, dense, rich green in color. It is unique in that the flower stalks develop already in the fall, and in the winter they appear from under the snow. The root system is not very branched, so in adulthood the bush suffers when transplanted. It reproduces well by seeds, but young plants will bloom only in the 5th-7th year.
- 6. Liverwort (Hepatica). In March, when almost all the vegetation is still dormant, small blue flowers begin to appear. Later, heart-shaped leaves grow. Unpretentious culture, loves partial shade.
- 7. Primula (Primula) - a genus with more than 500 species. In temperate climates, the following feel good: fine-toothed (spherical inflorescence of white, lilac, purple tones on a powerful plant); auricular with painted flowers, yellow center; high up to 20 cm and flowers about 2 cm. Polyanthus and stemless, which are so loved for their large flowers and compact bush, they almost never overwinter in the ground. Primroses are propagated by fresh seeds and by dividing the bush.
- 8. Fragrant violet (Viola odorata) is one of the first to greet spring in April. A stemless compact plant with small fragrant flowers. It self-sows well.
- 9. Corydalis (Corydalis) is a flower of forest edges, where already in March it can form carpets of lacy leaves and fragrant flowers. One of its advantages is resistance to diseases and pests. After flowering and seed formation, the above-ground part dies off, leaving a rounded tuber in the ground, waiting for the next season.
- 10. Spring grass (Ficaria verna) has a tuber-shaped rhizome, thanks to which it overwinters well and recovers, blooming at the end of March. The height of the plant is only 10-15 cm. The flowers are bright yellow and shiny. Soon after the 2-week flowering period, the plant sheds its leaves and goes dormant to open the next season with renewed vigor.
- 11. Erantis, spring flower (Eranthis) is similar to the clearweed with a tuberous root and yellow flowers. Propagated by dividing the bush during the period after flowering. Blooms in April-May. Height - 15-20 cm.
Biennial flowering plants
Their peculiarity is that in the first year of life a rosette of leaves is formed, which overwinters and blooms. early spring second year. With the onset of hot weather, the plant ages and dies.
The most favorite biennials among gardeners include viola and daisies. Most of their varieties have good winter hardiness. Flowering of well-developed bushes begins in the fall and continues after the snow melts. And during winter thaws, 2-year-old flowers create an unexpected colorful accent among the snowy thawed patches.
Viola, pansy (Viola)
Violas, which became descendants of the tricolor violet, have a very wide range of colors. Their flowers can be small (1.5-2 cm) and large (10 cm), and the bush has a compact or ampelous habit.
Modern selection has gone far ahead in terms of developing new groups and colors, and this makes it possible to widely use violas in landscape design. There is practically no color that is not available in one series or another.
Hybrid viola (Viola x Wittrockiana)
This group is characterized by large (5 cm or more) flowers. The color can be pure or patterned, combining in 2, 3 and even 4 colors within the variety. There are a series of hybrids and varieties for early growing(Delta, Dynamite), and there are late large-flowered positions (Swiss Giants), resistant to heat and temperature changes (Mammoth).
Viola hybrida
Horned viola (Viola cornuta)
Its difference is a large number of small (up to 3-3.5 cm in diameter) flowers. Unpretentious and frost-resistant, it has a rich palette of colors - from pure tones (snow-white, yellow, blue, red, violet, lilac) to unusual combinations (series with a black eye, “antennae”, two-colored with contrasting upper and lower petals).
Varieties of horned viola give abundant self-seeding, which allows you to observe flowering without interruption: while the mother plant has not yet faded, seedlings are already gaining strength and will continue to grow almost until the fall of next year.
Daisy
When growing 2-year-olds, special attention is paid to humidity. There are 2 simple rules at work here: do not water cold water and do not wet the leaves overnight. If they are not observed, a white coating appears on the leaves, which indicates the development fungal disease- powdery mildew, which is difficult to get rid of.
Reproduction
Bulbous and corm plants are propagated by children - daughter or replacement bulbs formed as a result of division, budding from the mother.
2-year-olds are grown from seeds. It takes 10-18 weeks from sowing to the start of flowering.
Herbaceous species reproduce by seed and vegetative methods. The latter includes several techniques: dividing the bush, cuttings, planting root suckers.
Care
Spring bloomers are characterized by laying flower stalks and storing nutrients in the season preceding flowering. For this reason, special attention is paid to watering (if necessary, during the dry spring period) and fertilizing. Most plants in this group are responsive to organo-mineral fertilizers, but do not tolerate fresh manure. During flowering, the amount of potassium in fertilizing solutions is increased, with the formation and active growth of the root system - phosphorus, and with the development of leaves - nitrogen.
