Spring Flowering Bulbs

How to choose the best spring-flowering bulbs

There’s nothing quite as joyous as the sight of spring-flowering bulbs popping up around the garden to signal the start of warmer weather and longer evenings. Spring bulbs are a real treat! Simply plant them in autumn at a depth that’s twice their own height. Then, all you have to do is sit back and wait for the green shoots to peek through the soil. Not sure which spring bulbs to choose? Read our FAQs below for tips.

Which spring-flowering bulbs are best for shade?

Many spring bulbs do well in shade. Woodland natives like snowdrops and bluebells do best in cool shady conditions beneath the canopy of a deciduous tree or hedge. Try fritillaria meleagris if your shady spot is typically damp. For startling bright purple blooms in January, plant cyclamen coum bulbs underneath trees or in single pots on a shady balcony. These delicate purple flowers have flame-like upswept purple petals and are a must-have in a woodland planting scheme.

Which spring bulbs flower earliest?

The earliest spring bulbs to flower are snowdrops. These tiny blooms appear in January and are quickly followed by muscari, dwarf iris and spring-flowering crocuses. These smaller spring bulbs are perfect for pots and the ideal top layer of a ‘bulb lasagne’. A ‘lasagne’ planting scheme includes multiple layers of different spring bulbs chosen to bloom in succession, giving you a long-lasting and ever-changing display in a single container.

Which spring bulbs flower the longest?

Daffodil ‘Tete a Tete’ is a super spring bulb with a long flowering time. The miniature flower heads look fantastic in a window basket or patio pot and are right at home on border edges or rockeries. Expect to enjoy the brightly coloured daffodils for weeks from March onwards.

For the longest flowering display from your spring bulbs, plant a mix of different types. The earliest spring bulbs to flower are snowdrops, muscari and tiny dwarf iris. Bulbs that flower in March include cheerful daffodils and majestic tulips. For colour into May plant large ‘peony type’ tulips and ranunculus. These late bloomers act as a bridge between spring flowers and the summer-flowering bulbs that start to appear from June.