9 spring sparklers
Aquilegia (Columbine)
Columbines have some of the most beautiful of all spring foliage and surging through it come flowers like a rainbow of butterflies. They are often good for a second year if deadheaded promptly. Short-lived perennial. 15-30in (38-75cm).
Primula
From disposable polyanthus and primroses in often garish colours, to elegant shortlived or last-for-ever perennials. Ideal for container colour and then a move to the open garden. Short-lived and hardy perennials. 6-24in (15-60cm).
Viola
The dainty little violas sold in packs are ideal one-season fillers for small and medium containers and the front of a sunny border. Choose your favourites from the garden centre bench. Replace them in summer. Annual. 6-8in (15-20cm).
Bergenia
With bold evergreen foliage, many retain their crimson winter leaf colour into spring, plus spikes of spring flowers in pinks and white. One season in a container is ideal, or a great garden gap filler. Hardy perennial. 12-24in (30-60cm).
Spiraea
Spiraeas are neat, twiggy shrubs, and ‘Walberton’s Plumtastic’ combines plumcoloured new shoots in spring and autumn with reddish-pink summer flowers. A good long-term container plant, trim after flowering. Hardy shrub. 2ft (60cm).
Vinca
Variegated vincas bring us trailing evergreen shoots to swing over the side of containers or as ground cover, with blue, white or purple spring flowers. Look for the brightly variegated ‘Ralph Shugert’. Hardy perennial. 5-8in (15-30cm).
Heuchera
A variety of foliage colours, patterns and shapes on compact evergreen plants, many with colourful summer flower spikes too. Ideal in permanent containers or at the front of the border. Hardy perennial. 12-30in (30-75cm).
Tulips
Pots of tulips in flower can be slipped into existing containers, still in their pots, then planted out as the flowers fade. Or use them to add a dash of colour to dowdy borders. Hardy bulb. 9-24in (23-60cm).
Wallflower
Wallflowers sold in flower at this time of year are dwarf shrubs that will give you long-season colour for two or three years. Look for ‘Bowles’s Mauve’ (above). Best planted in a container and left in place. Short-lived shrub. 24in (60cm).