The BEST Spring Garden Plant Guide to have color and texture now!
As spring unfolds in the Seattle area, gardeners in USDA Zone 8b are greeted by the emergence of a diverse array of plants. While not all may be in full bloom yet, the variety of structures, spikes, and leaf textures offers plenty of interest and excitement. Here's an overview of some plants making their appearance this March, along with descriptions and maintenance tips. All have unique and beautiful foliage that adds interest in the spring garden. Most of these plants can be found at Flower World the most epic nursery - located in Snohomish, very close for Eastside gardeners in Bellevue, Bothell, Kirkland and Woodinville area to reach - with sadly no more Molbaks this year.
1. Nepeta 'Walker's Low' (Catmint)
This aromatic perennial boasts gray-green foliage and produces abundant lavender-blue flowers from early summer through fall. Growing up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, it's drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun to part shade. To maintain its shape and encourage reblooming, shear the plant back after the initial flowering. Planting in groups of 3, 5, or 7 will create a striking display. You can find Nepeta 'Walker's Low' at Flower World!
2. Phlox 'Blue Paradise'
This garden phlox variety showcases fragrant, violet-blue flowers that can appear to change color throughout the day, depending on light conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering and deadheading spent blooms will promote continuous flowering. Grouping these in odd numbers enhances their visual impact. Several varieties of Phlox will be available at Flower World all season long!
3. Sedum 'Matrona' and 'Madrona'
Both of these stonecrops are known for their succulent foliage and late-season blooms. 'Matrona' features gray-green leaves with a hint of purple and pink flowers, while 'Madrona' offers deep burgundy stems and pink blooms. They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Minimal maintenance is required; simply remove spent flower heads to maintain appearance. Planting in clusters will provide a robust display. Flower World always carries several varieties of sedums.
4. Geranium 'Rozanne'
This hardy geranium is celebrated for its long blooming period, showcasing violet-blue flowers with white centers from late spring to early fall. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering during dry periods and occasional deadheading will keep the plant vigorous. Mass planting enhances its ground-covering effect. Flower World has SO many geranium varieties- it’s unbelievable.
5. White Daffodil
White daffodils bring a touch of elegance to the spring garden with their pristine blooms. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once planted, they require minimal maintenance; allow the foliage to die back naturally after blooming to nourish the bulbs for the following year. Planting in groups creates a more natural and impactful display. Local nurseries always have white daffodils, and several specialty varieties.
6. Allium 'Drumstick'
This ornamental onion features egg-shaped, burgundy-purple flower heads atop slender stems. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Alliums are drought-tolerant and generally pest-resistant. Planting in clusters will create a more striking visual effect.
7. Bachelor Buttons (Centaurea cyanus)
Also known as cornflowers, these annuals produce vibrant blue, pink, or white blooms. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming. Sowing seeds in groups will result in a fuller display.
8. Tulips
Tulips are a spring staple, offering a wide range of colors and forms. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year's display. Planting in groups creates a more impactful visual. Tulip bulbs are widely available at local nurseries.
9. Geum
Geum plants produce vibrant, cup-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular deadheading encourages prolonged blooming. Grouping them enhances their presence in the garden.
10. Allium 'Summer Beauty'
This ornamental onion features glossy, strap-like leaves and spherical lavender-pink flower heads in mid-summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. 'Summer Beauty' is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. Planting in masses will provide a striking display.
11. Stachys 'Hummelo'
This perennial produces dense spikes of bright purple-pink flowers atop basal rosettes of glossy, dark green leaves. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Deadheading spent blooms encourages
