Bulbs to add colour!

Glenjjones

I have a small ish border (Approx. 3m x 2m area but triangular shape) which I have been filling up with perennials over the last year or so, and seeing each year which ones are truly hardy and come back each year.

I am fairly happy with the perennials that I have now, but I am looking to add some bulbs that will add a bit of colour in spring and summer. I would not want to be pulling up the bulbs each year, and replanting, so I am looking for hardy bulbs that I can leave in the ground, such as Daffodils. What bulbs would you suggest for this, for spring and summer colour?

I really like Tulips, but as I understand it they do not flower well after the first year if left in the ground. Any suggestions would be welcome.

purplerallim

I leave my tulips in the ground, and I have never seen the queen of the night get so big. Also crocus comes in many shades now. Alliums to give height.  All mine are never lifted, as like you they are among other plants.

Glenjjones

Thanks, so are there any that I should avoid? or can I basically try anything, and as long as it doesn't get too cold and wet, so it rots, it should be ok?

purplerallim

Depends how much room you want them to take up. Something like grape hyacinth lots of flowers in a clump, but leaves tend to hang around where as bluebells die back faster. So lots of choice. Most seem to manage in the ground , they usually don't flower after a year or two because the bulbs are splitting and that means they need to build up again before they flower. Best of luck😁

Glenjjones

Thanks, do you have any ideas for late spring early summer flowering bulbs? I know the usual suspects for spring, and some that will flower in late summer but don't really know of any that will flower early/mid summer, say around June. do you have any suggestions?

purplerallim

Sorry took so long to reply, was having a tooth pulled.😷  Alstroemeria, Iris, Dahlias, lilies, Polianthes and my favourite Crocosmia. Look them up and see what suits.😁