Cold-tolerant plants
Pansies
There is something about spring that inspires a renewed interest in gardening and living plants. The earliest plants available include violas and pansies. The bright blooms of violas and pansies along with their bright green foliage are beckon one to stop and enjoy the view. They may be mixed with other cold-tolerant plants in containers, or planted directly in the ground as bedding plants.
Once established, pansies and violas may do well all season, as long as summer temperatures stay fairly cool. In hot summers, however, these plants may shut down and go dormant, only to reawaken and begin blooming again with the onset of autumn.
Once established, pansies and violas may do well all season, as long as summer temperatures stay fairly cool. In hot summers, however, these plants may shut down and go dormant, only to reawaken and begin blooming again with the onset of autumn.
Ranunculus
Ranunculus
Ranunculus, with their bright hues (including white) and fabulous multi-petaled blooms, are a spring temptation difficult to ignore. Just one plant is all it takes to invite the eyes to linger longer. Each color seems just as interesting as the rest. Useful in outdoor containers during the spring season, ranunculus will mix well with pansies, primrose, bulbs, and other plants. Alas, when done blooming, ranunculus are over for the season, not to return unless they are planted in at least Zone 7.
Mixed Spring Containers
Tulips, ranunculus, primrose, grape hyacinths, and pussy willow branches
The perfect opportunity: spring weather, cabin fever, and beautiful flowers beginning to bloom. Don't miss out. It's so simple to plant an elegant spring container which may be enjoyed for many weeks, until it is time for warm season annuals. The only thing to watch for is occasional visits from Old Man Winter. Simple enough; watch the forecast and cover or bring the container inside if temps dip below freezing.
