December has barely started and yet already we know many of you, including ourselves, are dreaming of the first blossoms of spring. If you’ve been wanting to add more early blooming plants for your Grand Junction garden, we have a few suggestions.
First, bulbs are always an early season favorite. Because of our dry conditions, crocuses, tulips, and daffodils will return year after year with few rot issues. In south facing yards you’ll start seeing blooms as early as February, depending on the temperatures. Plant a variety, including irises, and you’ll have color for months. Be sure to incorporate later-blooming flowers as well since tulips, in particular, will disappear from sight once it gets hot.
Next, there are several flowering shrubs that bloom early. The earliest is usually bright yellow Forsythia. Plant this and the others we’ll mention in the fall, in an area with full-sun to light shade. Make sure the soil is well-draining. For best results, prune after the forsythia blooms.
Two other flowering shrubs to consider are lilacs and flowering quince. Both of these will provide beautiful blooms early in the season and are cold hardy and drought-tolerant.
Finally, don’t forget about your succulents! There are several beautiful options for your yard like prickly pear, which comes in yellow and pink varieties, and claret cactus. These deep red flowers really stand out in the spring! Most succulents, once planted, will need very little water. Be sure to plant them in full sun and watch them flourish in the spring!
