Florida French Lace Weigela
Deciduous shrub with dark green foliage with lime-green margin and deep red flowers
Best foliage color is in full sun
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil
Water regularly until established; fertilize in spring; prune after flowering if needed
Height: 4-6 feet; Width: 4 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (4)5-8(9):
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; may languish in this warmer climate.
Black Knight Butterfly Bush
Gardener’s Note: This plant is on the watch list of several Western and Midwestern states for possible invasiveness.
Deciduous shrub with gray-green foliage and dark purple flowers that attract butterflies
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil; prune heavily in very early spring
Water regularly until established; fertilize in spring
Deadhead to reduce seedlings and prolong blooming
Plant in full sun for best flowering
Height: 8-10 feet; Width: 6-8 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; care for plant as herbaceous perennial and prune to the ground in early spring; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; care for plant as herbaceous perennial and prune to the ground in early spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; care for plant as a deciduous shrub and prune heavily in late winter.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; care for plant as a deciduous shrub and prune heavily in late winter.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; care for plant as a deciduous shrub and prune heavily in late winter.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; care for plant as a deciduous shrub and prune heavily in late winter.
Thundercloud Plum
Deciduous tree with purple foliage and single pink flowers before the leaves
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil; prune if needed after flowering
Plant in full sun
Water regularly until established; fertilize in spring
Susceptible to a host of diseases and pests
Height: 15-30 feet; Width: 15-25 feet
Hardy in USDA zones (4)5-8:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Knockout Rose
Deciduous shrub rose with 3-inch cherry red flowers from late April through frost
Plant in rich, but well-drained soil; prune down to 12-18″ in late winter
Plant in full sun
Water regularly until established; fertilize in spring
Extremely disease resistant variety
Height: 3-4 feet; Width: 3-4 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; protect the crown with mulch or snow in harsh winter weather.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch in fall.
Stella D’Oro Daylily
Bright yellow flowers in spring through summer; repeat blooming in early fall
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage continuous blooming
Plant in full sun to light shade
Prune back after first frost; divide and fertilize in spring
Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Height: 12 inches; Width: 18 inches
Hardy in zones 3-10:
Zone 3: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring; may be marginally hardy in this zone.
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch heavily after first hard frost to prevent winter heaving; protect from salt; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Zone 10: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in spring.
Lacecap Hydrangea
Deciduous shrub with pink or blue flowers (depending upon soil pH)
Height: 4-5 feet; Width: 4-5 feet
Moist, but well-drained soil
Plant in light to partial shade; prune after flowering in summer.
Hardy in USDA zones 6-9:
Zone 6: Plant in spring or very early fall; apply mulch after first hard frost; plant in light shade with protection from afternoon sun; plant may fail to bloom after hard late frosts; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.
Zone 7: Plant in early fall; apply mulch in fall; plant in light to partial shade with protection from afternoon sun; blooming may decrease after hard late frosts; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.
Zone 8: Plant in early fall; plant in partial shade with protection from afternoon sun; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.
Zone 9: Plant in early fall; plant in partial shade with protection from afternoon sun; water regularly in dry spells during growing season.
Gingko Craig Hosta
Small hosta with vivid green leaves with a white edge and purple flowers in summer
Plant in moist, but-well drained soil
Plant in partial to full shade for all zones
Prune back foliage after frost; fertilize and divide if needed in spring
Height: 10 inches; Width: 10-12 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 3-9:
Zone 3: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; divide as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; divide as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; divide as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or fall; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; divide as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
Zone 7: Plant in spring or fall; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; divide in fall or as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
Zone 8: Plant in spring or fall; mulch lightly in the fall; pull back mulch in early spring; divide in fall or as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
Zone 9: Plant in spring or fall; mulch lightly in the fall; pull back mulch in early spring; divide in fall or as new growth appears in early spring; protect from deer in prone areas.
New Guinea Impatiens
Clump forming annual grown for its flowers in a variety of colors
Plant in rich, moist but well-drained soil
Plant in light to partial shade; can tolerate some sun in cooler zones
Height: 8-10 inches; Width: 10-12 inches
Annual in zones 2-9
Hardy in USDA zones 10-11:
Zones 2-9: Plant outside or in containers after danger of frost has passed; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; discard plants after frost; will sometimes reseed.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring; plant in light to partial shade; water freely during growing season; pinch to increase bushiness; fertilize monthly while outdoors; will sometimes reseed.
