Early spring flowers shower us with the promise of unfolding growth.
What is it about the promise of spring that makes us sigh? Is it the gentle glow of steadily strengthening sunlight, the nodding heads of daffodils and jonquils through paddocks. Or the persistent twittering of the superb fairy wren?
For many gardeners, springtime magic begins with the arrival of soft colours. Perhaps a hint of pastel pink on a swelling magnolia bulb, or a touch of delicate gold on a laburnum chain, and a whisper of lilac on a wisteria arch. These heralds of spring are quickly followed by the arrival of bees and aphid armies building in number, all working together to coax us outdoors to tend to the garden and bathe in the cool spring air.
We visit places like Japan to witness wisteria blossoms and Wales to walk through archways dripping with laburnum flowers, but any Tasmanian gardener with a vision can recreate the magic of spring in their own backyard.
Magnolia
The timeless beauty of magnolias dates back over 100 million years when dinosaurs roamed the earth. It’s awe-inspiring to imagine such ancient creatures grazing these delicate flowering trees.
Fast-forward to present-day Hobart, and the first signs of spring are already apparent. It’s only mid-August, but deciduous magnolia trees are bursting into bloom at St David’s Park, Macquarie Street and along Bay Road in New Town.
Choosing the right magnolia for your garden
Whether you prefer white, yellow, pink, or purple magnolias, each blossom carries a light, clean fragrance that’s irresistible to bees, birds, and gardeners. These early spring-flowering trees are a must-have for anyone looking to add spring romance to their garden.
Growing magnolias successfully
Magnolias thrive in moist, free-draining, acidic soil and are resistant to frost. However, in exposed coastal areas, they may struggle with harsh winds. For best results, plant your magnolia in a semi-sheltered position, ideally where you can enjoy its blooms from inside your home.
Avoid boggy soil and ensure good drainage, especially during wetter months. While magnolias are fairly hardy, they won’t tolerate extended periods of drought, so consistent watering during dry spells is essential.
Magnolias are edible!
Once your magnolia is well-established and blooming in early spring, you can enjoy more than just its beauty. Magnolia petals are edible and can add a unique, gingery twist to your favourite meals. Try tossing fresh magnolia petals in salads, making a fragrant magnolia simple syrup for cocktails or desserts, or even pickling the petals for a tangy, aromatic treat.
Prunus x blireana
Brooker Avenue may seem drab in winter, but come August, the landscape transforms with a burst of colour as early-flowering Prunus x blireana blossoms begin to bloom. Prunus × blireana, or double-flowering plum, is valued for its compact size and striking visual impact.
Lightly scented, its soft pink flowers emerge in late winter and continue well into early spring, bringing weeks of colour and fragrance. As the seasons shift, the tree’s dark crimson foliage takes centre stage in summer, offering a bold contrast against the green of surrounding trees and lawns.
Growing Prunus × blireana successfully
This double-flowering plum is well-suited to clay, loam, or sandy soils, and is remarkably low-maintenance once established. While the tree itself is wind-tolerant, its delicate spring blossoms are easily damaged in exposed sites. For the longest floral display, site your tree in a sheltered, sunny spot. Don’t forget to add a nearby garden bench or chair, and come spring, you’ll be able to sit and enjoy the subtle, almond-like fragrance drifting on the breeze.
Prunus x blireana blossoms are edible!
As fleeting as they are fragrant, plum blossoms are meant to be savoured. You can adorn cakes and other sweet treats with plum blossoms, blitz them with sugar to add a subtle almond flavour in your desserts, add them to salads, or preserve them in honey to flavour teas and cocktails.
Laburnum x watereri ‘Vossii’
A single laburnum tree in full bloom is a glorious sight, but train it over an archway, and it becomes something truly spellbinding. The golden chain tree, known for its cascading clusters of sunlit blooms, can turn an everyday garden path into a tunnel of light and wonder.
Come mid to late spring, between October and November, the laburnum bursts into life. Its pendulous racemes of yellow flowers shimmer in the sunlight and release a subtle, honeyed fragrance that dances through the air.
Growing a laburnum arch successfully
To weave your own golden daydream, plant laburnum trees approximately 1.5 to 2 metres apart along your chosen arch or pergola. In their formative years, gently train their flexible branches along the structure, shaping them into a living sculpture of light and colour.
Laburnums thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, asking for little but giving so much. Be sure to avoid planting in waterlogged areas or overly exposed, windy sites. This golden beauty prefers shelter and drier feet.
Safety note
All parts of Laburnum × watereri ‘Vossii’, including its flowers and seed pods, are toxic if ingested. If you have young children or curious pets, consider planting your laburnum trees at a safe distance from play areas or living spaces. When pruning or training branches, wear gloves to avoid skin irritation and handle with care.
Wisteria
Dreary winter days have us staring wistfully at bare wisteria branches, dreaming of mid-spring when cascading clusters of lilac flowers begin to unfurl. There’s something undeniably enchanting about wisteria framing a cottage veranda or tumbling over an old timber pergola, its pendulous blooms turning ordinary corners into scenes from a fairytale.
Growing wisteria successfully
In Tasmania’s cool-temperate climate, wisteria thrives with little fuss. Free-draining soil, a generous helping of compost, and a sprinkle of sulphate of potash in early spring are usually enough to coax it into glorious bloom.
When planning your planting, choose a spot where the magic can be enjoyed daily, perhaps along a sun-drenched courtyard wall or above a patio where spring tea parties and long, lazy afternoons unfold. Shelter it from strong winds, and your wisteria will linger longer, drawing out the romance of springtime with every fragrant bloom.
Wisteria blossoms are edible!
Delicate and lightly floral, wisteria flowers can be added to your next glass of bubbly, transformed into a syrup as a vegan-friendly honey alternative, or simply enjoyed raw.
Safety note
Only the blossoms are safe to eat. All other parts of the wisteria plant, i.e. leaves, stems, vines, seed pods, and roots, are poisonous and should not be consumed.
