Plant Early Spring-Flowering Shrubs Now

Once we get into February the days really start to draw out and the garden gradually comes to life, with perennial shoots pushing through the soil and leaf buds starting to swell on trees.

There's also a good range of shrubs that flower through late winter and early spring that bring colour, interest and sweet scent to the garden. These shrubs are always a welcome sight as they hopefully signal that spring isn’t too far away and after a long, dark winter, their delicate blooms are always much appreciated.

It’s not only us gardeners that value the flowers though; early bees that are out and about on mild, sunny days foraging for nectar will also be grateful for them. All flowering plants, be it bulbs, perennials or shrubs that flower now are crucial for pollinators and it’s important we plant them in our gardens to help them.

Some of my garden favourites include viburnum, lonicera, mahonia, sarcococca, hamamelis, edgeworthia and daphne. All are available in several forms to suit gardens big and small and many can be grown in large containers where they can be enjoyed on a patio.

At this time of the year you’ll find a good range in nurseries and garden centres and as the soil gradually warms up, it’s the ideal time to plant.