Flowering shrubs

Spring is prime time for flowering shrubs

Only some shrubs are sufficiently spectacular to earn their place in the garden on the strength of their flowers alone. Although at any point in the year some shrub is flowering, spring is the prime time for big, colourful, displays.

Just think of very well-known early-flowering species like Forsythia and Kerria or Ribes, immediately followed the Magnolias and Prunus species. These are followed by the Rhododendrons and magnificent lilacs (Syringa), mock orange (Philadelphus) or Viburnum. In the summer these are followed by shrubs like Hydrangea or Buddleja.

Scent and autumn colour

Scent or fragrance is a wonderful feature to bring to the garden. It is often the smaller, less eye-catching flowers which have the best perfume. And there are ornamental shrubs which offer not only magnificent flowering but also colour (Amelanchier) or a rich crop of berries (Pyracantha) in the autumn. Look, sniff and choose at a nursery or garden centre.

Attracting butterflies

Any shrub that offers plenty of nectar will be like a magnet to butterflies and insects. So, if you want to encourage dancing clouds to your garden, take a look at the list below and see what takes your fancy.

Shrubs that butterflies love:

• Winter heath (Erica)
• Escallonia
• Hebe
• Ivy (Hedera helix; late in the year)
• Lavender (Lavandula)
• Privet (Ligustrum)
• Lilac (Syringa)
• Snowberry (Symphoricarpos)
• Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica)
• Scots heather (Calluna vulgaris)
• Thyme (Thymus)
• Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii)
• Pyracantha