Can I still plant bulbs?

If you are excited to see the Spring bulbs emerging but realise another year has gone by without you having planted the bulbs you wanted, don’t despair! There are still plenty you can plant now, and you can also plant some species ‘in the green’ ready for next spring. Crocuses and bluebells in particular are available now for ‘in the green’ planting.

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In terms of what can be planted now – many of the species are some of the more ‘old fashioned’ or perhaps ‘out of fashion’ species, but this is undeserved as there are so many amazing varieties and many are definitely worth having in your garden.

The general rule is that you plant spring-flowering bulbs in autumn and summer-flowering bulbs in spring. Autumn bulbs and winter bulbs should be planted from late spring to summer. So we are still in the window for some of the hardier Summer flowering bulbs…lilies in particular (like the gorgeous double flowering varieties below) can still be planted for another month or more.

Eucomis (Such a E. Johannesburg below) and Nerines can also go in now, the former a slightly unusual looking plant, often best in pots in a sheltered location.

Nerines (such as N.Bowdenii below) are such a gorgeous splash of Autumn colour and look very exotic despite being fully hardy.

As we approach March Begonia, gladioli and Ranunculus can go in. Begonias have become a tad unfashionable, but what is not to like about a large splash of colour such as this Begonia ‘Non Stop White’ which will grace a late Summer patio.

Gladioli are another underused bulb- there is a wealth of amazing types. From the more typical strong colours to some gorgeous pastels such as this G.Verax

….and the ever popular G Byzantinus which is a stunning shade and will flower in mid summer

Dahlias are another variety that can still be purchased and planted and have a reputation as old fashioned – there are a huge range of colours and shapes – including these “water lily” shaped varieties…

And the brilliantly names “cartwheel” varieties

As well as these amazing “pom poms” (this one is D. Jowey Nina)

A little hunt through the main bulb suppliers will reveal a wealth of information and lovely photos as well as availability of all sorts of plants to whet the appetite!

At the time of writing (February 2023) all the above were available to purchase from J Parkers https://www.jparkers.co.uk who I have to thank for many of the lovely photographs I have used here.

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