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Aconitum

Soil & Location

Semi shaded, well-drained rich loamy soil suits these frost hardy perennials

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant with 4cm of soil over the crowns and allow about a 60cm spa

 

Fert & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone and a small amount of Lime if your soil is acidic. Water well  once a week through the summer.

 

Comments

Remove all old foliage late autumn and top dress. Will benefit from a summer mulch

 


 

Agapanthus

Soil & Location

Well worked moderately rich soil with at least full morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant crowns 5cm deep and allow about 60cm between the plants

 

Fert & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser and a good watering once a week during dry weather.

 

Comments

Remove all spent flower heads and tidy up their appearance and lightly top dress

 


 

Alliums

Soil & Location

Sunny open position in well-drained soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 5-6cms deep and allow 7cms between bulbs

 

Fert & Water

Require a moderate amount of complete fertilizer and a weekly watering in spring if conditions are unusually dry.

 

Comments

May be left undisturbed for several years. Remove old foliage and top-dress late winter with a small amount of complete fertilizer

 


 

Amorphophallus

Soil & Location

Well-drained rich loamy soil with at least sun until mid-afternoon

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant rhizomes ‘eyes’ up, 10cm. deep and 24cm. apart

 

Fert & Water

Use only a small amount of complete fertiliser and water well at least once a week during summer, reducing the watering through autumn.

 

Comments

Ideal for large pots, but don’t over water. Protect from frosts

 


 

Anemotheca

Soil & Location

Like a sunny position in well-drained soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 6cm deep and 8cm apart

 

Fert & Water

Work complete fertilizer and lime well into bed before planting. Require plenty of water from when growth start to they finish flowering

 

Comments

Need protection from frost which can damage the foliage and flower spikes. Top-dress with something like ‘Dynamic Lifter’ when growth starts helps. All require a dry rest period through summer.

 


 

Arisaema

Soil & Location

These woodland tubers require a cool semi-shaded spot in moderately rich soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 4cm deep and 10cm apart

 

Fert & Water

A complete fertilizer or blood & bone at time of planting. Water is better kept to a minimum during our winter. Once growth commences in spring water weekly, being careful not to over-water when weather cools down in autumn

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed for several years, mulch with a good  compost and top-dress with a little fertilizer late winter

 


 

Arisarums

Soil & Location

Enriched loamy soil in a semi-shaded area

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the elongated tubers 5cms apart and 3cms deep

 

Fert & Water

Use a small amount of blood and bone and only water if spring season is dry.

 

Comments

Find a suitable spot in the garden where these little gems can be left undisturbed. A.vulgare prefers good warm rest period during summer

 


 

Arums

Soil & Location

Moderately rich loamy soil with at least morning sunshine

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant tubers about 20cms apart and 7cms deep.

 

Fert & Water

A small amount of complete fertilizer at planting time, only water if dry.

 

Comments

Prefer a dry summer rest period. Remove old foliage early summer and top-dress with a complete fertilizer each winter. Lift and replant tubers in Jan-Feb when clumps become crowded.

 


 

Belladonna

Soil & Location

A warm sunny positions in a well-drained loamy soil.

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs with the top of the neck at ground level and allow 14cm between them.

 

Fert  & Water

Only a small amount of complete fertilizer or if available potash is required at planting time. We withhold water until the end of January and then give them a good soaking to start their flower cycle.

 

Comments

Remove all the dead foliage at end of spring and top-dress with small amount of potash. They will need protection from frosts in the colder areas.


 

Bletilla

Soil & Location

These ground orchids like a warm sunny situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Cover with 7cm of top- soil and space 12cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich soil with blood and bone or old cow manure. Water well during summer. Remove old foliage late autumn and top dress

 

Comments

Leave for several years before lifting and dividing. Can be grown in pots. These are frost tender and need to be protected in colder areas.

 


 

Bluebells

Soil & Location

Moderately rich loamy soil with at least morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 7cm deep and 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use a complete fertilizer at time of planting and water if seasonal conditions through spring are dry.

