LOOKING UP

EYE-LEVEL EARLY FLOWERS PROVIDE A FAST-FORWARD INTO SPRING

- MEGHAN SHINN

At winter’s end, what could be more welcome than an explosion—even a rather quiet one—of flowers at eye level? Early-blooming deciduous trees and shrubs provide just that, energizing us gardeners when their branches, often still devoid of leaves, make true the promise of spring. Many times these woody plants are also a boon to emerging pollinators as they forage for nectar and pollen in the season of scarcity.

The early appearance of its flowers all but ensures a plant like eastern redbud or pinkshell azalea will get attention, but such plants deserve a carefully considered placement and companions. Make the most of them with a position where they’ll detract from gaps awaiting late risers or where they’ll complement other eager bloomers, like hardy bulbs and woodland perennials. A spot in front of a solid or dark backdrop—be it a painted fence, brick wall, evergreen hedge or the woods—can make the flowers appear more dramatic. As a bonus, this situation can also help moderate the temperature and shield the wind, making it less likely that lingering winter weather will ruin the floral display.

Here are 10 of our favorite woodies that bloom as winter yields to spring.

EASTERN REDBUD (Cercis canadensis)