Spring seems to arrive suddenly in Wisconsin. Within a few weeks – or sometimes even days – of the last snowstorm, the earliest spring flowers begin blooming. Crocus, winter aconite, species tulips and very early daffodils bloom first, but the next show comes from the small plants amid the boulders in the rock garden. A rock garden with stone accents and gravel mulch may heat up more quickly than the soil in other areas, promoting early plant growth and flowering. The following are some early-blooming perennials (typically in April to very early May) ideal for rock gardens, but most are suitable for planting in other areas of the landscape. These are presented in order of flowering.
Pulsatilla halleri ssp. taurica is a cute little perennial closely related to pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris). This species starts to emerge and bloom about the same time as crocus and the earliest daffodils. The extremely fuzzy buds produce light purple flowers on short stems. The finely dissected leaves unfurl fully after bloom. The interesting seed heads can reach 10 to 12 inches high, while the flowers and foliage remain only about 6 inches high. This species is hardy to zone 5a, and requires well-drained soil.
Draba dedeana is one of about 350 species in this genus in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) primarily native to the northern hemisphere in arctic, sub-arctic, alpine and sub-alpine regions. This small plant from the Pyrenees in Spain forms a dense cushion composed of dark green rosettes of narrow, bristle-tipped, grey-green leaves. The clumps grow moderately quickly, but plants are long-lived. Tiny white flowers on short stems absolutely cover the dome of green foliage, making it look almost like a baseball or softball. The dead flower stalks can be pulled off when dry to improve the appearance of the plant for the rest of the season. This species is one of the best of the white-flowered Draba (most species have yellow flowers). This and most other species of Draba require very well drained soil in full sun, and most do best in lean soil with little supplemental fertilizer. This species is hardy to zone 3a.
Primula veris is one of over 400 species in this widely-distributed genus. This species, with common names including cowslip, English cowslip, and cowslip primrose, is native to temperate Europe and Asia. It is a low growing herbaceous perennial that forms a rosette of dark green, crinkly oval leaves that are covered in velvety hairs.
Clusters of deep yellow, nodding, funnel-shaped flowers are borne on long stems up to 12 inches tall, with several flower stalks per plant. The flowers are fragrant. Rarely red flowers are produced, and there is a variety ‘Sunset Shades’ that consistently has red or orange-red flowers. P. veris grows best in partial shade in any fertile, moist, well-drained soil. It naturally grows in well-drained grassy places, fields and woods, so does not have to be restricted to rock gardens. Grow from seed or divide plants in the fall. It is best planted in groups. It is hardy to zone 4a.
Aubrieta deltoidea, purple rockcress (sometimes called false rock cress), is another member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae) from stony slopes in the Mediterranean. This plant is deer resistant and drought resistant, and is hardy to zone 4a. It prefers cool, moist growing conditions, and thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. The gray-green foliage forms a low mat up to 6 inches high and spreading 18 to 24 inches wide. It is semi-evergreen and can look rather bedraggled early in the spring. The tiny, diamond-shaped leaves are hairy. The 4-petaled, ¾ inch wide, star-shaped flowers appear in masses on upright stems. Flowers can be lilac, violet, purple, and sometimes red. The variety ‘Purple Heart’ has double, deep purple flowers. The plants look especially nice cascading over a wall or down a slope, and they can be used for edging. Shear the plants after blooming to keep compact and divide every three years or so.
Potentilla neumanniana ‘Nana’ (sometimes offered as P. tabernaemontanii or P. verna nana), or spring cinquefoil, is a low-growing evergreen plant in the rose family (Rosaceae) native to the eastern U.S. with bright yellow flowers. The deep green leaves look very similar to strawberry leaves, only smaller. It grows only 2 to 3 inches high, but can spread 1 to 2 feet. Unlike the related creeping cinquefoil (P. reptans), it does not have runners and is clump forming. It works well in rock gardens, makes a good groundcover, and works well between pavers. It grows in full sun to part shade and is hardy in zones 4a to 8b.
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Reviewers: Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Extension
Revised: September 2026
