Bulbs are one of gardening's great pleasures — plant them in autumn and forget about them until they emerge in spring, or add summer-flowering varieties to keep borders colourful through the warmer months. Getting the timing and depth right is straightforward once you know the basics.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs (Plant September–November)
The majority of spring bulbs — tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and alliums — should be planted in autumn. As a general rule, plant at a depth of two to three times the bulb's diameter.
- Tulipa — plant in November for best results in Hampshire soils
- Narcissus — naturalise beautifully in lawns and borders
- Allium — structural, long-lasting, bridges spring and summer
- Crocus — perfect for lawns and the front of borders
- Muscari — reliable, spreads to form good drifts
- Hyacinthus — fragrant, excellent in containers
Summer-Flowering Bulbs (Plant March–May)
Dahlias, gladioli, lilies and begonias are all planted in spring once frost risk has diminished. In Hampshire, mid-March onwards is generally safe for sheltered gardens, or April for exposed sites.
Autumn-Flowering Bulbs
Colchicum (autumn crocus) and Cyclamen hederifolium flower in September and October from bulbs or corms planted in late summer. Both naturalise well and require almost no attention once established.
A&T Landscapes can include bulb planting in any border or lawn project across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 for more information.