Cool climate bulbs that will charm you come spring!
Specialist Plant Pages
Iris reticulata
Iris reticulata are beautiful, clear blue minature iris that will flower in early spring. Place them in a pot or a sunny, safe place in the border and they will multiply and flower for years to come. Grows on the screes of Turkey, Iraq and Iran and likes similar conditions in your garden. There are several named varities that range from pale blue through blue black to more maroon tones. All are covetable!
Cultivation Prefers a sunny position on a sharply draining soil.
Propagation Division when dormant
Anenome nemerosa
Anenome nemerosa is easily grown in the light shade of taller trees, deciduous shrubs or even shrub roses. The creeping rhizomes of this little toughie will quickly form a mat of delicate flowers in spring.
Cultivation Prefers a moderately rich soil that is moist and well drained. Plant in sun or part shade.
Propagation Division when dormant
Crocus 'Pickwick'
Crocus 'Pickwick' has gorgeous striping on its spring blooms, and the flowers will brighten the border, try them under deciduous trees and shrubs. Great in pots to add interest on paths and at your door.
Cultivation Prefers a good soil, prefers a cool winter and a definite spring followed by summer baking.
Propagation Division when dormant, seed
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Fritillaria meleagris
The Snake's Head Fritillary or Fritillaria meleagris comes from the flood plains of central and western Europe. The nodding, chequered bells vary from dark maroon through pure white. Expensive to begin with, it will settle down and multiply when happy. Try it in a pot that will not dry out so that you don't lose it in the border!
Cultivation Prefers a moderately rich, neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is moist and well drained. Plant in sun or part shade.
Propagation Division when dormant, seed
Trillium chloropetalum
Trillium chloropetalum (syn T. sessile californicum), the Wake Robin, is a rhizomatous perennial from North America which grows naturally in light woodland and prefers shade. It will settle and form large clumps when happy.
T. sessile is the red form commonly found in New Zealand gardens. Both are wonderful plants for the cooler garden.
Cultivation Prefers a moderately humus rich, moisture retentive soil in part shade. Plant late summer/autumn or winter when dormant.
Propagation Division when dormant, seed (takes 12-18 months to germinate, longer to flower)
Leucojum vernum
Leucojum vernum, the spring snowflake, holds its nodding bells edged with a green picot, above the dark, strap like leaves. It is an old fashioned a charming bulb in the garden.
Cultivation Prefers a moderately rich soil that will not dry out, in sun or part shade.
Propagation Division, seed
 More Bulbs for your spring garden. Ideas on planting and using Tulips, Narcissi and Hyacinths in the garden, plus cultivation tips and photos galore
Garden How To - Planting Bulbs
Planting bulbs for a wonderful spring. How and where to plant bulbs | |
