Frühblühende Gehölze - Die Vorboten des Frühlings

The garden is in hibernation, and it’s still very cold. Yet, everyone is already longing for the first fresh greenery, and the early signs of spring gently start the new year: Early-blooming shrubs. Some varieties bloom in February and March. Others, like the witch hazel (Hamamelis) and the winter honeysuckle (Lonicera purpusii), even bloom in winter.

So, you can’t start preparing for the next gardening year too early. As soon as the soil thaws after winter, shrubs can be planted. Especially in cooler temperatures, the roots grow particularly strong and can withstand dry periods well. The blooming period cannot usually be specified in general, as it is highly dependent on the course of the weather.

"Here are some very popular varieties:

The Dwarf Ornamental Cherry (Prunus serrulata) belongs to the rose family. Depending on weather conditions, it blooms for three to four weeks. It grows very compactly, reaching a height of up to 1.50 m. Its slightly twisted branches are particularly beautiful. After blooming, it should be pruned to ensure it can be admired in full beauty again in the next season."

The Winter Viburnum (Viburnum x bodnantense Dawn") has a particularly long blooming period, often starting in November and lasting until April. Similar to the Dwarf Ornamental Cherry, its buds are a strong pink, while the flowers are much lighter. The Winter Viburnum is best placed in a more sheltered spot. It has dark green, oval leaves, grows very densely, and reaches a height of about 2.20 to 2.40 meters. Due to its dense growth, this ornamental shrub is well-suited for use as a privacy screen. It is very easy to care for and usually does not even require pruning."

Another classic winter bloomer is Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum). It has an unusually long blooming period, as its flowers open gradually. There have been years when it bloomed as early as December. Its flowers, with their rich yellow color, resemble those of forsythias. Winter Jasmine is a spreading climber with strongly overhanging branches. It belongs to the olive family and originates from China. To grow upright, it requires walls, trees, or artificial climbing supports. Older shrubs can be rejuvenated every few years with a light pruning. Since Winter Jasmine blooms on last year's wood, it should be pruned only after flowering.

The snow forsythia (Abeliophyllum distichum) and winter heather (Erica carnea) are also particularly popular and easy to care for.