As spring approaches, UK gardeners eagerly anticipate a vibrant burst of colour in their gardens. Over the years, many gardeners have engaged Boma in planning their gardens and planters for a stunning spring display. Thankfully the garden centre a developed a spectacular comprehensive variety of spring flower bulbs, each with unique characteristics and blooming cycles. Whether you're an amateur or an expert, this guide covers all the essentials of planting and caring for spring bulbs in the UK.
When Should I Plant Flower Bulbs for Spring in the UK?
Timing is crucial when it comes to planting bulbs for spring. Generally, the best time to plant most spring bulbs in the UK is during the autumn months, from September to November. However, each type of bulb has its optimal planting time. For instance, varieties of daffodils and hyacinths in the UK can be planted as early as late summer. At the same time, tulips can go into the ground as late as November.
What Are the Best Bulbs to Plant for Spring Flowers in the UK?
Boma offers a wide range of bulbs suitable for spring planting, now available for delivery nationwide throughout the UK. Here's a more detailed look:
Tulips
Tulips are among the most popular and versatile spring bulbs, offering a rainbow of colours from deep reds to vibrant yellows. Originating from Turkey but highly celebrated in the Netherlands, they have become a staple in UK gardens. Suitable for beds, borders, and planters, their elegant blooms bring a touch of sophistication to any garden setting. Their variety in colour and form makes them ideal for traditional and contemporary garden designs.
With scores of Tulip types, the Boma collection includes single, double, and fringed petal varieties in colours, patterns and shapes you couldn't imagine. Tulips in the UK bloom from late April to May, providing myriads of colours and exotic variations. Boma's range includes Yosemite, Orange Emperor, Purissima, Bakeri Lilac Wonder, Peppermint Stick, Sylvestris, Mount Tacoma, Fringed Pacific Pearl, Fringed Rebellious Yellow, Purple Dream, Parrot Prince, Texas Flame, Doll's Minuet and many more.
Daffodils
Daffodils (Narcissus) are a British favourite, with a vast range of colour tones and petal types. Daffodils are the quintessential heralds of spring in the UK, lighting up gardens with their bright yellow blooms. Easy to grow and incredibly resilient, they are ideal for planting in beds, borders, and containers. Their cheerful appearance not only elevates any garden design but also attracts beneficial pollinators, making them a staple in eco-conscious gardens.
Boma's range of Narcissi is breathtaking, including types such as Anniversary Gift, June Allyson, King Alfred, Mount Hood, Red Start, Pheasant's Eye, Cheerfulness White, Avalanche, Bridal Crown, Paperwhite Grandiflora, Arctic Bells, Doll Baby, February Gold, Golden Bells, Hawera, Jetfire, Minnow, Pipit, Prom Dance, Rip Van Winkle, Sailboat, Silver Chimes, Spring Dawn, Starlight Sensation, Sweetness, Tete A Tete, Tresamble to name just a few. Narcissus bloom from late March to April.
Muscari
Muscari or Grape Hyacinths are small but striking. They are easy to grow and thrive even in partially shaded areas, flowering from early to late spring, such as Armeniacum, Night Eyes, Peppermint, and Valerie Finnis. Muscari cultivars are also available in combination packs for a mixed spring flower display with other flower varieties.
Crocus
Crocuses are one of the earliest spring bulbs to bloom. They're hardy and can even push through snow to offer colourful shades of blue, white, purple, yellow, and striped varieties, with exotic names such as Tommasinianus, Gipsy Girl, and Miss Vain, which are available in Crocus Mixed Species as well.
Hyacinth
Known for their rich fragrance, hyacinths are a treat for the senses. They flower from early to mid-spring and are often used in perfumery.
If you're in London, consider visiting Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town—the garden centre stocks Hyacinth Carnegie, Fondant, Royal Navy, Woodstock and other available varieties.
Allium
Also available at Boma are Alliums, a stunning addition to any UK garden, offering dramatic spheres of tiny flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. These spring-to-summer bloomers are highly versatile, suitable for both formal and informal garden settings. They're also treasured for attracting bees and other pollinators, making them an eco-friendly choice for your garden. Varieties include Atropurpureum, Caeruleum, Mount Everest, Purple Sensation, Sphaerocephalon, and Violet Beauty.
Iris
Irises bring elegance and a pop of colour to gardens, featuring striking, sword-like foliage and complex, beautiful flowers. Bulbs are available in a multitude of flowering colours and patterns, from deep purples to sunny yellows. They bloom in late spring to early summer in the UK. Their unique form makes them a focal point in any garden design. Boma's range includes Reticulata Blue Note, Harmony, S Dij, Sable and Black Swan, to name a few available varieties.
Best Combinations of Flower Bulbs for Beautiful Displays
Creating a visually appealing garden goes beyond just planting bulbs; it's about how well they complement each other. Consider combining early-blooming crocus with mid-spring flowering daffodils for a continuous display of colour. The deep blues of Muscari contrast beautifully with the vibrant yellows of daffodils. Consider blooming time, height, and colour when planning combinations for the most appealing layout.
