What are you planting this spring?

As the snow melts and you begin your garden clean-up, I am sure you are reviewing your spring to do list. Plants to be divided or removed, as well as garden holes to be filled with new plants. As you prepare your plant wish list here are three shrubs to consider adding to your garden.

Chaenomeles speciosa 'Cameo' photo credit: R. Maurer

Chaenomeles speciosa ‘Cameo’ a selection of the flowering quince blooms very early in the spring with striking salmon pink flowers.  In the Swarthmore area most of the flowering quinces come into flower around the end of March into early April.  While many of the flowering quince cultivars can get quite large, ‘Cameo’ matures to only four to five feet tall.  The flowers appear before the foliage.  The branches can be cut and used in flower arrangements; in particular they are a favorite species for Ikebana.  For the best flowering, plant in full sun.

Hydrangea arborescens 'Hayes Starburst' photo credit: Spring Meadow Nursery

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Hayes Starburst’ is a relatively new selection of the native, smooth hydrangea.  This double flowering form was selected by Hayes Jackson at his garden in Anniston, Alabama.  At maturity ‘Hayes Starburst’ will reach three feet tall with an equal spread.  In the wild, Hydrangea arborescens grows in the deep shade, however for best flowering plant in partial shade to full sun.  Hydrangea arborescens blooms on new “woods”, therefore in late winter the stems can be pruned nearly to the ground; the plants will regenerate and flowering will occur the same season.

Abelia mosanensis photo credit: Spring Meadow Nursery

Abelia mosanensis, the fragrant abelia is a wonderful late spring flowering shrub.  The tiny white flowers with a flush of pink are very fragrant as the common name would suggest.  In the fall the glossy foliage turns a beautiful orange-red.  This shrub will reach five to six feet tall, but the size can be manipulated with judicious pruning.  For the best flowering and fall color, plant in full sun.  Like other abelias, this species grows well in tough urban conditions.

Members of Scott Associates will have a choice of these three plants as their spring dividend at the Spring Festival on Sunday, March 14 at 4 pm. If you would like to receive the annual spring dividend, become a member of the Scott Associates. Let us know what other great plants you are planning on adding to your garden this spring.