4 for containers or windowboxes

Allium karataviense

The pairing of metallic grey-green leaves and spheres of palest pink flowers looks particularly stunning when offset by a topping of slate or shingle. From Central Asia, the Kara Tau garlic blooms in May and June. H&S: 10in (25cm).

Narcissus ‘Spoirot’ AGM

The shorter, sturdier narcissi will perform well in containers and windowboxes. A hoop petticoat sort, ‘Spoirot’ bears blooms of fresh, pale greenish-yellow during February and March. Set the bulbs 2in (5cm) deep and apart. HxS: 8x2in (20x5cm).

Muscari comosum ‘Plumosum’

Instead of neat bells, the feather grape hyacinth makes a mass of fluffy purple from April to May. Add groups of bulbs to windowboxes of neat evergreens, bugles and dwarf narcissus. HxS: 8x3in (20x8cm).

Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica AGM

Striped squill really lights up a bowl or trough with its blue and white flowers. Plant in groups to push through in March; or set several in 4in (10cm) pots, to be added to your display when in bud. HxS: 6x2in (15x5cm).