 

Comments

Ideal for planting in wooded glades under deciduous trees where they can be left to naturalize

 


 

Brunsvigia

Soil & Location

A warm sunny positions in a very well-drained loamy soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs with the top of the neck at ground level and allow 16cm between them

 

Fert  & Water

Only a small amount of complete fertilizer or if available potash is required at planting time. We withhold water until the end of January and then give them a good soaking to start their flower cycle

 

Comments

Ideal for planting in wooded glades under deciduous trees where they can be left to naturalizPlease select a permanent sight in the garden or use a large pot as they prefer to be left undisturbed once established. Remove all the dead foliage at end of spring and top-dress with small amount of potash. They will need protection from frosts in the colder areas

 


 

Camassia

Soil & Location

Moderately rich loamy soil with at least morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 7cm deep and 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use a complete fertilizer at time of planting and water if seasonal conditions through spring are dry.

 


 

Chionodoxa

Soil & Location

Require a moderately rich well-drained soil with protection from afternoon sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cms apart and about 8cms deep

 

Fert  & Water

Use a small amount of blood & bone and if available they appreciate some leaf mould or peat incorporated into the soil as well. As they dislike being water logged normal spring rains are all they require.

 

Comments

For a more pleasing effect plant bulbs in clusters. Leave undisturbed for several years, top-dressing annually each winter with a complete fertilizer or blood & bone

 


 

Clivia

Soil & Location

Grow well in a shaded well-drained situation away from frost

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant crowns just covering the fleshy roots about 20cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone or old well-rotted manure, try to keep as dry as possible during Winter months and increase water when flowering through Spring into Summer.

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed for several years. A summer mulch will help retain the moisture level around the plants, protect from snails and slugs

 


 

Colchicum

Soil & Location

Well-drained loamy soil in a spot that gets at least morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 10cm deep and allow at least 8cm spacing

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of complete fertilizer and handful of lime worked well into the soil at planting time. Normal spring rains are usually adequate, but water once a week if season is dry

 

Comments

Be sure to allow plenty of room in garden bed as Colchicum leaves take up more room than daffodils or tulips. They may be left undisturbed for several years.

 


 

Crocosmia

Soil & Location

Well-drained loamy soil with plenty of sunshine

 

Depth & Spacing

Cover bulbs 7cm of soil and allow 10cm between them

 

Fert  & Water

They require only a small amount of complete fertiliser and a good soak once a week

 

Comments

These are from summer rainfall areas so protection from excessive winter rain is beneficial

 


 

Crocus

Soil & Location

Choose a cool situation with morning sun in a well-drained situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant corms 5cm deep and 7cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Work blood and bone and a good handful of lime into the soil prior to planting. Normal spring rains are usually adequate, but a weekly watering is desirable if season is dry

 

Comments

Can be left undisturbed for 2 years provided they are protected from hot afternoon sun. Suggest if in doubt a good summer mulch will help to keep ground cooler


 

Cyclamen

Soil & Location

All the species of hardy miniature Cyclamen need a semi-shaded situation with plenty of leaf mould.

 

Depth & Spacing

Cover the top of tubers with only about 2cm of soil and allow 15cm between corms

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of complete fertilizer well worked into soil at time of planting. Prefer to be kept just damp, not wet, at all times

 

Comments

Ideal for planting under deciduous trees where they receive plenty of leaf mould and the tree roots help to prevent water-logging.  Leave undisturbed for Cyclamen to set seed and naturalize

 


 

Dicentra

Soil & Location

Grow well in a shaded well-drained moist situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant crowns 5cm deep and 30cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone or old well rooted manure, give them at least one good soak a week during summer

 

Comments

Clean up old foliage and top dress each winter leave undisturbed for several years. A summer mulch will help retain the moisture level around the plants

 


 

Dichelostemma

Soil & Location

Sunny open position in well-drained soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 5-6cms deep and allow 7cms between bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Require a moderate amount of complete fertilizer and a weekly watering until they have flowered then they will tolerate being dry

