Special Bulbs---Beyond Tulips and Daffodils II

I love tulips and daffodils like the ones pictured above at Longwood Gardens. But there are so many more bulbs that deserve some space in our gardens. Special bulbs, or minor bulbs, do not get the same attention as their more famous cousins. Let's take a look at some other species that are often under-utilized in the garden. This is by no means a complete list. 

Galanthus elwesii

Galanthus elwesii, also know as Snowdrops, have nodding, 3-lobed bell-shaped flowers on short stems. They bloom late winter to early spring. The flowers are fragrant; the bulbs are animal-proof. Galanthus are great for rock gardens and naturalized areas. Plant them closely, about 9 per square foot, for best results. 

Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno'

Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno' has double flowers. An heirloom bulb, 'Flore Pleno' dates back to 1731. Its grass-like foliage grows to 6 inches. Plant these bulbs 3 inches deep. 

Hyacinthoides hispanica

Hyacinthoides hispanica, Spanish Bluebells, were previously classified as Scilla. These adaptable bulbs will grow in shade or sun. Spanish Bluebells date back to the late 19th century. They are critter-resistant and grow as prolific perennials. 

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

Hyacinthoides non-scripta, known as English Bluebells, are smaller than hispanica. The flowers are dark blue and fragrant. Excellent to use in a naturalized setting.

Ipheion 'Alberto Castillo'

Ipheion uniflorum has a six-petaled starflower. This long-lasting spring bloomer can be used in a naturalized setting. Ipheion attracts pollinators. 

Leucojum aestivum 'Gravetye Giant'

Leucojum aestivum, Summer Snowflake, blends well with tulips, daffodils, and other late spring flowers. The 'Gravetye Giant' variety resembles a large Lily of the Valley, growing 18-24 inches tall.

Lycoris squamigera

Lycoris squamigera, Surprise Lily, is easy to grow, tolerating part shade to full sun. Plant 5 inches deep, alone or with low-growing perennials. The lily flower emerges with no leaves in the summer. Attractive to pollinators, Lycoris can tolerate dry spells. 

A river of Muscari at Keukenhof Garden in the Netherlands

Muscari armeniacum, Grape Hyacinth, produces short spikes of flowers in clusters. Bloom colors range from shades of blue to white. Great for use as a ground cover. Muscari has a slight grape-like fragrance, attracts pollinators, and is animal resistant.

Scilla siberica

Scilla siberica, Siberian Squill, bloom in very early spring. An heirloom dating back to 1796, Scilla is best planted en masse at the rate of 12 per square foot. 

Sternbergia lutea

Sternbergia lutea, Autumn Daffodil, has yellow flowers that reach a height of a foot tall. They like well-drained soil in a sunny area. Blooming in the fall, this member of the Amaryillis family is pest-proof.

There are hundreds of other bulbs that deserve mentioning. For more information, visit Netherland Bulbs at Dig, Drop, Done, or visit our extensive display of bulbs every fall at Valley View Farms. 

Thanks to Rene Burcksen, Don Tyson, and the folks at Netherland Bulbs for allowing us to share photos from their library. Thanks also to Becky Heath of Brent and Becky's Bulbs for her insight, and thank you to my co-workers, Brian and Cindi for their help.

Thanks to this man, Willem and his wife, who hosted me and my friend on a tour of the bulb fields in Holland 20 years ago.