What flowers bloom first in the spring in Kansas?
TOPEKA (KSNT) - New flowers are set to bloom across Kansas with the arrival of spring and warmer weather.
27 News reached out to the Kansas State University Research and Extension Office to find out what flowers people may see bloom first in the Sunflower State in the spring. Horticulture Extension Specialist Cynthia Domenghini provided some answers regarding which native and non-native varieties people should keep an eye out for once warmer weather begins to stick around.
Domenghini said there are various different types of flowers which bloom early in the year found across Kansas' outdoor spaces and people's backyards. Some common native and non-native flowering plants she says people might encounter are below:
- Native flowering plants.
- Bluebells - Mertensia virginica.
- Johnny jump ups - Viola bicolor.
- Spiderwort - Tradescantia tharpii.
- Wild violets - Viola nephrophylla.
- Rue anemone - Thalictrum thalictroides.
- Ten-petal anemone - Anemone berlandieri.
- Mustard - Descurainia pinnata.
- Groundsel - Packera obovata.
- Other popular non-native flowering plants.
- Henbit - Lamium amplexicaule.
- Corn speedwell - Veronica arvensis.
"Native plants are found all over Kansas," Domenghini said. "There are plants found in specific geographic regions with some being located in prairies, others in wetlands, sandy banks and forests."
People should also expect to see tulips, daffodils and crocus in the spring months growing in garden areas. Domenghini said some other garden plants people may spot are shrubs like forsythia that produce yellow flowers along bare stems in February and March. Winter windflower (Anemone blanda) will also begin appearing in its blue, pink and white colors while varieties of perennial Hellebore will also start to show their colors.
Domenghini suggests people consult with the Kansas Native Plant Society to learn more about gardening tips. You can also sign up for the K-State Research and Extension Office's weekly Horticulture Newsletter by sending an email to hortsupport@ksu.edu.
"K-State Research and Extension emphasizes choosing the right plant for the right place," Domenghini said. "This will greatly reduce the amount of time spent in maintenance and cost associated with caring for plants. You will experience fewer diseases and pests if you select plants that are acclimated to the area."
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