Mulching is an effective technique to avoid the formation of soil crust. In addition, a unique microclimate is formed in the root zone, which promotes the active absorption of minerals, and the flowers grow wonderfully.
To prolong the flowering of herbaceous species and the formation of large storage scales in bulbous species, a technique called decapitation is used.
This operation consists of removing the heads of fully opened flowers. It is used to strengthen the root system, which will not consume a lot of resources for seed formation. The retained potential is spent on development more children in bulbous plants and a more powerful root system in herbaceous plants.
Pest control and disease prevention
Even during planting, attention is paid to the quality of seedlings and bulbs; sick ones are discarded due to the risk of further infection. It is useful to carry out pre-planting treatment with fungicides (antifungal drugs) and/or growth stimulants. For example, tulip bulbs are kept in a 0.5% solution of Fundazol for 30 minutes.
On heavy clay soils the root system often rots. To prevent this from happening, place a 3-4 cm layer of coarse grains at the bottom of the planting holes. river sand and lighten the soil. To do this, use compost or peat with neutral acidity.
Systematic weeding will not only rid the flower beds of weeds, but will also prevent infections from developing.
The larvae of the cockchafer cause great damage to plantings. To get rid of voracious insects, glue traps are used and birdhouses are hung to attract birds into the garden.
Placing plants on the site
No matter how beautiful the flowers are, it is important to arrange them, taking into account several planting laws:
- 1. Agrotechnical requirements. Those who love sunny flower beds should be planted in an open, well-lit area to avoid stretching. Shade-loving species are avoided for planting in the sun due to possible burns. The same principle works in the case of soil acidity requirements - calcephobes cannot tolerate alkalization and vice versa.
- 2. Ease of care. You should not combine spring flowering plants in dense plantings with perennials or shrubs that need winter shelter. This will create additional difficulties and the likelihood of damaging green shoots.
- 3. Aesthetic component. Consists in successful combination color shades and optimal configuration of flower beds. Following the first of these rules, compositions are made monochromatic or contrasting. The second involves planting plants of the same kind in groups, arrays, which will give a natural and colorful effect. Narrow straight rows will spoil the impression even when using rare beautiful crops.
One of the main concepts of garden decoration is this: you need to take care of spring flowering in advance. Bulbous and herbaceous plants planted in August-September, biennials begin to sow in early or mid-summer, followed by picking in the fall to a permanent place.
When high-quality planting material has been purchased, timely planting has been carried out and the basic rules of care have been followed - spring will sparkle with new, bright colors in the garden or at the dacha and bring inspiration.
How impatiently we all look forward to spring. How we rejoice at the first warm rays of the sun, the first thawed patches and streams. But the first spring flowers are especially delightful. The appearance of these small but bold harbingers of spring indicates that spring has finally and irrevocably come.
1. Galanthus or snowdrop (Galanthus)
2. Hellebore (Helleborus)
The name speaks for itself. Hellebore blooms in the cold. In its native places (in Transcaucasia) it blooms in winter (late February). Thanks to legend, hellebore is sometimes called the “rose of Christ.” It was first found near the stable where Christ was born, and since then, as if in memory of this event, hellebore blooms in the south in winter.
3. Crocus or saffron (Crocus)
Crocuses are the favorite flowers of gardeners and city landscapers. The crocuses are blooming, which means spring has come. The ancient Greeks considered the crocus the flower of the goddess of dawn Aurora, the flower of awakening nature. Exists beautiful legend. One spring day, love happened on the river bank between the god Zeus and Hera. The warmth of their passion awakened the earth, and the clearing was covered with beautiful white and purple crocus flowers. “Closing your eyes, imagine noble saffron, and then you will see everything: the noble blue of the sky, the mysterious yellow moon, the pink dawn and lilac-red twilight,” this is what they said about crocuses in the Ancient East.
4. Scilla or Scilla
As soon as the snow melts, blue flowers of woodlands appear, which many incorrectly, although deservedly, call “snowdrops.” Most species of woodleaf have bright blue flowers. The clearings of flowering plants in the garden resemble lakes that reflect the clear spring sky.
5. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
In the inflorescences of this primrose you can see both pink and dark blue flowers.
There is a legend that the dark blue flowers of lungwort are the flowers of Adam, the first man. And the pink ones are the flowers of Eve, the first woman. Two different colors of flowers on one plant symbolize the unity of opposites.
However, even with scientific point This is easily explained. Anthocyanins, plant pigments in plant cells responsible for the color of petals, change color depending on the acidity of the cell sap. As the acidity of the cell sap decreases, anthocyanins turn blue, and with an increase in acidity they turn pink. Newly bloomed flowers have high acidity of cell sap, which is why they are pink. And as the flowers age, the acidity of their juice decreases, so the anthocyanins gradually turn blue.
