Perfect Perennial Pairings for Spring Color with Trees and Shrubs
Posted by Annie Algren on May 4th 2025
Perfect Perennial Pairings for Spring Color with Trees & Shrubs
Spring is the perfect time to bring fresh life and color to your garden, and if you are eager to make a bigger, bolder statement with spring color, consider adding early blooming trees and shrubs. These sturdy, reliable plants provide structure and depth to your landscape, and when paired with the right perennial companions, they can create a stunning visual display from the ground up. Let’s explore the perfect tree and shrub pairings for stunning early spring color!
MN Redbud (Cersis)
Light
Full to Part-Sun (4-6+ hrs)
Attributes
A medium sized tree with rose-pink to magenta flower clusters along its stems, followed by large dark green heart shaped foliage
Growth Habit
Small-medium size ornamental tree
Soil Type
Loam, will tolerate clay
Bloom Color
Pink/Magenta/Purple
Size
15-30’ H x 15-30’ W
Bloom Time
Mid-Spring to Early Summer
Use
Lawns, woodland gardens, specimen tree
Maintenance
Prune in late winter/early spring while dormant or directly after booming, roughly every 3-5 years
Benefits
Fast growth rate, tolerates drought and black walnut, supports pollinators, hostplant for several butterflies and moths, seed pods are a food source for birds and small mammals.
Lilac (Syringa)
Light
Full Sun (6+ hrs)
Attributes
A deciduous shrub with upright form and profuse, fragrant spring blooms
Growth Habit
Upright, arching
Soil Type
Loam, will tolerate clay
Bloom Color
Purple/Pink/White
Size
48-120” H x 48-72” W
Bloom Time
Mid-Spring to Early Summer
Use
Hedges, foundation plant, specimen plant, large borders
Maintenance
Prune 1/3 of growth back yearly immediately after blooming, remove 1/3 of stems to the ground every couple of years to lower disease risk and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
Benefits
Deer/Rabbit resistant, tolerates drought, use as cut flowers, very aromatic!
Golden Bells (Forsythia)
Light
Full Sun (6+ hrs)
Attributes
A deciduous shrub with branches shrouded in prolific bright yellow flowers
Growth Habit
Upright, arching
Soil Type
Loam, will tolerate clay
Bloom Color
Yellow
Size
36-96” H x 36-96” W
Bloom Time
Mid-Spring to Early Summer
Use
Plant en masse and or as a screen or hedge
Maintenance
Prune 1/3 of growth back yearly immediately after blooming
Benefits
Tolerates salt, deer/rabbit resistant, supports pollinators and offers wildlife shelter
Always approachable and happy to help!