Springtime in the Greenhouse

Our greenhouse is a riot of spring color with lots of popular early-blooming spring favorites.

Primrose is a delightful little plant that provides much-needed vivid colors in late winter and early spring. Despite their dainty appearance, these are tough plants and are considered perennials in our climate. They do best in light shade or partial sun and are evergreen in the winter months. They look great along pathways or woodland paths. They are also excellent in containers.

Primrose

Another pretty woodland plant is Scilla, often referred to as “Bluebells”. Light shade, dappled sun is best for these low-growing plants. This clear blue flower is not often seen in gardens and utterly enchanting.

Scilla (Bluebells)

It is hard to imagine spring without Daffodils. They are super easy to grow and return reliably year after year. We have potted daffodils that can be enjoyed now in containers. After the blooms have faded, go ahead and plant them in the ground.

Tulips are another staple in the spring landscape. They will also come back year after year, although not as reliably as daffodils. Many gardeners treat these as annuals and replant in the fall.

Pansies are very hardy plants that last throughout the winter months, if planted in the fall, and just keep getting better as spring progresses. Keep them fertilized weekly with a water-soluable fertilizer for best results. They are wonderful as either pot plants or in the ground.

Pansy

Heathers are one of the most beautiful winter perennials. You will find various types, such as the green-leaved varieties with pink or white flowers and the following, ‘Firefly’ which is more notable for its intense red foliage. This one flowers as well, with small white flowers, but the foliage is truly the star here.

Heather ‘Firefly’ (Calluna vulgaris)

Senetti (Pericallis) hail from the Canary Islands. The intense purple flowers are great for patio containers. These flowers like cool weather and will thrive in the spring months and into summer. They grow best in part sun to part shade.

Senetti (Pericallis)

Ranunculus are dramatic and wildly colorful flowers that also thrive in cool weather. They are excellent in either containers or the ground and look good as long as temperatures stay below 70.

Ranunculus

Anenome is beautiful in mixed containers or the ground. They like half sun, half shade (preferably sun in the morning) and well-drained soils.

Anenome

Finally, the most beloved of winter flowers are the Hellebores. Breeders continue to develop more and more varieties with rich, jewel-tone colors. These perennials do well in semi-shady locations. Once established, they are drought tolerant. Trim off the older leaves in late winter or early spring for the best displays.