Lunaria annua `Chedglow`& Lunaria annua var. albiflora `Alba Variegata`- Silberblatt
The good old honesty (Lunaria annua) has been an important part of the Central European cottage garden aesthetic for centuries. This cruciferous plant, native to southeastern Europe, produces popular, silvery, papery seed pods after its purple spring blooms, which are extremely decorative in flower beds and vases. In garden areas that are not too densely planted, or in vegetable and cut-flower beds, this monocarpic plant reliably propagates itself through self-seeding.
For those who aren’t fond of the traditional, rustic look, this genus offers several exceptional varieties: Lunaria annua var. albiflora ‘Alba Variegata’ and Lunaria annua ‘Chedglow’ are my absolute favorites!
Euphorbia cyparissias `Fens Ruby` (Purple Cypress Spurge)
The native cypress spurge gets its name from its fine, needle-like foliage, which resembles conifer seedlings and looks incredibly decorative when paired with other stress-tolerant sun-loving perennials. The ‘Fens Ruby’ cultivar also delights with its gorgeous red spring foliage, which contrasts beautifully with the lime-green flower clusters. The countless spring blooms have a sweet, honey-like scent and offer a bountiful feast for pollinators. In sunny, barren garden locations, the species spreads vigorously through a network of fast-growing root runners. That’s why I always pair this spring gem with other hardy rock garden perennials, such as Geranium macrorrhizum, tall sedum, and white asphodel (Asphodelus albus).
Corydalis temulifolia `Chocolate Stars` – Szechuan lark’s-spur
The native range of this fantastic, enormous corydalis extends from the Chinese province of Chongqing through Gansu and Sichuan to Yunnan in Vietnam. There, it grows in open forests and along the edges of woodlands at elevations of up to 2,700 meters (which explains its excellent cold hardiness). The ‘Chocolate Stars’ variety captivates with its beautiful bronze-colored new growth, which provides a stunning backdrop for the lavender-violet flowers. Long-lived and reliable.
Anemone flaccida – Asian wild rose
A favorite for the spring garden!
This larger variety of the native wood anemone already sprouts its beautifully marbled foliage alongside snowdrops (Galanthus) and spring snowflakes (Leucojum vernum). When in bloom, the foliage turns a pure green, which makes the chalk-white flowers stand out particularly beautifully.
It thrives in slightly moist spring soil with a moderate pH level in partial shade. Although it takes some time to establish itself initially, it eventually forms dense, lush clumps. A spring geophyte that overwinters underground starting in summer. This makes it a fantastic companion for late-sprouting woodland perennials, such as Rodgersia.
Euphorbia characias ssp. wulfenii – Euphorbia
One of my absolute favorite plant families. It’s incredibly diverse, with a wider range of growing conditions than almost any other. Its months-long blooming season and decorative flowers—usually in iridescent greenish-yellow hues—are just as captivating as its beautiful foliage.
Its milky sap can cause skin irritation. The Mediterranean spurge is a delight all year round!
Dramatic foliage and iridescent flowers for months on end! For sunny, well-drained locations.
Iris lazica – Lazian iris
This early spring gem from the beardless Ungicularis group originates from the Lazistan region of Turkey’s Black Sea coast and is also native to parts of Georgia. It tolerates significantly more (winter) moisture than other Ungicularis species and, in our experience, is therefore the easiest species to grow in our climate. Its brilliant blue-violet floral masterpieces stand out against the evergreen foliage and are true showstoppers in the spring garden. In slightly shaded locations without afternoon sun, its glossy foliage is also a delight to the eye all year round.01
Pachyphragma macrophylla – Large-leaved false chickweed
A wonderful shade-loving perennial that no garden should be without. I first discovered this evergreen crucifer decades ago at Beth Chatto Gardens, and I can no longer imagine shaded areas without this low-maintenance, hardy groundcover. The lush clusters of pure white flowers resemble the last patches of snow in a spring garden. The profusion of blooms lasts for weeks on end and brightens even the deepest shaded areas. For the rest of the gardening year, Pachyphragma captivates with its well-formed, lush green foliage.
Trachystemon orientalis – Oriental borage
Rauling (Trachystemon orientalis) is a wonderful, extremely robust perennial for shady to partially shaded garden areas. Its delicate blue-violet flowers appear early in spring, even before the large, expressive leaves have fully developed. The abundant spring bloom provides insects with a rich food source.
Trachystemon quickly forms dense stands and is ideal as a ground cover that suppresses weeds under trees and shrubs. It is low-maintenance, hardy, and adapts well even to challenging locations.
Helleborus x hybridus HORTVS LORDS
Lenzrosen (Helleborus x hybridus) blühen im Gegensatz zur Christrose im zeitigen Frühjahr. Sie gelten nicht ohne Grund als Königinnen der Vorfrühlingsblumen: Die üppig blühenden wintergrünen Stauden, sind äußerst robust und langlebig und bedürfen nahezu keiner Pflege. Besonders wichtig ist das reichhaltige Nektar- und Pollenangebot der großen Blüten für erwachende Hummelkönigen und die ersten Wildbienen. Besonders wohl fühlen sich die bunten Hybriden mit ihrer enorm langen Blütezeit unter laubabwerfenden Gehölzen.