Flower Bulbs & Tubers

How to choose garden bulbs

With hundreds of garden bulbs to choose from, selecting the right combinations can be a challenge. To help you get the best bulbs for your garden displays, we've answered a few frequently asked questions below along with some expert recommendations.

Which bulbs flower earliest in the year?

Snowdrops are the earliest bulbs to flower in the garden, followed by crocus, narcissi and tulips.

Which bulbs give the longest lasting blooms?

Dahlia and Begonia tubers will give you one of the longest displays, flowering from summer through to the first frosts. Keep deadheading them to encourage more flowers.

What’s the latest I can plant flowering bulbs?

Narcissi, crocus and hyacinths are best planted by the end of September and tulips in November. However, if you have unplanted bulbs in December or January, it’s still worth getting them in the ground or into pots.

Which flowering bulbs are best for pots and containers? 

For vibrant, long-lasting container displays, varieties that are naturally compact or specifically bred for pot culture are ideal. We recommend the Tulip Container Collection for a classic spring look, the iconic Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' for its prolific and cheerful blooms, and the Begonia Nonstop Mixed for continuous summer colour on the patio.

Which varieties are best for summer colour? 

For glorious summer colour from your bulbs, choose varieties that thrive in the warmer months. Top performers include the impressive Dahlia Dinner Plate Collection for huge, spectacular flowers, the reliable Gladioli Mixed for adding vertical structure and vibrant colour, and the Lily Oriental Giant Flowering Collection for its large, fragrant blooms.

Which bulbs are best for attracting bees and pollinators?

The best bulbs for attracting bees and pollinators are single-flowered or open-structured blooms that provide easy access to pollen and nectar. Excellent choices include the Allium 'Purple Sensation', which bees adore, the Crocus Botanical Mixed for early spring forage, and the specially selected Dahlia Bee Friendly mix.

Which varieties do well in shady areas?

There are many woodland bulbs that will thrive in shady areas. We suggest planting English Bluebells for a classic woodland feel, Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone) to create a delicate carpet of flowers, and Cyclamen hederifolium Alba for elegant autumn and winter interest.

Which garden bulbs are best for cut flowers?

For beautiful homegrown bouquets, choose varieties with long, sturdy stems and a good vase life. The Allium Cut Flower Collection provides striking architectural shapes, Tulip 'Darwin Mixed' offers classic form and strong stems, and the ever-popular Dahlia 'Cafe Au Lait' produces magnificent blooms perfect for arrangements.

Which bulbs are best for naturalising in lawns?

To create a beautiful spring meadow effect and to naturalise your lawn, choose smaller bulbs that multiply readily and can compete with grass. Crocus Botanical Mixed are perfect for adding early splashes of colour, Narcissus 'Tete-a-Tete' is a robust miniature daffodil that spreads well, and Fritillaria meleagris (Snake's Head Fritillary) adds a unique, chequered pattern to damp lawns.

Which bulb varieties are best for deterring rabbits?

To reduce damage from garden pests, choose bulbs that are unpalatable to them. Narcissus Value Mixed is an excellent choice as all daffodils are rabbit (and deer!) resistant. Similarly, the Allium Bumper Pack is reliably avoided due to its onion scent and taste, as is the pungent Fritillaria imperialis 'Red'.

For more information on growing bulbs and tubers, head over to our flower bulb help pages where you’ll find our collection of guides covering all aspects of bulb cultivation.