Variety Combination Packs Bulb Bundles
At Boma Garden Centre, various combination packs are a speciality designed to simplify the planting process for novice and experienced gardeners. Packs like 'Respect Nature - Sunshine' and 'Respect Nature - Easter' provide seasonal selections, while themed options like 'Blooms, Bees & Butterflies Blue' and 'Pink' are perfect for eco-friendly gardens. For those seeking specific flower types, Boma offers combinations ranging from 'Combi Allium Large Ball' to various tulip mixes like 'Combi Tulip Yellow, Purple, Lilac' and 'Combi Tulipa Duopack Black & White.' These carefully curated packs allow gardeners to easily create stunning beds, borders, and planters, as they include plants that complement each other in terms of blooming time, colour, and height. By offering these variety packs, Boma takes the guesswork out of plant pairings, allowing you to achieve a harmonious and vibrant garden effortlessly.
Creative Ideas for Planting Bulbs
Aside from traditional garden beds, there are various innovative ways to showcase your spring bulbs:
- Border Gardens: Line your walkways or fences with tulips or daffodils for an inviting path.
- Containers: Use decorative pots and planters to add elevation and depth to your garden.
- Woodland Setting: Mimic natural landscapes by scattering bulbs in wooded or grassy areas.
- Lasagna Planting Scheme: A multi-layered approach that provides ongoing blooming from late winter to late spring.
Lasagne Planting
Lasagne planting is an innovative technique that allows gardeners to layer different bulbs in a single container for a prolonged and stunning display. Here's how to do it:
This method maximizes space and creates a continuous blooming effect, offering an ever-changing but always delightful display.
How to Create a Flower Bulb Lasagne Planting Scheme |
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Step 1: Choose Your Container. |
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Step 2: Add Drainage Material and Soil. |
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Step 3: First Layer |
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Step 4: Add Soil |
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Step 5: Second Layer |
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Step 6: Add Soil |
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Step 7: Third Layer |
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Step 8: Final Soil Layer |
What is the Best Soil for Spring Bulbs in the UK?
Quality soil plays a crucial role in the success of your spring bulbs. Ideally, you want well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter. Adding a layer of compost can enhance poor-quality soil, providing your bulbs with the nutrients they need to flourish. Boma stocks Miracle-Gro® Bulb Fibre to boost Your Bulb Plants. It incorporates patented Smart Fibre Technology and is designed for bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses. It provides all the essential nutrients your plants crave, promoting rapid root growth and ensuring your bulbs rejuvenate and flourish in subsequent seasons.
Spacing, Depth, and Quantity
Spring bulbs should generally be planted at a depth three times their height and spaced about 3-6 inches apart. You can use a Bulb Planter, a valuable tool to plant bulbs at the correct space and depth. The number of bulbs you'll need per square area depends on the size of the bulb:
- Small bulbs like crocus: 50-75 bulbs per square foot
- Medium bulbs like daffodils: 20-25 bulbs per square foot
- Large bulbs like tulips: 12-20 bulbs per square foot
Squirrel-Proofing Your Spring Bulbs
Squirrels digging up bulbs can be a real nuisance. Squirrels are crafty creatures, and sometimes using gardeners' tradecraft is required. Here are some tried-and-tested strategies to deter them:
- Tunic Removal: Shedding the outer skin of the bulb makes it less appealing.
- Concealment: Make sure that no bulb or its skin is visible above the soil.
- Containers: Use pots and planters, then cover them with chicken wire.
- Mesh Covers: Placing chicken wire metal mesh over the soil can prevent digging.
- Alternative Food Sources: Offer squirrels another type of food away from your bulbs. Squirrels will often go for the most accessible food source. Consider installing a squirrel feeder filled with corn or nuts well away from your bulbs.
- Natural Deterrents: Cayenne pepper and wild garlic can deter squirrels effectively. Some gardeners swear by mixing cayenne pepper with the soil, claiming it is an effective deterrent.
Tips for Long-Term Care of Spring Bulbs in the UK
Caring for your spring bulbs doesn't end after planting. Here are some tips on how to care for spring bulbs in the UK to ensure you get a vibrant display year after year:
- Watering: While spring bulbs don't require excessive watering, keeping the soil moist is crucial, especially during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: A well-balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it may lead to soft, disease-prone plants.
- Preventing Pests and Diseases: One common issue is fungal rot. Ensure adequate drainage and consider using fungicides if necessary.
Storing Spring Bulbs UK
Sometimes you may need to store bulbs for specific varieties before planting or during winter. Keep them in a cool, dry place, preferably in a paper bag filled with peat moss or sawdust, to help prevent pests and diseases in spring bulbs in the UK.
Extensive Variety at Boma Garden Centre
For those looking for a one-stop shop for all your bulb needs, Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town, London, is an excellent place to visit. They have a wide selection of all the bulbs mentioned here—ranging from tulips and daffodils to muscari and hyacinths—and offer expert advice. Boma can ship them throughout the UK with nationwide delivery. Whether you're a first-time gardener or an experienced horticulturist, you'll find everything you need.
Planting and caring for spring bulbs in the UK can be a rewarding experience that leads to a stunning garden display year after year. Each step is crucial for your gardening success, from choosing the right combinations of bulbs to ensuring they are planted in the best possible conditions. If you have any doubts or need additional supplies, Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town can be your go-to place, given its extensive range and expert advice.
By taking time to plan, prepare, and provide ongoing care, you will create a garden that not only welcomes spring but becomes the talk of the neighbourhood. Armed with this guide, you are now well-equipped to start your journey in cultivating a vibrant spring garden.