Jackmanii Clematis
Deciduous perennial vine grown for its blue-purple flowers in summer
Plant in moist, but-well drained soil
Plant in full sun, but with the roots shaded from intense sun
Prune back previous season’s growth to main stem 1-2′ from ground in late winter
Height: 7-10 feet; Width: 3-6 feet
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8:
Zone 4: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears.
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt pull; back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Blue Sage
Tender perennial often grown as an annual for its blue-purple flowers in summer
Plant in moist, but-well drained soil
Plant in full sun
Drought tolerant; attracts butterflies
Height: 20-24 inches; Width: 10-12 inches
Annual in zones 2-7
Hardy in USDA zones 8-10:
Zones 2-7: Plant after danger of frost has passed; fertilize monthly during the growing season; water when dry; discard plants after hard frost.
Zones 8-10: Plant in spring; fertilize monthly during the growing season; water when dry; prune back in fall.
Kristi Chrysanthemum
Clump forming perennial grown for its attractive foliage and flowers in the fall
Plant in moist, but-well drained soil; fertilize in spring
Plant in full sun
Pinch back buds in spring to encourage bushiness; water when dry
Avoid excessive winter moisture
Height: 16-18 inches; Width: 16-24 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 5-9:
Zone 5: Plant in spring to prevent winter heaving; mulch heavily after first hard frost; avoid contact with salt; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; mulch after first hard frost; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring; mulch in fall; pull back mulch in early spring; fertilize when new growth appears in early spring.
Large-cupped Daffodil
Perennial bulb grown for its large flowers with yellow petals and orange-yellow centers
Plant in moist, but-well drained soil; fertilize in spring
Plant in full sun to light shade
Prune back foliage when yellow in fall; divide in fall or spring
Avoid excessive winter moisture
Height: 16-18 inches; Width: 8-12 inches, clump forming
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8:
Zone 4: Plant dormant bulbs in fall at least 3-5 inches deep; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant dormant bulbs in fall at least 3-5 inches deep; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant dormant bulbs in fall at least 3-5 inches deep; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring.
Zone 7: Plant dormant bulbs in fall at least 3-5 inches deep; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring.
Zone 8: Plant dormant bulbs in fall at least 3-5 inches deep; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring.
Scotch Heather
Low-growing evergreen shrub with white, pink or purple flowers in late summer
Plant in moist, but-well drained soil; fertilize in spring
Plant in full sun
Height: 4-20 inches (depending upon cultivar); Width: 30 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 4-7:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring or early fall; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring.
Zone 7: Plant in fall; plant in full sun; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; plants may struggle in this zone.
Tickseed
Herbaceous perennial grown for its cheery yellow flowers in spring and summer
Plant in well-drained soil; tolerant of poor soils
Plant in full sun to partial shade
Deadhead to neaten appearance and prevent unwanted seedlings; divide in spring
Height: 24 inches; Width: 18 inches
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9:
Zone 4: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 5: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to light shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring; avoid contact with salt.
Zone 6: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring.
Zone 7: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch after first hard frost; pull mulch back in the spring.
Zone 8: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in the spring.
Zone 9: Plant in spring; plant in full sun to partial shade; mulch in fall; pull mulch back in the spring.
Gable Azaleas Rhododendron
Evergreen known for its impressive flowering
Roots grow near the surface. Plant no more than 12 inches deep
Deep planting keeps the roots from getting the air they need.
Grow 2 to 4 feet tall in four to six years and have 1-inch shiny leaves
bear great numbers of 2-inch blossoms in the spring.
keep the roots cool and moist with a permanent 2- to 3-inch mulch of wood chips, oak leaves, chunky peat moss or other light organic material.
Do not stimulate fast growth because it produces long weak stems and few flowers.
For maximum flower production, pinch off faded flowers or the seed capsules that follow.
Hardy to Zone 7
Zone 1-7: Best planted in early spring when the soil is no longer frozen or early fall when the plant is dormant and not stressed. Plant in partial sun; plant in moist-well-drained soil. Protect from frost and avoid contact with salt.
SOURCE:http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/springtime-planting