by Silva Payne

Created on: July 26, 2009

The abundance of plants that are at their best in spring can make choosing specific examples for a garden a difficult task. The enthusiasm of a new growing season and the anticipation of a riot of colour after the winter months may result in a garden that looks wonderful in April but by June has little interest. The following ten plants look great in spring, but also have added appeal at other times of the year.

Salix daphnoides (Violet willow)

Most willow produce their catkins during spring. These are the furry growths that appear in early spring and bear the male and female parts of the plant. Insects pollinate the catkins and for willow in particular this can result in many hybrid varieties. The Violet willow is a fast-growing variety that can reach 15 metres in height. It has a spreading habit. The catkins are silver, but the tree gets its common name from the purple colour of the new shoots that develop once the catkins have dropped, and the white blooms that are tinged with blue that appear in winter.

Malus (Apple and Crab Apple)

There are few blossoms as evocative as those found on apple and crab apple trees in spring. Whether white or in shades of pink, the delicate open flowers on these medium-size trees lift the most hardened hearts, and have been immortalised on song and poetry many times. As long as no late frost occurs, these pretty flowers hold the promise of a good crop of fruit later in the year, making the trees well worth their space in any garden.

Photinia (Red Robin)

As an evergreen shrub, this plant is useful all year round as a backdrop for other short-lived flowers. However, in spring, the new shoots emerge in a brilliant red, in sharp contrast to the older dark green leaves. It is a robust shrub, growing to around 6 metres high and wide.

Fothergilla major

This shrub produces individual creamy-white pompoms of scented flowers in spring. It is deciduous, but the leaves turn orange and red in the autumn before they drop. The shrub has a compact habit and grows to around 3 meters high and wide.

Camellias

If you have a lime-free soil and a sheltered spot, growing camellias can be a most rewarding choice. As with photinia, camellias are evergreen shrubs with thick waxy leaves that make an excellent canvas for other flowers during the summer. The beauty of camellias is evident during late winter and early spring however, as they produce luxuriant rose-like flowers in shades of pure white through pinks to deepest crimson

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