Spring is officially waking up, and the color is starting to pop. This month, we’re highlighting a few standout plants that bring that perfect mix of early-season color and structure — because every great landscape needs a little of both.
From the vibrant foliage of Northern Exposure Coral Bell to the rich purple leaves and spring blooms of Purple Leaf Sand Cherry, these picks are here to kick off the season in style. Techny Arborvitae adds that evergreen backbone your yard needs as everything else starts waking up, while Celebration Maple bursts to life with fresh foliage that’s impossible to miss.
Ready to add a little spring magic to your yard? Check out the details below — these April favorites are ready to shine.
Northern Exposure Coral Bell
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
Clean lines for the landscape with clear amber, round leaves on a dense, medium size mound. This showy garden plant was bred from hardy H. richardsonii and looks good longer in the season than other Heuchera. Great rust resistance and longevity.
Species Specs
Height: 14-18”
Spread: 20”
Shape: Mounding
Exposure: Full Sun to Full Shade
Foliage: Amber
Zone: 3-9
Plant Care:
Provide enriched, well-drained soil; take care not to bury crown when planting. Prefers more shade in hotter regions. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established, better too dry than too wet. Feed throughout growing season. Remove old, faded foliage in early spring.
Techny Arborvitae
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
Fast growing and dark green. Excellent for screens and tall sheared hedges. Good in sun or light shade. Very winter hardy.
Species Specs
Height: 12-15’
Spread: 6-8’
Exposure: Full Sun
Foliage: Dark Green
Zone: 3-8
Plant Care:
Techny Arborvitae is very hardy, wind-resistant, and adaptable. It can tolerate wetter locations, and should not be planted in extremely dry locations without frequent watering. Be sure to follow watering guidelines for the first few growing seasons until the root system is well-established.
Sand Cherry Purple Leaf
Image source: Bailey Nurseries
Description:
This tree-form of the popular Purpleleaf Sand Cherry makes a beautiful small tree with outstanding reddish purple foliage.
Species Specs
Height: 8’
Spread: 5-6’
Shape: Upright, Oval
Exposure: Full Sun
Foliage: Rich purple-red
Zone: 3-8
Plant Care:
Purpleleaf Sand Cherry plants thrive in full sun, prefer well-drained soil, and require regular watering, especially during their first year, but can tolerate drought once established. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches, and apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Celebration Maple
Image source: Google
Description:
A hybrid of the Silver and Red Maples, the Celebration Maple is a deciduous accent tree that gets energetic growth from the Silver Maple side of its family. The excellent grower elevates at a stellar rate of 3 to 7 feet per year, making it a great choice for homeowners who can’t wait for a 'heightened' yard.
Species Specs
Height: 40-50’
Spread: 25’
Shape: Broadly Oval
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage: Green turning to Yellow/Orange/Red in the fall
Zone: 4-7
Plant Care:
For optimal care, a Celebration maple needs full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent watering, especially during the first year after planting. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect the trunk, and consider staking the young tree for support.