by David Salman
Winter in northern New Mexico can hang around way too long. Like spring blooming bulbs and other early season perennials, these two favorite flowering shrubs assure me spring is really coming and warmth is on the way.
Crandall’s Current (Ribes odoratum 'Crandall') blooms with a profusion of showy spring flowers. The fragrance of those bright yellow blossoms is heavenly and perfumes a wide area around itself. The honeybees and our native bees, hungry from winter, are constantly buzzing this native shrub for its plentiful nectar. A selection of the Fragrant Current, 'Crandall' was chosen to be grown for its large, tasty fruit; truly a versatile and valued low care shrub for our landscapes.
My other early season favorite comes from the high plains of northeastern Colorado. ‘Pawnee Buttes’ Sand Cherry (Prunus besseyii 'Pawnee Buttes') was found growing in the area of Pawnee Buttes, part of the Pawnee National Grasslands. These dramatic bluffs jut up in the midst of the vast short grass prairie that covers this wide open piece of the planet. The area is arid and has brutal weather with Arctic winters and scorching summers. I love the grace of this selection with its horizontal, ground covering branches. In the spring the stems of 'Pawnee Buttes' are completely covered with fragrant, bright white cherry-like flowers. Of course the native and honey bees provide a constant soft buzz as they pollinate this special shrub. Come fall, the glossy dark green leaves turn beautiful shades of amber and yellow.
'Crandall' current is a wonderful choice for most of the US. 'Pawnee Buttes' sand cherry is best in the western half of the country where conditions are more arid. I recommend tucking 'Pawnee Buttes' up around the base of other waterwise native shrubs like Fernbush (Chamaebatiera millifolium) and Big Sage (Artemisia tridentata) to form a low skirt of leaves and branches. It’s also a great groundcover for slopes. ‘Crandall’ is versatile and can be used along fences, at the back of the perennial border or up against the house (preferably near a window) where its fragrance can be enjoyed.
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Eriogonum umbellatum v. aureum ‚Kannah Creek‚ (Buckwheat) hails from western Colorado. With a showy display of yellow flowers in late spring, the flowers age to shades of...
Learn MoreKannah Creek Sulphur Buckwheat Kannah Creek Sulphur Buckwheat Eriogonum umbellatum v. aureum 'Kannah Creek'As low as $112.99Per Tray of 9Eriogonum umbellatum v. aureum 'Kannah Creek' (Buckwheat) hails from western Colorado. With a showy display of yellow flowers in late spring, the flowers age to shades of orange and rust by late summer, providing months of low care color. A 2007 Plant Select winner. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).![Dark Knight Caryopteris]()
Caryopteris clandonensis ‚Dark Knight‚ (Bluebeard) blooms with a profusion of dark blue flowers in late summer when few other shrubs are flowering. Its modest size makes ...
Learn MoreDark Knight Caryopteris Dark Knight Caryopteris Caryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight'As low as $12.99 Sale $11.04Per Plant - 5" Deep PotCaryopteris clandonensis 'Dark Knight' (Bluebeard) blooms with a profusion of dark blue flowers in late summer when few other shrubs are flowering. Its modest size makes it very useful in smaller yards. A fantastic nectar source for bees and butterflies. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).![White Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Chamaebatiaria millefolium, Fernbush]()
Chamaebatiaria millefolium (Fernbush) is a beautiful native shrub that brightens the garden in mid-summer with big clusters of bright white flowers. It also has attractive dried seed...
Learn MoreFernbush (Chamaebatiaria) Fernbush (Chamaebatiaria) Chamaebatiaria millefoliumAs low as $14.99 Sale $11.99Per Plant - 5" Deep PotChamaebatiaria millefolium (Fernbush) is a beautiful native shrub that brightens the garden in mid-summer with big clusters of bright white flowers. It also has attractive dried seed heads and olive-green foliage. Drought resistant perennial plant (xeric).![Blue Caryopteris clandonensis First Choice, Caryopteris clandonensis First Choice, Blue Mist Spirea First Choice]()
First Choice is a newer selection with particularly deep blue flowers and a more compact mature size than other Blue Mist spirea. Blooming late summer it is an invaluable nectar sour...
Learn MoreFirst Choice Caryopteris First Choice Blue Mist Spirea, Bluebeard Caryopteris clandonensis First Choice$13.99 Sale $12.59Sale Price I Save 10%Per Plant - 5" Deep PotFirst Choice is a newer selection with particularly deep blue flowers and a more compact mature size than other Blue Mist spirea. Blooming late summer it is an invaluable nectar source for bees and butterflies. Drought resistant/drought tolerant plant (xeric).