6. Narcissus
The name of this flower comes from the Greek word "narkao" - to stupefy, to stun, which is probably due to its strong aroma. Many legends are associated with the beautiful daffodil. The Greeks consider it a symbol of cold beauty, narcissism, vanity and selfishness. This is connected with the story of the handsome young man Narcissus and the nymph Echo, who is unrequitedly in love with him. Narcissus, as punishment for neglecting Echo's love, was condemned to love his reflection. According to legend, a narcissus flower grew where the beautiful Greek youth Narcissus, who fell in love with his reflection in the water, died of self-love. In Ancient Persia, poets compared the eyes of their lovers to narcissus flowers. The ancient Romans greeted the victors of battles with yellow daffodils. And now the daffodil is the most beloved flower of the British, to which even the rose is second in popularity in Great Britain.
7. Violet or viola (Viola)
Violet is the favorite flower of the most different nations. Poems and legends are written about her. She is considered a symbol of tenderness, modesty and innocence. There are more than 450 species of violets, distributed throughout the globe. The earliest of them bloom as soon as the snow melts: Altai, fragrant, hooded, marsh, amazing, tricolor, hill, bringing us joy and spring mood.
8. Anemone or anemone
Anemone or anemone is considered one of the first heralds of spring. After all, many types of anemone, including oak and buttercup, are early spring-flowering plants. And the oak anemone is often called “snowdrop” for early flowering and for the snow-white color of its flower. As soon as the snow melts and the buds of the trees begin to swell, this lovely delicate flower space under the forest canopy. The most delicate petals sway from the slightest breath of wind, which is where the name “anemone” comes from.
9. Corydalis (Corydalis)
There are about 320 species of corydalis in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. These are one of the earliest spring flowers, pleasing to the eye after a long winter. Corydalis growth usually begins under the snow, in March. And in April, very cute tassel inflorescences appear. In the forest in early spring, the lilac islands of corydalis very beautifully dilute the white seas of oak anemone.
10. Marigold (Caltha)
In the forest, not all the snow has melted yet, but along the roadsides in the lowlands, where the melt water flows, bright yellow marsh marigolds are already blooming. It is impossible not to notice these sunny yellow bouquets framed by varnish-shiny leaves against the backdrop of the bare spring earth around. Marsh marigold is indispensable when creating gardens in a landscape style. There are very beautiful garden forms With double flowers pale yellow and white in color.
11. Liverwort (Hepatica)
People call the liverwort “copperwood” because it does not like open places and grows only in the forest. Blooming liverworts look very elegant; it is impossible to pass by the bright blue lush bouquets. After a long winter, it is especially pleasant to find a bush of flowering liverworts in the forest and saturate your eyes with their touching beauty.
Spring truly comes into its own and we get into a truly spring mood only when the very first spring flowers that are not afraid of frost begin to bloom in the gardens and on the lawns in front of houses.
These delicate and beautiful multi-colored buds bloom earlier than others, despite the changeable weather, and delight the eye of the gardener and passerby with their colors. Let's look together at a selection of the very first spring flowers - domesticated and wild, which are the earliest to awaken from winter sleep.
1. Snowdrop (galanthus)
This flower is familiar to everyone since childhood. Who doesn't remember the fairy tale "12 months"? These unpretentious, touching flowers with white bell-shaped flowers are among the first to appear in early spring. Snowdrops bloom for about a month, tolerate temperature changes well and are not afraid of early spring frosts.
2. What are the blue forest bells called - Scylla (Scylla)
Scilla is sometimes called blue snowdrop, due to its external resemblance to the latter, and also because it appears as soon as the snow melts. Actually it's different plants. These blue or dark blue flowers are also not afraid of spring frosts.
3. What kind of flowers bloom under the snow - Hellebore
The name itself suggests that it blooms in the cold. In the south, hellebore blooms in winter, at the end of February. Hellebore, or, as it is commonly called, helleborus, belongs to the buttercup family and, like all buttercups, is also poisonous! The evergreen hellebore is not only frost-hardy, but also drought-resistant, and its flowering in middle lane begins in March, when our flower beds are not yet decorated with the bright colors of summer flowers. Helleborus flowers are very beautiful, a little like lanterns - drooping, quite large, reaching 8 cm in diameter.
4. What are the names of early yellow wild flowers - Erantis (spring flower)
These sunny golden flowers will add cheer to a dull spring garden. Erantis also blooms in early spring, in March-April, and is not afraid of frost and snowfall.
5. Primrose (primrose)
There are many varieties of this plant; only a small part of them is grown in culture. Primroses bloom profusely and for a long time in early spring; some species may bloom again in autumn.
