9 of the best spring-flowering bulbs
Puschkinia scilloides var. libanotica AGM
On each flower spike there are around 10 star-shaped pale-blue flowers. Plant them at the edge of a border or let them naturalise under trees. Flowers March-April. HxS: 6x2in (15x5cm).
Narcissus ‘Actaea’ AGM
This has a beautiful flower, with a small yellow trumpet that is edged in red, all the more vivid against the pure-white petals. It’s one of the poeticus narcissi. Flowers March-April. HxS: 18x6in (45x15cm).
Tulipa ‘Ballerina’ AGM
Go bright and bold with a beautiful lily flowered tulip in a vivid orange. This lateflowering tulip is very popular for good reason, and as an added bonus it has a lovely fragrance. Flowers April to May. HxS: 22x4in (55x10cm).
Crocus tommasinianus AGM
As well as daffodils and tulips, why not try crocus? They are easy to plant and naturalise well so they will reward you year after year with a drift of colour across lawns or beneath trees. Flowers February-March. HxS: 4x1in (10x3cm).
Narcissus ‘Jetfire’ AGM
Plant this cheery-yellow variety in groups for bold spring impact. It naturalises well, and looks good at the front of borders or in containers. Flowers March-April. HxS: 8x4in (20x10cm).
Tulipa ‘Spring Green’ AGM
It’s good to have one tulip that’s easy to combine with other plants in your border. With white flowers that have a green flash, this versatile tulip will go well with bright tulips and perennials or cool colours. Flowers May. HxS: 16x4in (40x10cm).
Scilla siberica AGM
These pretty blue flowers are a good choice for planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs as they can cope with a bit of shade. This plant is native to Russia and very tough. Flowers March to April. HxS: 8x2in (20x5cm).
‘Ice Follies’ AGM
This is a large-cupped white variety with a light yellow, crinkle-edged centre that’s perfect for borders or planting in drifts beneath trees. Flowers March- April. HxS: 14x6in (35x15cm).
Tulipa ‘Rococo’
Add drama to your borders with this dramatic parrot-type tulip, which has frilly edged petals. It has short stems and bright-red petals with green markings. There’s no missing this one. Flowers May. HxS: 18x4in (45x10cm).