Flower Bulbs
Guides to the different types of flower bulbs, some of the best varieties, when, where, and how to grow in the border or containers. We cover all the common questions such as planting density, planting depth and planting times by different varieties, along with plenty of ideas and inspiration for using bulbs in your own garden.
Complete Guide to Flower Bulbs
Our comprehensive guide to growing flower bulbs in your garden, covering everything you need to know from what bulbs are, when, where and how to plant, planting densities and depths, container growing and the best varieties.
Different Types of Flower Bulbs
Most people use the word “bulb” to refer to any plant that stores nutrients and energy in an underground storage structure at the end of the growing season, allowing it to spring back into life after winter when the next growing season comes around.
How to plant bulbs in your garden
Bulbs are an excellent addition to any garden. They provide a splash of colour in your borders throughout the year, many can also be planted in containers to provide a burst of colour anywhere in your garden, or even in your lawn.
Spring bulbs flower in the spring and should be planted between September and November. Summer bulbs flower in the summer and are generally planted in mid to late spring. Read this guide for more details on the best time to plant different types and varieties of bulbs.
Bulbs can be planted in a wide range of locations including the garden border, flower beds, pots and containers, lawns, long grassy areas, naturalised spaces, formal planting schemes or even shaded areas. We share some ideas and inspiration of where you can plant bulbs in your own garden.
Tips for using bulbs in your planting schemes
Bulbs can be effective in various different planting schemes, spanning borders, containers, grassed areas, formal planting schemes, naturalised meadow-like plantings and even the tricky shaded areas under the canopies of trees.
Companion Plants for Spring Bulbs
Combining bulbs with companion plants is a great way to keep up the display and interest as your bulbs start to fade. Choose companion plants with similar growing condition preferences as your bulbs. Perennials that are short when bulbs are in bloom work well.
Guide to planting bulbs at the best depth to get the best flowering display. Plant too deep and flowers will late or not at all & you'll get more foliage and few flowers. If planted too shallow, new growth will be vulnerable to frost damage.
How to Plant a Lasagne Container of Bulbs
Most flower bulbs are ideal for growing in containers with showy flowers such as Tulips and Alliums in particular making beautiful statements. Use a good quality multi-purpose compost in your containers combined with a handful of grit to improve drainage.
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