Spring Flowers That Can’t Wait for Warmth (Part 1)

by Brett Kerley

Spring in Edmonton can be a magical time, with temperatures warming up and gardens coming back to life. But because Zone 4 experiences harsh winters and late frosts, it’s essential to choose early-blooming flowers that can handle the cooler conditions. Here are some of the best early spring flowers to brighten your garden:

Crocus

Scientific Name: Crocus spp.
Common Name: Crocus
Family: Iridaceae (Iris family)
Origin: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
Varieties: Over 80 species and numerous hybrids and cultivars.
Type: Corms (a type of bulb-like structure)
Size: They are typically low-growing, with flowers reaching about 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) tall.
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring, but some varieties (like autumn crocuses) bloom in fall.
Why They’re Great: Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom, often peeking through the last patches of snow. These hardy perennials are available in vibrant colors like purple, yellow, and white.

Care Tips

  • Planting: Plant corms in the fall, about 3–4 inches deep and 3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Minimal watering is needed; they prefer dry conditions when dormant in summer.
  • Maintenance: After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally to nourish the corm for next year.
  • Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to deer and rodents, though squirrels may dig up corms occasionally.

Interesting Facts

  • Symbolism: They symbolize cheerfulness, youth, and the arrival of spring.
  • Pollinator-Friendly: Crocuses provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
  • Saffron Connection: The spice saffron comes from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, a species of crocus. It takes around 150 flowers to produce just 1 gram of saffron!
  • Naturalizing: Many crocus species spread naturally, creating larger clusters of blooms year after year.

Snowdrops

Scientific Name: Galanthus nivalis
Common Name: Snowdrop
Family: Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis family)
Native Range: Europe, particularly from Spain to western Russia. It has been naturalized in many parts of the world.
Type: Perennial bulbous plant
Size: Typically 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) tall.
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring, often blooming before the last snow melts.
Why They’re Great: Snowdrops are delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers that thrive even in the coldest conditions. They symbolize hope and renewal.

Care Tips

  • Light: Snowdrops prefer shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs in the fall for an early bloom.
  • Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
  • Planting: Plant bulbs in the fall, 2–3 inches deep and spaced 2–3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during active growth in spring.
  • Maintenance: Allow the foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for the next season.
  • Pest Resistance: Snowdrops are deer- and rodent-resistant due to their toxic compounds.

Interesting Facts

  • Snow Bloomers: Snowdrops are among the earliest blooming flowers, often appearing in late winter while snow is still on the ground.
  • Name Meaning: The name Galanthus comes from the Greek words gala (milk) and anthos (flower), referring to its milk-white blooms. Nivalis means “of the snow.”
  • Symbolism: Snowdrops symbolize purity, hope, renewal, and consolation. They are often associated with the end of winter.
  • Pollinators: They provide an essential source of nectar and pollen for early-emerging bees.
  • Toxicity: Snowdrops are mildly toxic if ingested due to the presence of galantamine, a compound that can cause stomach upset.
  • Medicinal Uses: Galantamine, derived from snowdrops, is used in treating Alzheimer’s disease to improve cognitive function.
  • Naturalizing: Snowdrops naturalize well, spreading through seed and bulb offsets to create large colonies over time.

Siberian Squill

Scientific Name: Scilla siberica
Common Name: Siberian squill
Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus family)
Native Range: Native to Eurasia, specifically Siberia, Turkey, and the Caucasus.
Type: Perennial bulbous plant
Size: Typically grows to about 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) tall.
Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
Why They’re Great: These small blue flowers create a stunning carpet effect when planted en masse. They’re also highly resilient to cold.

Care Tips

  • Planting: Plant bulbs in the fall, about 2–3 inches deep and 3 inches apart.
  • Watering: Requires minimal watering; ensure soil is well-drained to prevent bulb rot.
  • Maintenance: Once established, Siberian squill requires little care and will return year after year.
  • Pest Resistance: Generally pest-resistant due to its toxicity, which deters deer, rodents, and other animals.

Interesting Facts

  • Early Bloomer: One of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often naturalizing to create a sea of blue.
  • Pollinator-Friendly: An important nectar and pollen source for early-emerging pollinators like bees.
  • Cold Hardy: Siberian squill is extremely tolerant of cold weather and can bloom even in areas with lingering snow.
  • Naturalizing Ability: It spreads through bulb offsets and seeds, creating dense, colorful carpets over time.
  • Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, containing compounds that can cause stomach upset in humans and animals.
  • Name Meaning: The genus name Scilla comes from the Greek word for “squill,” while siberica references its Siberian origins.
  • Self-Seeding: Once established, Siberian squill self-seeds easily, making it low-maintenance and excellent for naturalized landscapes.

Hellebores

Scientific Name: Helleborus spp.
Common Names: Hellebores, Lenten rose, Christmas rose
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
Native Range: Europe and Asia, particularly in mountainous regions.
Type: Evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial.
Size: Typically grows to 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and wide.
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Why They’re Great: Known as the “Lenten Rose,” hellebores are evergreen perennials with blooms in various shades, including pink, white, and purple. They’re long-lasting and deer-resistant.

Care Tips

  • Planting: Best planted in the fall or early spring. Space plants 18–24 inches apart.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mature plants are drought-tolerant.
  • Pruning: Remove damaged or dead leaves in late winter to showcase the flowers as they emerge.
  • Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for optimal growth.
  • Mulching: Add mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect roots during colder months.

Interesting Facts

  • Winter Bloomers: Hellebores are prized for their ability to bloom in late winter or very early spring, even in snowy conditions.
  • Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, containing compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Symbolism: Hellebores symbolize serenity, tranquility, and a hope for rebirth as they bloom at the tail end of winter.
  • Pollinator-Friendly: They provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and other early pollinators during colder months.
  • Long-Lasting Blooms: The petal-like sepals can persist for weeks or even months, making them an excellent ornamental plant.
  • Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Their toxicity makes them unappealing to many garden pests, including deer and rabbits.
  • Hybrid Varieties: Modern breeding has led to a wide variety of colors, forms, and even double-flowered hellebores.

Pansies

Scientific Name: Viola × wittrockiana
Common Name: Pansy
Family: Violaceae (Violet family)
Origin: A hybrid species developed from Viola tricolor (wild pansy) and other Viola species.
Type: Short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual or biennial.
Size: Grows 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) tall and wide.
Bloom Time: Early spring
Why They’re Great: Pansies are cheerful, colorful flowers that can tolerate cool temperatures. They’re perfect for pots, borders, or filling in gaps in your garden.

Care Tips

  • Planting: Plant in early spring or fall for the best blooms. Space plants 6–8 inches apart for good air circulation.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water early in the day to prevent disease.
  • Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
  • Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
  • Temperature: Pansies perform best in cool weather (40–70°F). They tend to decline in heat.

Interesting Facts

  • Hybrid Origin: Pansies were first bred in the 19th century by crossing wild violets, particularly Viola tricolor (Johnny-jump-up), with other species.
  • Symbolism: Pansies symbolize thoughtfulness, remembrance, and love in the language of flowers.
  • Cold Hardy: They are frost-tolerant and can survive light snow, making them perfect for early spring gardens.
  • Edible Flowers: Pansy flowers are edible and often used as garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. They have a mild, slightly grassy flavor.
  • Self-Seeding: In favorable conditions, pansies may self-seed, producing new plants in the following season.
  • Pest Resistance: Pansies are generally deer-resistant, though rabbits may nibble on them occasionally.
  • Variety: There are hundreds of pansy cultivars, offering a wide range of flower colors, patterns, and sizes.