Hotflashes & Heritage Plants

 my office thermometer (in the shade)

For all of my friends that live outside of the Southeast, I am not trying to brag...really, I'm not, so I will go ahead and apologize if this post is a tease. For those of you who live within the Southeast and haven't been outside this month...shame because we have been experiencing quite the hot flashes (and I don't mean the ones that grace we Southern ladies in our midlife). We have been consistently above our average temperature of 53 degrees for a few weeks now with more warm days than cool days. Today's high of 74 is right below the record of 78. It's a strange sensation to walk outside and meet a blanket of warm, spring-like air. Although my original intent was to devote the last week of each month to highlight a conservation technique for you landscape, it would be a shame for me not to acknowledge what is happening in our landscapes as we speak. 

It seems that many of our Southern heritage plants are loving the hot flashes of warm weather.  The warm temperatures have forced these spring bloomers into overdrive. While many species are on schedule to bloom between January and February, there are some that have jumped the gun. Not only that, but the warm temps are providing us with some excellent blooms throughout our yards from species who preform best in January/February. The warm temperatures are preventing frosts that inhibit blooms so often on many of these plants. The following are the "usual suspects" of early spring to consider incorporating into your yard for a flowering accent:

Forsythia
Forsythia x intermedia 
(the most widely grown species)


A staple to the most Southern of gardens, Forsythias can grow anywhere between 7-10' tall depending on the species. They require regular water, full sun, and can typically be found in hardiness zones 8-3. 

Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata

This petite little ornamental tree grows up to 20' tall and 10' wide. The star magnolia's blooms are usually the first to appear in late winter/early spring. Some varieties are even known to be fragrant.

Winter Honeysuckle
Lonicera fragrantissima 
(a favorite Latin name of mine for the sole purpose that it ryhmes)

The limbs of the winter honeysuckle can reach up to 8' tall and wide. It is a semi-evergreen and thrives in zones 8-3. The flowers bring a distinct citrus aroma that is reminiscent of fruit loops. Consider it for use in areas that have full sun to partial shade and that receives regular water.

used as a screen/border along a fence line in my neighborhood; beautiful combination with the dark evergreen of the Southern Magnolia.

Flowering Quince:
Chaenomeles speciosa

This flowering shrub is usually the first on the scene in January and have been loving the warm temperatures. They are in full bloom throughout town. It's one of the easiest shrubs to grow, requiring only full sun and well drained soil. It can reach over 6' tall depending upon variety. Bloom colors vary from white to red to many shades of pink. Flowering quince is not the same as common quince (Cydonia oblonga). Check the variety for color and fruit production.

 

Daffodils, Narcissus, Jonquil

Narcissus spp. 

One of the most beloved spring bulbs around and a definite must for any garden. They can be found all throughout the South, especially popping up in old homesteads. They require full sun to partial shade and ample water during growth and blooming. For technical purposes the term "daffodil" refers to the large bloom" and the term "jonquil" refers to the the smaller blooming variety. 

 Jonquil

 

Daffodils springing up amidst Asiatic Jasmine. Consider this technique for your bulbs: Plant them with a groundcover. This way the bulbs come and go, but the groundcover creates a consistent backdrop.

 

Daffodil

Tulip Tree
Magnolia x soulangeana 

Also called Saucer Magnolia, this guy is another key deciduous Magnolia to consider. Loving some full sun or partial shade, these Magnolias can reach 25'x25' and need at least 3-5 years of maturity to bloom.

Bridal Wreath Spiraea
Spiraea prunifolia 

A beloved spiraea with arching branches that reach 6-7' tall. Bridal wreath spiraea is a clump forming plant that requires full sun or light shade with regular water.  This petite little Southern favorite is normally a mid-spring bloomer that beckons the start of turkey season, according to my father. However, this one is getting a jump start and beginning to set blooms in early February. 

Carolina Jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens

 

An actual native plant to the Southeast, Carolina Jessamine can be seen covering our lamp posts, mailboxes and fences all throughout the Southeast. An excellent vine do to its evergreen nature, drought tolerance in maturity, and adaptability to sun or partial shade. It can be found thriving in zones 9-4. Normally a late February bloomer in this area, I noticed this one ready to hit full bloom within the next week or so. 

Note: all parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. 

 

Now, let's discuss how to incorporate these guys, which are the cornerstones to traditional southern gardens, into your landscape. While these species are stunning in the early days of spring, they tend to blend into the landscape during the rest of the year. Consider mixing them in with an evergreen border or screen for a splash of color amidst a sea of green. Another option would be a grouping of 3-5 within a bed. The goal is to have them in an area where they can pass the spotlight along once other shrubs/trees begin to bloom. Although they are often used as stand alone/specimen plants, their beauty is fleeting and they leave much for desire during the remainder of the year.

And if this weather has sparked your interest in beginning some spring landscaping, February is an excellent time to prune, yet stay away from spring blooming shrubs such as hydrangeas, camellias, and azaleas. These plants bloom on old growth, so if you prune them now, you will be chopping off their blooms for this year. Try pruning while they are blooming. This way you get a two for one deal, cut flowers & your pruning chore done with.

February is also the best time to cut back your monkey grass, liriope, and other ornamental grasses that have overwintered. 

In the case our temps plummet next week, as they have a tendency to do in February and March, we may all be singing a different tune. But until then, enjoy this hot flash and some of our longtime Southern favorites and their blooms throughout are gardens.

References: The Southern Living Garden Book