The easiest way to boost your winter-weary mood? Plant a spring-flowering shrub. Many flowering shrubs start their show in late winter to early spring, reminding you that if winter comes, can spring be far behind? (They also offer early food for pollinators and wildlife, so everybody wins.) So, which types are best for your yard—and what should you know before ordering a bunch? So glad you asked.
The first thing to remember is that shrubs are easy to grow, so even if you don’t have a green thumb, you’ll feel like you do when you see these beauties in bloom. Remember you need to choose a shrub that will survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone (find yours here). FYI, the hardiness zone map was updated in 2023, so check to see if your zone has changed (about half the country changed, while half remained in the same zone as previous years).
Next, find a spot for your shrub. Ideally, it should be where you can enjoy it from indoors when you look out your window. Pay attention to the type of sunlight that area gets. Many flowering shrubs need full sun, which is considered 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Part sun is considered about half that. If you plant them in too much shade, they will not bloom well.
Finally, make sure your new shrub has plenty of room to spread. While it may not look like much in that tiny quart or gallon-sized pot right now, many shrubs can take over a space in a few seasons. You don’t want to create a maintenance problem down the road-- which means you out there having to prune it every time you turn around!
