Spring has arrived in Michigan and outdoors we have begun working with some of our favorite cold-hardy plants: pansies and hellebores. These beautiful flowering babies are tough enough to withstand an unexpected (and, annoying!) spring snowfall. When combined in a planter with pussy willow and various accents, the grouping adds the perfect amount of elegance to an already stunning container. Although limited in varieties, planting containers in early spring can bring joy to your outside spaces.
Hearty Hellebores
Hellebores are winter-blooming perennials with tough almost leather-like leaves. Their five-petal flowers come in colors like deep burgundy, pinks, greens, whites, and dark navy, almost black. Their many varieties make them an interesting and intricate flower to add to spring containers.
Smiling Pansy Faces
Pansies are just a happy flower. Sometimes people are surprised to learn that pansy are cold-weather loving plants with their delicate faces. Pansies grow best when soil temperatures range between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. These hardy flowers also come in a variety of colors—the perfect accent against towering hellebores.
Pussy Willow
Pussy willow or Salix discolor creates an amazing centerpiece for a spring container. Their recognizable fuzzy little nubs are a great focal point for a spring planting. Center a bunch of them for a symmetrical design.
Playing with Faux
The quality and varieties of faux plants have certainly evolved over time. If you have been to our shoppe, you are familiar with our wide variety of life-like and real feel faux plant options. We sometimes introduce a faux plant into a spring container to add to the planting’s overall fullness. When including faux in your planting, make sure the variety you choose is outdoor friendly, so it doesn’t fade with exposure to elements.
Other cold-loving plants to consider for your spring gardens are viola, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth.
Successful Planting
After a long and cold winter, most people are excited to pitch their winter greens and get their spring containers going. For the most success in your container planting, plant when nighttime temperatures are consistently above freezing or just dipping down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to remember that extended freezing cold temperatures and harsh sun can damage plants that haven't been hardened off properly. Enjoy your spring garden!