There are certain plants that, for most of the year, need their own PR firm to keep their popularity blooming. They bloom for only a month or so each year, and then fade into the background. But when it is their time to shine, you can’t help but stand back and take notice. Think of them as the one-hit wonders of the garden. But, oh, what hits! Because of their lack of year round interest, they don’t warrant a front and center position in the landscape. Rather, they're best tucked behind something evergreen. Allow them to perform in their season, and then step appropriately into the background, so another plant can take center stage.  
 

As a nursery owner, it is my job to be that PR firm. In season, they sell themselves, but the remainder of the year they sit forlorn and forgotten on the shelves. Classic example? Gulf Muhly grass. Late in the fall, when the delicate plumes flush out, not surprisingly, I will  answer the very same question countless times a day: “What is the pink grass I see everywhere?  I want some!”  You've walked by it for months, but now it will be heard! This year, be ahead of the game and the one whose garden really sings. Rather than fighting the crowds for the last of the current bloom of the month, consider now these worthy one-hit wonders:
 

Texas Gold Columbine is one of the more well known early bloomers with its delicate yellow trumpets heralding springtime. Planted in partial shade it is certain to brighten the landscape. 

 

White Yarrow is already drawing attention at the nursery with just its ferny foliage. This one can be a tad invasive, so be sure you want it; but how could you not when you see the fabulous white umbrels atop such lacey leaves?

Ox-eye Daisy is a fabulous alternative to the more well known Shasta daisies that don’t care much for our Texas heat. Masses of white blooms float above glossy evergreen foliage; the plants spread and naturalize easily out here.

Brazos Penstemmon, a much lesser known perennial, is a favorite of mine. Its light green foliage is topped with hundreds of tiny purple bell shaped flowers. This one is a real show-stopper!

But the one that will steal the show every time is Coral Bean. Blooming a bit later in the season, the spectacular scarlet flowers appear to shoot out of the ground.  Rather non-descript the rest of the year, this one is jaw-dropping when it is in its prime.
 
Ideally, most of these would go in the ground in the late fall, nurtured by cool winter rains. But, take heart, it’s not too late, just keep a few planting strategies in mind. The bigger the plant, the more likely you are to get blooms the first season.  A 4” perennial planted in the fall will typically bloom in the spring.  At this point in the game, if it is spring blooms you want, a one gallon plant or larger will give you the best odds.  For those of you already thinking ahead to the fall flowers (as well you should) spring is the perfect time to get these late bloomers in the ground:  Fall Aster,  Copper Canyon Daisy, Mexican Mint Marigold, Black-eyed Susan, and of course Gulf Muhly. 

Gardening is not a hobby that rewards procrastination. If you want daffodils in the spring, plant them in the fall.  If you want tomatoes in the summer, plant them in the spring. Sure, you can pay more for instant gratification, but the better (and cheaper) way to ensure the longest bloom-time or, as with veggies, the more bountiful harvest is to plan ahead.  And maybe instead of coveting your neighbor’s blooms this year, you can have the garden that people swoon over.