Double scented Narcissi

Bulbs are so much more than the usual suspects of daffs, tulips and crocus, here are some eye catching bulbs full of garden Wow factor.

Fritillaria imperialis ‘William Rex’

Fritillaria imperialis ‘William Rex’: Know as crown imperial, this dramatic fritillaria grows up to 90cm high with a tufted of foliage at the top and its dark red bell flowers hanging beneath, flowering in March to April, grow in humus rich soil in full sun. A show stopper for any spring planting.

Hermodactyulus tuberesus

Hermodactyulus tuberosus: This unusual bulb, has a flower similar to a 3 petalled iris and it’s common name is the “ Widow Iris”. It has striking green flowers with with black lips.  a real talking point in any bulb collection. It is easy to grow in a sunny position and in most soils including chalk.

Iris ‘Red Ember’

Iris ‘Red Ember’: This ‘Dutch Iris’ has smack you between the eyes colour appeal, none of that gentle yellow and soft blues of spring, but bright red with bronze tones and yellow splashes on the falls at 70cm tall it will be easy to spot. Grow in a sunny spot in good free draining soil. Flowers May into June.

Ixia Venus

Ixia venus: Known as the African corn lilies, these bulbs make excellent cut flowers. They grow to 35 to 50cm. With open star like flowers multiple on each stem, this variety has eye popping dark wine red colour with a black centre. They need a sheltered sunny position or grow in pots under glass and put out after the last of the frost, grow in a light free draining sandy soil. Flowering June to July.

Lilium Friso

Lilium Friso: This is a giant at 1.50 to 1.80m tall, perfect for summer drama at the back of the boarder. With large trumpet flowers held in clusters at the top of the tall stems. White opening wide to show dusky yellow anthers full of scent and a deep magenta throat. Grow in full sun in a humus rich soil that does not water log.

‘Sadly there is no free from copyright image to illustrate this plant’

Mauscari latifoilia ‘Grape Ice’: The not so humble grape hyacinth, this variety has wow appeal. 15-20cm tall, with dark rich purple bells giving way to a crest of white bells at the top, this two tone beauty is worth a garden spot in the sun. Grow in a pot by the house to enjoy the spectacle in March and April. Well drained humus rich soil.

Narcissi Rip Van Winkle

Narcissi ‘Rip Van Winkle’: When is a daff, just so much more? This dwarf variety at 15cm tall perfect for containers, rocky and bank planting, is a star turn. With golden yellow double flowers of pointy petals looking like an exploding firework. A real talking point and one for the bulb converser Grow in a sunny spot in humus rich well draining soil.

Blousy double tulips pack a punch in a vase.

I hope I have wetted your appetite to get a little bit adventurous with your bulb selection ?