It makes sense to build an Early-Blooming program around perennials. Several genera, like the Dianthus pictured here, bloom in early spring, equipped with a hardy nature that holds up through a light frost or surprise snowstorm. In addition, color is displayed through the foliage as well as the bloom.

Many plants are sensitive to day and night length, and begin flowering as the temperature changes. Moving their bloom time up is difficult—whereas playing up the advantages of early-blooming perennials is easy.