How to get year-round colour from the best bulbs you can buy
From the shining sun of Spring to the frosty fingers of winter, there’s a bulb that will bring colour to every season. By planning and planting you can get year around colour in your garden, for gorgeous views 24/7.
At B&Q, our range of top-quality bulbs have been carefully selected by expert growers, so only the very best ones make it to store. We're introducing over 340 new varieties of plants this year, because if 2021 needs anything, it’s hope that comes with new leaves and petals.
Here are some of our favourite bulbs, with advice on when to plant them, and when you can watch them flower.
Spring flowering bulbs
Grape hyacinth
The small but mighty Grape Hyacinth makes up for its size with vibrant, bold purple bead shaped petals that stand out from the crowd.
When to plant: August to December
Where to plant: Sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil
How to get it growing: Keep the bulbs watered regularly during growing and flowering but reduce the water once the leaves begin to die off naturally. Add some general-purpose fertiliser in February to encourage them to bloom well in summer.
Daffodils
One of the most well-known symbols of Spring, the Daffodil will never fail to put a smile on your face.
When to plant: September to November
Where to plant: A sunny, open spot with well-drained soil
How to get it growing: Daffodils are really easy to care for, need little attention once they’re settled in. If there are any long, dry spells you can give them a water to help them grow.
Tulips
This elegant beauty has been a bouquet favourite for years, with their regal charm they’re an essential addition to any garden.
When to plant: October to November
Where to plant: A sunny, open spot with well-drained soil
How to get it growing: You only need to water them if there are any long, dry spells. It’s a good idea to apply compost annually to provide nutrients needed for future blooms.
Summer flowering bulbs
Lily of the valley
Their fragrant cream flowers are a welcomed woodland touch to any garden, perfect to covering any areas of sparse ground.
When to plant: March to April
Where to plant: Full or partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil
How to get it growing: Lily of the valley will usually flourish without much interference. It’s a good idea to add some mulch around the base of the plant in Autumn.
De caen anemone
These wonderfully coloured flowers are a florist’s dream, and it’s easy to see why. With their bowl-shaped petals and bright colours, they add the perfect layer of vitality to your beds and borders.
When to plant: March to May
Where to plant: Partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil
How to get it growing: These are generally hardy plants, but you’ll want to cover with a cloche or dry mulch in extreme winter weather. Water them regularly when they’re actively growing.
Gladioli
With their long pointy leaves, these flowers are striking and distinctive, giving you a stand-out display.
When to plant: March to April
Where to plant: A sunny, open spot with well-drained soil
How to get it growing: During their flowering season water your Gladioli well and give them a high potassium feed every couple of weeks.
Autumn flowering bulbs
Nerine bowdenii
Nerines are known for their open clusters of petals in red, pinks and whites, and are great for late Autumn colour when your other flowers have faded.
When to plant: March to May
Where to plant: A sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil
How to get it growing: Nerines hate disturbance, so once planted try to avoid moving them. Water them well during dry patches and add mulch in early Spring.
Cyclamen hederifolium
Featuring dark, silver lined leaves and delicate, dainty blooms, Cyclamen hederifolium give glistening white flowers that softly light up the garden.
When to plant: February to May
Where to plant: Partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil
How to get it growing: Just an occasional watering in their first Autumn is enough to keep them going, once they’ve had their first flowering season you won’t need to worry.
Begonia double red
The Begonia double red flourishes with an abundance of rich, red flowers. Their large, multi-layered petals make a bold statement that’ll be the star of the show.
When to plant: March to April
Where to plant: Sunny or partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil
How to get it growing: Once they’re growing water and feed regularly using a good slow-release fertiliser.
Winter flowering bulbs
Snowdrops
Look no further than the snowdrop for a sign that brighter days are on their way, breaking out through the snow and showing us what’s to come.
When to plant: August to December
Where to plant: Partially shaded location with moist, well-draining soil
How to get it growing: These tough plants rarely need much care but giving them a water when the ground dries out will give them the best chance of success. After they’ve flowered you can give them some general-purpose fertiliser, so they’ll grow in strong next year.
Crocus
A burst of colour that brings joy to your garden, crocuses are one of the easiest bulbs to grow.
When to plant: August to September
Where to plant: A sunny, open spot with well-drained soil
How to get it growing: Crocuses are generally low-maintenance plants. They like to be watered regularly in the spring and Autumn.
Iris reticulata harmony
These royal blue blooms with a beautiful splash of yellow in the centre are perfect for brightening up borders.
When to plant: September to October
Where to plant: A sunny, open spot with well-drained soil
How to get it growing: Water them moderately when they’re flowering, and feed with a general-purpose fertiliser.
