Bulbs and Corms guaranteed to flower continue…

Three bulbs and corms for growing in grass

Grassy areas can be made colourful by planting bulbs andcorms, perhaps around the bases of trees or on banks. Do not cut the grass until at least 9 weeks after the flowers have faded, or there will be few or no flowers next year.

• Crocus, large-flowered Dutch Large, goblet-shaped flower in shades of yellow, purples, blue or white in spring. 10— 15cm/4-9in. Full sun needed for blooms to open.
• Crocus, autumn-flowering (Crocus speciosus) Lilac flowers in autumn, leaves following in spring. 10cm/4in. Full sun and well-drained soil.
• Daffodil, miniature (Narcissus bulbocodium and N. cyclamineus) Yellow flared and trumpet-shaped miniature flowers respectively, in spring. 15cm/9in. Moist soil, and sun or partial shade. Plant generously in drifts.

Nine bulbs and corms for the rock garden

Many of the miniatures are ideal for providing colour among the alpines at various times of year. Plant them in little groups of five to ten.

• Crocus (Crocus chrysanthus varieties) These are miniature crocuses, 8cm/3in high, with flowers in various colours (including yellows and blues) in late winter/early spring. Plenty of sun needed.
• Glory of the snow (Chionodoxa luciliae) Masses of starry blue flowers in early spring. 8-15cm/3-9in. Full sun needed.
• Grape hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) Thick short spikes of long-lasting blue flowers in spring. Rather lax, grassy leaves. 10cm/4in. Plenty of sun needed.
• Iris (Iris danfordiae and I. reticulata) Miniature irises with yellow and blue flowers respectively during late winter. 10-15cm/ 4-9in. I. danfordiae does not always flower in 2nd year. Plenty of sun, light sandy soil.
• Ornamental onion (Allium cooly) Clusters of small, yellow, starry flowers. 30cm/12in. Warm sunny well-drained border — ideal for hot dry spot. Often spreads by self-sowing.
• Quamash(Cansassia quansash) Spikes of violet-blue flowers in late spring/early summer. 45cm/18in. Likes moist heavy soil and partial shade.
• Puschkinia(Puschhinia libanotica) Pale and deep blue starry flowers in spring. 10-15cm/4-6in. Needs peaty soil, and position in sun or partial shade.
• Sternbergia(Sternbergia lutl) Deep yellow crocus-like flowers in autumn; leaves later. 10-15cm/4-6in. Needs a warm sunny spot with good drainage.
• Winter aconite (Eranthis hyensalis) Yellow cup-shaped flowers in late winter. Ferny foliage. 10cm/4in. Moist soil needed and partial shade.

Three bulbs and corms for containers

The following are recommended for growing in tubs andwindow boxes where they will provide plenty of colour for seasonal displays. Use a good loam-based compost such as John trines No. 2 or soilless.

• Begonia, tuberous (Begonia x tuberhybrida) Huge double flowers in many brilliant or pastel colours throughout summer. Height about 30cm/12in. Tender, so overwinter dormant tubers in a frost-free place. Needs sun and plenty of water.
• Hyacinth(Hyacinthus orientalis hybrids) Produce thick spikes of highly fragrant, bell-shaped blue, pink, red or white flowers in spring. 25-30cm/10-12in. Provide a position with plenty of sun and a container and compost with good drainage.
• Tulip, dwarf (Tulipa greigii and T. kaufmanniana hybrids) Cup-shaped flowers in brilliant colours (especially reds and yellows) during spring. 20cm/8in. These hybrids are ideal for containers. Leaves of some varieties mottled with bronze. Sun or part shade, good drainage.

Three bulbous plants for the formal garden

Some bulbs and corms have been so vigorously cross-bredover the years that they are far removed from the original wild species. These manmade plants are very formal-looking, and are thus not always easy to use in the garden. However, the two described here, along with a third, wild species, are great favourites for their exquisite colours and flower forms.

• Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybrids) Tall bold spikes of flowers in summer and early autumn, used mainly for cutting. Grow in their own bed, or perhaps in a row in a vegetable garden. Various groups, including large-flowered and smaller-flowered primulinus and butterfly hybrids. All come in a vast colour range. 90-120cm/3-4ft. Grow in warm sunny spot in well-cultivated fertile soil. Feed and water well in summer. Support each spike with a bamboo cane. Lift the corms in autumn, dry off and store in a frost-proof place for the winter. Planting time is early spring.
• Tulip, large-flowered hybrids (Tulipa hybrids) Used mainly for spring bedding in formal arrangements, often with under- planting of wallflowers (Cheiranthus cheiri) or forget-me-not (Myosotis sylvatica). The many types include: SINGLE EARLY TULIPS, 15-30cm/6-12in, with single cup-shaped flowers; DOUBLE EARLY TULIPS, same height but fully double blooms; TRIUMPH TULIPS, 45cm/18in, large angular blooms on strong stems; DARWIN HYBRIDS, 60cm/2ft, large goblet-shaped blooms; LILY-FLOWERED TULIPS, 45-60cm/1 1/2-2ft, long pointed petals, blooms resembling those of a waterlily (Nymphal); PARROT TULIPS, 45-60cm/11/2-2ft, twisted and frilled petals, often bicoloured; DOUBLE LATE TULIPS, 45-60cm/1¹/2-2ft, double blooms. All these come in many colours — reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, cream, white, even near-black, and from subdued pastels to strong vibrant shades. Best grown in full sun but will flower in partial shade. Sheltered spot desirable for tall varieties. Any ordinary soil will do, but must be well-drained. Chalky or limy soils particularly good.
• Giant onion(Alliuns giganteuns) Round, lilac-purple flower heads on 1.2m/4ft stems, summer. Stately. Plant group of 5 or 7, well-drained soil, sunny spot.

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