Is it to grow among existing planting, Marie? As the others have said - it will depend on the soil and aspect etc, but it also depends on the look you're trying to achieve. Small types would generally look better if there's nothing else there, and taller plants will look good growing through and around perennials and small shrubs etc, with smaller bulbs like crocus, snowdrops, species tulips in front of them, in the same way you would plant a border in 'tiers'. A big, densely planted area will also have more impact than lots of little clumps here and there.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
For those who have asked, the border receives morning to noon sun then is in partial shade. It is well drained gritty soil under the gravel - no membrane. The border is a small triangular area 400cm each side with a 250cm round wildlife pond in the centre - frogs in residence!
There are a few low growing perennials and euonymus. I like the idea of small/short plants - you have given me good ideas of iris and narcissus. Just want to add some colour in early spring before my summer borders burst into flower.
I like the idea of small dainty multi-headed narcissus "dainty chinodoxia", I will check my local garden centres for stock.
I think most bulbs would be happy in the aspect and soil you have. Take a look online for bulb specialist stockists too Marie. A favourite here is Peter Nyssen. Be warned though - it's very hard to resist temptation....
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Iris reticulata might look good against gravel.
As the others have said - it will depend on the soil and aspect etc, but it also depends on the look you're trying to achieve.
Small types would generally look better if there's nothing else there, and taller plants will look good growing through and around perennials and small shrubs etc, with smaller bulbs like crocus, snowdrops, species tulips in front of them, in the same way you would plant a border in 'tiers'.
A big, densely planted area will also have more impact than lots of little clumps here and there.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
For those who have asked, the border receives morning to noon sun then is in partial shade. It is well drained gritty soil under the gravel - no membrane. The border is a small triangular area 400cm each side with a 250cm round wildlife pond in the centre - frogs in residence!
There are a few low growing perennials and euonymus. I like the idea of small/short plants - you have given me good ideas of iris and narcissus. Just want to add some colour in early spring before my summer borders burst into flower.
I like the idea of small dainty multi-headed narcissus "dainty chinodoxia", I will check my local garden centres for stock.
Take a look online for bulb specialist stockists too Marie. A favourite here is Peter Nyssen.
Be warned though - it's very hard to resist temptation....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...