Bulbous beauties for spring and early summer
Camassia leichtlinii ‘Semiplena’
This is an exquisite, cream coloured, semi-double flowered variety. Camassia are known for their beautiful flowers, which last for just a short time. This sumptuous, tall-growing camassia is sterile, so its flowers last that little bit longer, from May until June. Plant 10cm (4in) deep, in any moist soil, even heavy soils, near ponds in damp areas, in sun or partial shade. TOP TIP Plant with Caltha palustris alba and Zantedeschia aethiopica to transform your damp ground into a picturesque, white haven. Height: 1m (3ft).
Allium schubertii
Allium schubertii brings a shimmering explosion of lilac-pink flowers to the June garden! The magical, sparky blooms of these special alliums look like fireworks, they last well as a fresh or dried flower and reliably appear each year, even in containers. Plant 10cm (4in) deep, in any free-draining soil, in peat-free compost in containers, in sun or partial shade. TOP TIP Underplant rose ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ with Allium schubertii, or plant three or four bulbs in a window box for a striking look. Height: 60cm (2ft).
Muscari aucheri ‘White Magic’
Very floriferous, as each bulb produces a few flowering stems with pointed green buds, opening as white, scented flowers. The blooms won’t get nibbled, as they’re deer and rabbit resistant.
Plant Muscari aucheri ‘White Magic’ in large groups, 10cm (4in) deep in peat-free compost in containers, or in any well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade, in rockeries, beds and borders.
TOP TIP Use this pre y bulb to fill gaps in your herbaceous borders, or combine with forget-me-nots for a dainty, late spring display. Height: 15cm (6in).
Fritillaria meleagris
The stunningly pretty flowers of Fritillaria meleagris, with their chequerboard pattern, are one of the wonders of the spring garden.
Plant the bulbs 10cm (4in) deep, in full sun and dappled shade, in areas of moist soil or grassland.
TOP TIP Combine with cowslips to create your own meadow. Height: 30cm (1ft).
Gladiolus communis byzantinus
The vibrant, magenta spires of Gladiolus communis byzantinus bring their elegant charm to the garden from May to July. Plant 10cm (4in) deep, in full sun or dappled shade, in any well-drained soil, on a bed of sharp sand to help with drainage. TOP TIP Combine with the grass Stipa tenuissima, for a stylish look. Height: 60cm (2ft).