In many parts of the world, the extremely short period between the melting of the last bits of snow and the first waves of heat is, by far, the most intense and thrilling time of the year. As a youth, I endured lengthy winters in the Quebec countryside, where my only solace was the plant catalogs I received in the mail, fueling my longing for spring. The May frenzy I would eventually put myself through didn’t help my reputation as an odd, slightly challenged child. I have since settled on the milder West Coast, where a much calmer spring gently rolls in as the holidays are left behind, peaks over a couple of months, and then seamlessly merges into summer.

Wherever spring is anxiously awaited, early-flowering perennials can be trusted for a colorful celebration. Some spring bloomers are long-lasting, putting on a show for months on end, while others are ephemeral, leaving us almost as quickly as they came. No matter how long they last, each of the following spring bloomers deserves a spot in your garden. These are a few of my favorite vernal gems, sure to infuse life into the garden after the winter finally melts away.

Name: ‘Père David’ blue corydalis
Zones: 6–8
Size: 12 inches tall and wide
Conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
Staying power: Long-lasting in cool areas; goes dormant in hot, dry conditions

Nothing signals the end of a barren winter like the splash of electric blue provided by ‘Père David’ blue corydalis (Corydalis flexuosa ‘Père David’). Native to the mountain wilds of western China, this delicate-looking plant has masses of narrow, tubular flowers that are reminiscent of wingless, ethereal blue dragonflies. While it resents overheating and going dry, which throw it into temporary dormancy, blue coryd­alis has proven surprisingly hardy and forgiving. It has fibrous roots that will gently creep away to embrace whatever lucky neighbors it has. Graced by delicate, lacy foliage, ‘Père David’ will continue to bloom from early spring well into summer and again in fall, given that springlike conditions prevail.

Name: Gibraltar candytuft
Zones: 5–9
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, lean soil
Staying power: Stays evergreen in warmer zones; goes dormant in fall in cooler zones

Although native to northern Africa, Gibraltar candy­tuft (Iberis gibraltarica) is hardy enough for a fair number of gardens on this continent. It is a short subshrub with rosettes of wedge-shaped, medium green leaves. Compared to the traditional candytuft, this beefy species offers a decadent flower display. In midspring, the whole plant disappears under an abundance of flat, light violet to pinkish white blossoms, creating a lasting mound of color. Follow a lean-and-mean regimen because Gibraltar candytuft tends to thrive in poor, dry soils with little or no fertilization. This low-maintenance approach will encourage tight growth and optimal flowering. Like most candy­tufts, a severe haircut in the wake of its blossoming is mandatory to prevent it from getting too leggy.

Name: ‘Flaccidus’ spring vetch
Zones: 4–9
Size: 12 inches tall and wide
Conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
Staying power: Lasts all spring; goes dormant in mid to late summer with dry conditions.

Contrary to its better-known vining siblings, ‘Flaccidus’ spring vetch (Lathyrus vernus ‘Flaccidus’) is a perennial pea that forms a bushy mound of refined foliage. It is mostly for its early, enduring blossoming that this particular cultivar is sought after. A slow grower, ‘Flaccidus’ has narrow leaves that create a handsome, feathery look. Small but numerous flowers open pale magenta-pink and gradually fade to a violet-blue. This plant, with its abundant blooms, opens the vernal ball at the start of spring but also takes part in the last dance, providing some of the last twirls of spring color.

Name: ‘Canyon Snow’ Pacific Coast hybrid iris
Zones: 7–9
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall and wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
Staying power: Evergreen

California has a wealth of native irises that burst into color as temperatures rise. Breeders have been busy creating garden varieties collectively known as the Pacific Coast hybrid irises; among this lot, ‘Canyon Snow’ Pacific Coast hybrid iris (Iris ‘Canyon Snow’) stands out. Prized for its pure white flowers ele­gantly marked with gold, ‘Canyon Snow’ is among the most dependable and floriferous selections available. This iris sports a loose, durable clump of coarse, grassy, dark green foliage. It flushes new growth when the rains return in fall and will start blooming as soon as days lengthen in late spring. It is ideal for nearly any garden setting.