10 EARLY-BLOOMING, COLD-HARDY POLLINATOR MAGNETS

Spring has sprung in many parts of the country, and hungry pollinators are on the wing, looking for food. Planting early blooming perennials is one of the easiest things for a gardener to do to support their local pollinators. The reward is in those delicate first early blooms after the rugged and bleak landscape of winter. Bonus – these early bloomers are some of the toughest and easiest care plants around.

Sand Cherry

From prolific early-spring blooms to gorgeous, dark red-purple leaves, darkstar Purple Leaf Sand Cherry is rock solid and drought-resistant like others of its kind. Plus it has a compact, upright habit and foliage that doesn’t fade. Pollinators flock to the profusion of white-pink flowers in early spring when many other plants aren’t blooming. Zones 3–9.

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and birds

Pictured: Darkstar Purple Leaf Sand Cherry continued on page 10