If you’re ready to kick off the season with a burst of color, let’s talk about the early bloomers that love Flagstaff’s unique climate. From bold yellows to delicate pinks, these flowers bring life to your garden before the summer heat sets in.
First up, let’s shine a spotlight on the Golden Pea (Thermopsis montana). Native to the region, the Golden Pea blooms strongly from May to June, filling the air with vibrant yellow flowers. Unlike your typical pea plant, the Golden Pea keeps its blooms standing upright and as tall as 32”, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden. It thrives in full sun and is fairly tolerant of most type of soils. The best part? It’s commercially available and can be propagated from seed. The pollinators can’t resist!
Next, let’s talk about Wild Strawberries (Fragaria virginiana). Found in fields, prairies, and woodland edges, these native gems make a charming ground cover that blooms from April to May. Their white flowers are characteristic of the rose family: five petals and numerous stamen. While they thrive in part shade to full sun, just keep in mind that too much shade means no fruit.
It’s easy to overlook our next plant, Phlox. This low-growing ground cover is a bit sneaky—it’s easy to overlook until it suddenly bursts into color, glowing with flowers in the spring. Phlox comes in a variety of species, both native and non-native, and has different growth habits. Some varieties form thick mats, while others grow in a group with individual stems spaced apart. Either way, these flowers will absolutely delight, attracting bees, butterflies, and even your own admiration. Phlox is a perfect filler for borders.
Now, if you’re looking for something a little more puffy (yes, puffy is a garden term now), Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) is your plant. These quirky little plants start with soft pink flowers that give way to fluffy, wispy seed heads—making them a fun addition to your garden’s texture. They make an excellent ground cover along garden borders and can last into July. Watching them change is like a magical gardening spectacle.
There are plenty more options to keep your garden buzzing with springtime cheer—Iris, Garland Spirea, Mahonia, Catmint, and native mustards, just to name a few. With all these early-season bloomers, your Flagstaff garden can be more than just a collection of daffodils.
Sarah Armanovs is the Gardens Manager at The Arboretum at Flagstaff.
