Pops of
color in April, following the frequent gray-sky days of winter, are a welcome
sight for Wisconsin residents. While
walking through my hometown in April, colorful spring blooms are
prominent—trees, shrubs, some perennials, and a plethora of spring flowering bulbs!
Magnolia
trees with pink-to-purple blooms are always a show stopper. Even Norway maples (Acer platanoides) provide lime green pompon-style blooms for us to
enjoy in April; large, leathery leaves will follow soon. Shrubs like Forsythia, with vivid yellow blooms, are another welcome sign of
spring. Other flowering shrubs, like
lilacs, generally do not flower in April; although lilac flower buds are
forming, they will open and release their fragrance in May.
My personal favorite April-blooming perennial is Siberian
bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla) with
its lime green textured foliage and periwinkle blue blossoms. This plant is usually considered a shade
lover, but I have had success with it in part sun (and full sun, providing the root
zone is mulched with wood shavings.)
Of course, the obvious April Awakening is an explosion of
spring flowering bulbs! Creamy white and vivid yellow daffodils
bloomed throughout the month and are still performing well as we proceed into
May. (Reminder: daffodils contain a natural toxin, so rabbits won’t destroy.) Some tulips have begun blooming in April, and
others will open in May. The genus Tulipa has many varieties and
colors—choose a few favorites and plant in autumn.
(If cottontail rabbits frequent your yard,
tulips are at risk. May I suggest
surrounding bulbs with wire mesh hardware cloth as soon as leaves emerge until
blossoms open; then remove wire mesh and enjoy the sight!)
M. Lynn
Schmid, Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
