There is so much variety in the spring bulb arena that it can be genuinely overwhelming when it comes to choosing which to grow. But among the many varieties available, I do have a few favourites. From reliable performers to something a little bit different, if you are after some suggestions to fill your borders and pots with seasonal spring interest, here's my pick of bulb plants to look out for.
Narcissus 'Tête-à-tête' - Daffodil
I am a big fan of this daffodil for two reasons. First of all, it often flowers as early as February, where is brightens up a dull border with its vibrant yellow flowers. Second of all, it's a nice and compact, dwarf daffodil, only growing as tall as 20cm. This makes it a top choice for spring containers, as well as jazzing up border edges. Definitely a worthwhile investment that will raise your spirits every year.
Iris 'Frank Elder' reticulata
If you like your flowers diminutive and interesting, as well as pretty, you can do a lot worse than reticulated iris. This cultivar 'Frank Elder' is a particularly beautiful example, but Iris 'Katharine Hodgin' and Iris 'Katherine's Gold' are also well worth a look too. (And I am not just saying that because I'm a Katharine too!) These low-growing bulbous irises flower from late winter into early spring. Ideally grow them somewhere accessible so that you can examine them at close range, because the detail on the falls of their petals is exquisite. A shallow container or rockery garden is ideal.
Muscari - Grape Hyacinth
Muscari are, in my opinion, the prettiest of the spring flowers - unique in form and just the right side of cute without being too twee. They are available in white, pale pink and various shades of blue and purple. I love the classic periwinkle blue shown here. The foliage actually starts shooting as early as the autumn and the flowers appear from mid-spring. Grow along the front of a border or in a container for woodland feel.
Erythronium 'Pagoda' - Dog tooth violet
I love Dog tooth violets as much for the dark-red markings on their glossy leaves as their sweet, nodding yellow flowers. They grow happily in a shady border, looking every inch the fairy playground with their striking reflexed petals and fern-like mound of leaves. They do their thing from April-May, just when I'm super busy in the garden and want something enchanting to catch my eye as I walk past.
Fritillaria michailovskyi
Speaking of fairies, let's talk fritillaries. To me, fritillaries look as though they have walked straight off the pages of children's books about woodland fairy gardens. The nodding, bell-shaped flowers capture the imagination, and take me straight back to when I was a little girl, who really believed it was her tooth fairy leaving notes under her pillow when she lost her teeth. (My tooth fairy's name was Delphinium fyi).
If you're keen on the woodland theme, I don't think you can go wrong with any kind of fritillary, from checkerboard Fritillaria meleagris to the tall imposing Fritillaria persica. I personally love the contrast between the maroon-purple petals and their mustard-yellow edges of Fritillaria michailovskyi shown here.
Word of warning, fritillaries do attract Lily Beetle, which despite looking the most glamorous of pests, will eat their way through your fritillaries, and then your lilies if you grow them too!
Narcissus 'Pheasant's Eye' - Poeticus daffodil
Bringing up the rear is the fabulous Poeticus daffodil, which flowers late in the season when other daffodils have been reduced to exposed seed heads and yellowing foliage.
As much as I appreciate it's late appearance to extend the spring season, what really attracts me to this daffodil is the contrast between the white petals and orange-red rim of the flower's cup. It is just so effortlessly striking, simple and refreshing.
So those are my picks for spring bulb plants, and I dare say I could suggest more!
What are your choices for the best spring bulbs? Feel free to comment below.
Thank you for reading.
Have a great week.
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