Our pick of the top 5 Flowering Shrubs

As we have just stepped into the month of February, with the brighter mornings and mild weather that we have been enjoying recently, it really feels like spring is on our doorstep. I have been enjoying the pockets of snowdrops in the garden, while I eagerly await for the splash of colour the daffodils and tulips are going to bring to my pots and containers.

Having said that there are a great choice of Spring Flowering Shrubs that burst with colour and green leaves after the winter spell, that with little effort perform year after year. Here are our pick of the top 5 flowering shrubs!

The Ribes sanguineum Kind Edward VII is a great deciduous shrub that produces a mass of red- pink flowers, the Ribes sanguineum White Icicle will produce a mass of white flowers. Ribes is more commonly known as the flowering blackcurrant because of its aroma. Plant in sun and semi- shade, prune after flowering to encourage new growth.

The Forsythia is considered to be a valued addition to gardens in spring as its bare branches are covered in golden bloom. Forsythia 'Goldrausch' stands out for having an abundance of large flowers it is reliable and relatively easy to grow. Plant in sun or partial shade in borders or as a hedging plant.

Corylopsis pauciflora otherwise known as the buttercup witch hazel produces fragrant bell shaped flowers from March onwards. This shrub has a slow growing compact habit and is suitable for the front of borders. The leaves turn a reddish colour in autumn.

Daphne mezereum Rubra produces fragrant pink flowers before their leaves emerge in early spring, this shrub has an upright growth habit and prefers a well-drained soil in a border than being container grown. This Daphne does not respond well to pruning and should only be undertaken to remove damaged wood.

And finally Kerria japonica Pleniflora commonly known as Bachelor’s Button’s produces double yellow flowers and bright green leaves in spring. This vigorous growing deciduous shrub is suitable for most conditions, ideal for brightening dark corners. Cut back older shoots after flowering.     See you soon! Claire Hayes, Manager Powerscourt Garden Pavilion