6. A flower with multi-colored leaves is called Lungwort
Lungwort blooms in April-May. Grows well in light, well-moistened soils. After flowering it produces many colorful leaves.
7. What are the names of low white flowers - Crocus
Bright, low crocus flowers also appear with the first warmth of spring. Crocuses bloom for a short time, only 5-7 days; without transplanting in one place they can grow up to 5 years. There are types of crocuses that prefer to bloom in the fall.
8. What are the names of small blue spring flowers - Periwinkle
Evergreen periwinkle retains its foliage even under snow. As soon as the soil begins to thaw, it produces new shoots and is covered in soft blue flowers in April.
Bright yellow, like little suns, Adonis flowers appear on the very first fine days of spring. They prefer well-lit areas and light, fertile soil.
10. What kind of yellow spring flower with round glossy leaves is this?
Spring clearing appears immediately after the snow melts. His darlings yellow flowers They fully bloom only in bright sun, that is, in the middle of the day, and in cloudy weather and at night they close.
11. Small blue flowers are called - Liverwort
The liverwort is popularly called the coppice, because it does not like open places and grows only in the forest. Her elegant, bright blue lush bouquets are so pleasant to find in the forest after a long winter.
12. Violet
Fragrant violet is a perennial early spring plant. During flowering, the entire area is filled with its aroma. In the south, if there is a warm, long autumn, the violet may bloom again in October-November. And it happens that its flowering continues all winter.
13. Muscari
Muscari or mouse hyacinth is a perennial bulbous plant. Its tiny bell-shaped flowers are collected in racemes of blue, light blue, violet or white, depending on the type. There are also two-colored species of this plant.
Spring whiteflower blooms in April for 20-30 days. The height of the plant is 20-20 cm. Green or yellow spots are clearly visible at the ends of its white bell-shaped flowers.
15. Chionodoxa
Chionodoxa appears in early spring and is also called the snow beauty. The leaves of this plant appear simultaneously with the buds. Flowers can be solitary or collected in small inflorescences. Chionodoxa comes in white, blue, blue or pink.
16. Pushkinia
Pushkinia is a herbaceous bulbous plant 15-20 cm high. The flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences of white or blue color. Blooms in early spring.
17. Corydalis
An unpretentious frost-resistant plant that blooms in early spring. The height of the corydalis reaches up to 20 cm. After flowering, its ground part dies off, after which the plant is not afraid of any mechanical impact, she doesn’t care about trampling or digging.
18. What does a wild iris look like - Iridodictium (reticulate iris)
These tiny bulbous irises bloom in April and produce a pleasant scent. They reach a height of 10 cm. They grow well in sunny areas, but also tolerate slight shading.
19. Marigold
Marigold is very similar to chistyak, but these plants still have differences. The foliage remains until October, this is their main difference. Prefers well-moistened marshy soils.
20. What are the names of white spring flowers - Anemone or anemone
This plant is called anemone because the petals of most species fall off easily in the wind. Depending on the species, anemones may bloom in early spring, summer, or fall.
21. Hyacinth
Hyacinth can rightfully be considered a favorite spring garden for its spectacular inflorescences and stunning intoxicating aroma. These plants begin to bloom in April and delight with a rich palette of shades of white, blue, orange, yellow and pink.
22. Hyacinthoides
Another early spring plant. Externally, this plant resembles a scilla, but has larger and elongated flowers. There are plants in white, blue and pink colors. Blooms for a long time, up to three weeks
23. What kind of flowers with long lilac petals - Bulbocodium (brandushka)
This is a very beautiful stemless polyflower, forms 2-4 flowers surrounded by leaves. It blooms for two weeks, spreading an intoxicating aroma around itself.
24. Small bright blue spring flowers are called - Brunnera (forget-me-not)
Herbaceous perennial up to 40 cm high. This unpretentious frost-resistant plant grows well in shady corners of the garden. The flowers are small, collected in apical inflorescences. Blooms in May.
25. What are wild-growing tulips - Tulip
Wild varieties of tulips, unlike their cultivated counterparts, bloom much earlier, already in April. In total there are more than 100 species of this plant.
26. Narcissus
This perennial with a huge variety of varieties and hybrid forms. Blooms from March to June, depending on the species.
27. Orange flowers that look like bells and lilies are called - Hazel grouse
A perennial bulbous plant with large flowers. Blooms in early spring. The hazel grouse got its name from the similarity of the color of the flowers with the feathers of the bird of the same name. The most popular are the checkerboard hazel grouse and the imperial hazel grouse.
A bulbous perennial ephemeroid that blooms simultaneously with scillas and snowdrops. White, star-shaped flowers are collected in racemes or corymbose apical inflorescences.
To everyone who stopped by, have a wonderful spring day and a sunny mood!