As spring arrives, there is nothing quite like witnessing a garden bursting with seasonal hues. From violets and pinks to blues and yellows, these traditional spring colors are perfect for adding a pop of interest to your yard after the quiet winter months. However, it’s important to remember that the beauty of spring annuals, especially in warmer climates like the South, is short-lived.
Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms in Miami, Florida, advises that in some warmer regions, summer annuals may need to be replanted once the temperatures rise too high for springtime flowers. To make the most of these cool-weather annuals, he suggests applying a layer of mulch and planting them in a spot that receives afternoon shade. Here are some tips from Hancock on how to bring your garden to life with stunning spring colors using his favorite annual varieties.
Meet the Expert:
Justin Hancock is a horticulturist at Costa Farms in Miami, Florida.
Larkspur (Consolida ajacis):
According to Hancock, Larkspur is an underrated addition to spring gardens, offering blue, pink, purple, or white floral spikes that bloom from spring onwards, reaching heights of 2 to 3 feet. This self-sowing plant can produce new growth from dropped seeds, creating a lovely patch year after year.
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus):
Lobelia may not last through the summer, but its vibrant true-blue flowers make it a standout in spring gardens. With a soft texture and mounding or trailing form, it is ideal for container gardens. For a longer display, plant Lobelia in a shaded area during the hottest part of the day.
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus):
Snapdragons are not just visually appealing; they also offer a pleasant fragrance. These unique flowers resemble dragon heads and come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Snapdragons can grow from 8 inches to 3 feet tall, making them versatile for both garden beds and containers.
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia):
This low-growing groundcover is covered in fragrant white, pink, or purple flowers that emit a sweet honey-like scent. When planted in a pot, Sweet Alyssum cascades over the edge, adding a soft and textured element to your garden arrangement.
Blooms do not hold any secrets and are not typically strong enough to withstand the hot temperatures of summer like spring annuals. However, there are newer varieties that can extend their blooming season, according to Hancock. One of the earliest spring annuals to plant is violas, which perform well even in frost, providing vibrant colors ranging from white to deep shades. Their compact size makes them versatile for any garden space, perfect for pairing with spring-blooming bulbs like Crocus. Proper care for spring annuals varies by variety, with some needing minimal care as long as they receive adequate light and water, while others require deadheading, trimming, or fertilization. Consider the temperature needs of annuals, as those from cooler climates may struggle in summer heat, while tropical varieties may require warmer temperatures to thrive.
