Crocus

 

For many of us, the first hint of spring is the little crocus pushing up through the snow. Ninety species of these beautiful bulbs are native to North Africa and the Mediterranean, all the way east to China. Their cup-shaped flowers come in an array of lavender, purple, white, yellow, and multicolored depending on the species and variety. Crocuses are not only grown for their cheerful blooms, but also for the stigmas of autumn-blooming crocuses that are harvested in Iran for the highly prized saffron spice.  

Daffodil 

Daffodils go by many names depending on the species and variety — narcissus, jonquils, or paperwhites — but they are all daffodils and they all belong to the genus Narcissus. These jaunty flowers are perennial bulbs that will multiply every year in the garden as long as they have good soil with adequate drainage. They are deer resistant and possess a natural pesticide so that few insects bother them except for pollination. Daffodils are the national flower of Wales and the 10^th–anniversary posy. 

Delphinium 

The delphinium, which is often called larkspur, is an herbaceous perennial with tall spikes of blue or purple flowers. It is indispensable in English cottage gardens and frequently used in florists’ bouquets for its height and vivid blues and purples, with cultivars in whites, reds, and even yellows. It is said that West Coast Native Americans used the flowers to make blue and purple dyes. Delphiniums are a beautiful accent in the garden, but don’t let them escape to a grazing meadow — they’re highly toxic to humans and animals. 

Dusty Miller 

Dusty miller is a half-hardy perennial valued for its lacy, wooly, silvery-gray foliage. It is usually grown as a bedding plant or in containers where it acts as a light-colored accent against darker plants. It is especially beautiful paired with pink, reddish-purple, or violet flowers. Dusty millers grow best in full sun and can stand heat and drought like in its native Mediterranean habitat.  

Geranium 

What we call geraniums are actually in the genus Pelargonium and are tropical perennials native to South Africa and Australia. Our familiar garden geraniums are grown outdoors as annuals in temperate zones and can be brought indoors to overwinter or grown as year-round houseplants. The pretty clusters of flowers come in red, pink, salmon, white, violet, or bicolored, and some species and cultivars also have scented leaves with a surprising number of uses. Scented-leaf geraniums are used in the perfume industry, for potpourris and aromatherapy, as insect repellents (think citronella), and for flavorings such as rose, lemon, and peppermint.  

Iris 

Elegant irises are native to Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, Asia, and North America. They grow from either perennial rhizomes or bulbs, and range in size from 8” to 36” high, with flat, sword-shaped or curved leaves, and purple, yellow, orange, blue, or white flowers, depending on the species and variety. The rhizomes of some iris species are called orrisroot and are used in perfumery and for potpourris. They are the state flower of Tennessee, the 25^th wedding anniversary flower, and the national symbol of France from the fleur-de-lis, a graphic representation of the iris. 

Lavender 

Spanish, French, or English lavender are sweet herb garden favorites that provide soothing fragrances, flavorings, and beauty all together in little floral packages. More than 40 species are native to areas surrounding the Mediterranean and are semi-evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with gray-green, hairy, linear leaves and purple, violet, lavender, or pinkish-white flowers. Tiny glands on the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant produce the scented oil that is used in perfumes, bath preparations, lavender water, and in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety and bring about sleep. Lavender is also prized as a flavoring in cooking, as an ingredient in teas, and for a monofloral honey. 

Periwinkle 

Periwinkle, also known as myrtle, is a popular ground cover with shiny dark green leaves that bloom in April and May with purple, blue, or white flowers. There are over 30 varieties of the small plant that include variegated leaf types and lavender, blue, burgundy, or white flowers. They are great for erosion control, tumbling over rock walls in the sun, or spreading out underneath trees in the shade. Periwinkle is the flower of sweet and sad remembrance, and has often been planting over graves.