This warm weather sure gets us in the mood to get out and get planting! Midwest winters can be tough on shrubs, plants, and trees. Things can look a little drab and colorless this time of year.

Our experts have picked some great plants to add some early color to your landscape. Early spring blooms are sure to give the pop of color that will set your landscape apart from the rest.

Shrubs

Pink Almond – This vase-shaped beauty is big on color! Blooms before foliage, with loads of double pink flowers. Summer foliage goes from gorgeous green to vibrant yellow in the fall. The color just does not stop!

Forsythia – Perfect for small spaces where you want to add some dynamic depth with color. “Show off® Starlet" is a new dwarf variety with bright yellow spring flowers that cover the whole shrub, from the base to the top. It may be small, but the color is mighty.

Spirea – Mounds of white flowers in May! Bridalwreath is an Earl May favorite. The bluish green leaves create a beautiful background to showcase the pure white flowers.

Rhododendron PJM – Excellent for an accent in your landscape. The small purple flowers pack a powerful punch against the contrast of the mahogany bronze colored leaves. Simply stunning!

Azalea – Colors for every landscape palette. From pink to purple and white to outstanding oranges, reds and yellows. Compact and mounding and perfect for shrub borders. With colors like these you can paint the landscape of your dreams.

Trees

Flowering Crab – If you are looking for the old-fashioned crabapples, you won’t find them here. These flowering beauties produce small fruit that holds tight on the tree and can become a snack for birds. Royal Raindrops is one of our favorites, with pink blooms and dark green foliage all season.

Ornamental Flowering Pear – Known for their spring masses of white flowers and natural symmetrical shape. No need for pruning makes this a perfect tree for your yard. The glossy, green leaves turn red to orange adding even more color in the fall.

Flowering Eastern Redbud – Minnesota genetics make this variety of Redbud hardy enough to survive our harsh winters. You will fall in love with the heart shaped leaves and early reddish-purple buds that bloom in April. This small tree is sure to be your favorite too!