Prunus mume ‘Matsubara Red’
Well I’m very late in posting this month. Let me note for GBBD that it is definitely spring here, both on the calendar and outside where it’s been weeks since our last frost. A particular highlight for me is the first blooms on our flowering Apricot as shown above.
Prunus mume ‘Matsubara Red’
This little tree has been in the ground since 2022 and was initially bothered by deer in the front yard. But now it is getting big enough to actually bloom and it will be a special bell-ringer for spring from now on.
All the normal first highlights of Spring are showing up now, but most especially the daffodils.
Daffodils planted here over 50 years ago
Narcissus ‘Little Gem’ in the woods
Narcissus ‘Sunnyside Up’
Daffodils in the house
There are of course hundreds of daffodils to come in the next 6 weeks, but at the same time the Hellebores are providing their expected showy blooms.
Helleborus hybridus ‘Kingston Cardinal’
Helleborus x ‘Berry Swirl’
Hellebores in the kitchen
Among the many other species providing springtime delights right now I am absolutely delighted by the Hepaticas. I think they are really looking outstanding this year.
Hepatica nobilis
Hepatica nobilis blue
Even in the woods in a much more difficult environment the Hepaticas are spreading.
Hepatica in the woods
Some other special contributors at the moment are the Fritillaria stenathera
Fritillaria stenethera ‘Cambridge’
This is a rarity that you rarely see anywhere in the U.S.
And a particularly nice Pulsatilla is in bloom at the moment.
Pulsatilla ambigua
This one came from Edelweiss last year.
And while the focus is outside right now it would be a shame to pass by the greenhouse which has a number of beautiful flowers to share.
Ixia maculata
This last was from the Pacific Bulb Society last year.
And then the Clivia are putting out many flowers right now, both orange and yellow.
Clivia miniata v. citrina
And I can see big buds and first flowers on the Peruvian Scilla.
Scilla peruviana
Scilla peruviana flowers
Note that this wonderful flowering plant is neither Peruvian nor a Scilla but that is a history lesson all in itself.
Pulsatilla ambigua is indeed very unique. Is it in the alpine berm? I also love the color of Prunus mume ‘Matsubara Red’. Wow.
I was curious about where you picked up your Helleborus hybridus Kingston Cardinal. It was developed at Heronswood quite a while back but no long available for sale. Only by chance was I gifted a small one earlier this month. I hope it would grow to look as good as yours in a couple of years.
Hi Chavli, good to hear from you again.
Well the Pulsatilla ambigua (from Edelweiss Perennials) is in a very large trough obtained from Oliver Nurseries in Connecticut. The plant seems quite happy there.
The Kingston Cardinal was obtained from Burpee after they bought Heronswood. I think they still stock the plant though they no longer own Heronswood. It’s quite hardy and remarkable.
Heronswood was neglected during the Burpee years. In 2012 it was sold to the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe, who brought it back from the brink. I’m happy to see part of it’s history lives on in your garden!