How to bridge the seasonal gap in your late spring garden
In short: Late spring can feel like a horticultural lull where early blooms have faded but summer hasn't quite arrived. To keep your landscape vibrant during this transition, you need specific shrubs that thrive in cooler climates and provide consistent color while remaining resilient against drought.
Maintaining garden interest during the late spring transition requires selecting plants that bridge the gap between early and late season flowering. In cooler climates, this period can feel subdued, but several decorative shrubs are specifically suited to fill these visual voids. For instance, Californian lilac (Ceanothus) serves as a dense, spreading evergreen mounded shrub. It reaches heights of 1.5 metres and widths of 3 metres, offering intricate flowers and shiny dark green foliage that remain hardy once established.
For those seeking long-lasting color, Grevillea ‘Peaches & Cream’ is a reliable stalwart. This variety flowers from spring through autumn, making it a primary target for nectar-eating birds. While it typically grows to 1.5 metres high, it can be pruned after flowering to maintain a compact form suitable for screening. Alternatively, Coral aloes (Aloe striata) provide a striking red contrast; interestingly, these plants can produce more intensely red blooms in part shade rather than full sun.
Water-wise options like Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) and Mist flower (Bartlettina sordida) offer unique textures. Jerusalem sage features yellow flower whorls and grey-green leaves, becoming popular for its drought tolerance. Mist flower provides large purple sprays up to 30cm wide, resembling lilac pom poms. Because it is a fast-growing perennial that can exceed 2 metres in height, pruning is essential to manage its size under trees where it prefers dappled shade.
When selecting these plants, gardeners should consider specific environmental factors. For example, while Mist flower is visually striking, it may be classified as an environmental weed in certain regions, necessitating a check before planting. Proper maintenance, such as cutting spent flowers on Jerusalem sage or pruning Grevillea, ensures the garden remains tidy and continues to produce new growth.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Grow these plants to bring colour to your late spring garden | Gardening 101 | Gardening Australia
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