Plant Encyclopedia

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5 plants

Pink flower clusters of Elephant's Ears above large leathery leavesPerennials

Bergenia cordifolia

Elephant's Ears

Elephant's Ears is a tough ground cover with large, leathery leaves that turn a stunning red in autumn and winter. From March to May, clusters of pink flowers appear on sturdy stems. The plant is evergreen, extremely hardy, and thrives in almost any position.

Partial shadeMedium3045 cm
Purple and yellow crocuses breaking through a spring lawnBulbs & tubers

Crocus vernus

Spring Crocus

The Spring Crocus is one of the very first flowers to open in February and March, in shades of purple, yellow, or white. The small chalice-shaped blooms often appear before the foliage has fully developed. Crocuses naturalise beautifully in lawns and are an early food source for bees after winter.

Full sunLow815 cm
Star-shaped white flowers of Star Magnolia against a blue spring skyTrees

Magnolia stellata

Star Magnolia

Star Magnolia is a compact small tree or large shrub that becomes smothered in star-shaped white to pale pink flowers in March and April, before the leaves emerge. The blooms have a soft, sweet fragrance. Its compact size makes this magnolia suitable even for smaller gardens and front yards.

Full sunMedium200300 cm
Bright yellow flower clusters and glossy spiny foliage of Oregon GrapeShrubs

Mahonia aquifolium

Oregon Grape

Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub with glossy, spiny foliage that can turn bronze-purple in winter. In March and April, dense clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers appear, attracting early bees. Later, blue-black berries follow that birds adore. A rewarding, shade-tolerant plant.

Partial shadeLow100200 cm
Blue-pink flowers of lungwort with spotted foliage in a shady borderPerennials

Pulmonaria officinalis

Lungwort

Lungwort is an early-flowering shade plant with strikingly spotted foliage and charming flowers that change from pink to blue. The plant blooms as early as March, providing vital early nectar for bees. The decorative leaves remain attractive throughout the season.

Partial shadeMedium2030 cm