Hello,

There are a number of early blooming shrubs, plants and bulbs suitable for the southern Michigan landscape. Keep in mind that flowering often depends on climate, temperature and pollination, among other conditions. I have listed some of the earliest blooming shrubs, plants and bulbs.

Shrubs and Plants: 

Iberis semperverins, known as Candytuft, is a low-growing, mounded perennial that puts out numerous rounded tufts of flat white flowers. They make their appearance as early as March.

Another early spring bloomer, Phlox subulata, or Moss Phlox, forms a mat of low growing evergreen foliage which are covered with colorful flowers. These fragrant early spring bloomers come in array of colors from pink to magenta, with red, white, lavender, and even blue.

The “Lenten roses” or Helleborus is becoming more popular as one of the best flowering perennials for the shade. They are known as Lenten roses because they are known to be in bloom for lent. In colder climates they may bloom later, but in the southern part of Michigan, they often bloom in March. This past year, my hellebores started blooming in February because of the unusual weather conditions. 

The bright yellow flowers of the Forsythia, Forsythia spp., are often considered the first sign of spring. Named after William Forsyth, an 18th century Scottish horticulturist, the forsythia is a deciduous shrub that is native to China, Korea and Europe. 

Bulbs:

• Glory in the Snow (Chionodoxa). Star-shaped flowers in blues, lavenders, pink or white, depending on the type. One of the earliest flowering spring bulbs
• Snowdrops (Galanthus). Downward-hanging, bell-like white flowers are very early bloomers.
• Striped Squill (Puschkinia). Pale blue, white, star-shaped flowers that have darker blue stripes. Will grow to about 6" tall.
• Grape hyacinth (Muscari). Blooms of rich purple, blue or white that look and smell like miniature grapes.
• Checkered Lily (Fritillaria) Pink, white and purple flowers are checkered with a contrasting color.

I have included the following links that I think you will find interesting. Also, I didn't include spring ephemerals because their flowers don't last long and are usually found in woodlands. However, daffodils are considered ephemerals (short-lasting flowers) and are often found in the home gardens

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/critter_proof_spring_flowering_bulbs

http://essex.cce.cornell.edu/resources/native-spring-blooming-perennials

https://extension.sdstate.edu/early-spring-bloomers

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us again.

Happy Thanksgiving!