Perfect Perennial Pairings for Spring Color with Trees and Shrubs

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!