 

Comments

May be left undisturbed for several years. Remove old foliage and top-dress late winter with a small amount of complete fertilizer

 


 

Erythronium

Soil & Location

Woodland plants from the Northern Hemisphere, these garden gems need a cool moist situation and good humus-rich soil, preferably with only morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant tubers 5cm deep and 7cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use a small amount of blood and bone at planting time. Only need watering if spring conditions are dry. Once foliage and/or seed are spent they don’t require extra watering

 

Comments

Worth trying under the out edge of deciduous  trees like Maple or Birch where  natural leaf mould is available. A good summer mulch is beneficial

 


 

Eucomis

Soil & Location

A moderately rich soil in a sunny position

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the bulbs  so that  the top of the bulb about 5cm deep, allow 10cm for smaller bulbs and 20cm spacings for the larger bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Use only a small amount of complete fertiliser and water well at least once a week during summer, reducing the watering through autumn

 

Comments

Do not appreciate being water-logged through our winter months

 


 

Eremurus

Soil & Location

Perfect drainage and protection from hot summer winds are essential for this shallow rooting perennial

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the ‘star-fish like’ roots about 12cm deep and allow 60cm between them

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich soil with blood and bone, water sparingly through summer

 

Comments

A winter mulch in colder area helps to protect the crowns. They benefit from a dry rest period in the autumn.

 


 

Ferraria

Soil & Location

Like a sunny position in well-drained soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 6cm deep and 8cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Work complete fertilizer and lime well into bed before planting. Require plenty of water from when growth start to they finish flowering

 

Comments

Need protection from frost which can damage flower spikes. Top-dress with something like ‘Dynamic Lifter’ when growth starts helps. All require a dry rest period through summer

 


 

Fritillaria

Soil & Location

These fascinating members of the Lily Family need a cool situation that is protected from hot afternoon sun. The soil needs to be well-drained, if heavy the addition of some coarse sand and leaf mould is beneficial.

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Love a good enriched soil, so incorporate a complete fertilizer and small amount of blood and bone into the bed prior to planting. Like regular watering during the growing season so if condition are a weekly watering maybe necessary. Prefer to be kept on the dry side when dormant, so plant where they can avoid your summer watering

 

Comments

Protect the emerging shoots from snails and slugs, maybe left undisturbed if conditions are correct. Top dress end of winter

 


 

Galanthus

Soil & Location

These little gems require a moist not wet spot in a semi-shaded situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and 6cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with a small amount of blood and bone and some lime if available. Normal spring rains are usually adequate but if dry please water once a week will in growth.

 

Comments

A good summer mulch will help and if interested in their seed watch out for the slugs & snails. Best planted in clusters for good effect


 

Galtonia

Soil & Location

These bulbs need a well-drained situation with plenty of sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 8cm deep and allow about 15cm between the bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser, water well while in leaf

 

Comments

May be left undisturbed for 3-4 years with an annual top dressing each winter

 


 

Garlic

Soil & Location

Sunny open position in well-drained soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 5-6cms deep and allow 7cms between bulbs in late autumn

 

Fert  & Water

Require a moderate amount of complete fertilizer and a little lime. Water weekly in spring if conditions are unusually dry

 

Comments

Harvest stems and cloves late November and hang up to dry

 


 

Ginger

Soil & Location

Good humus-rich well-drained soil in a semi-shaded area

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant rhizomes 4cm deep and 15cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood and bone and water well once a week during summer

 

Comments

Cut all flowering stems either for cut flowers or just remove when spent to improve vigour of clumps. Will appreciate being mulched for the summer. Top-dress in late winter

 


 

Gladiolus

Soil & Location

A warm sunny situation in a well-drained loamy soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 7cm deep and 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Work a complete fertilizer and a small amount of blood & bone into the bed  prior to planting. Water is required during the growing season, but they do not like to be water logged through the winter months.

 

Comments

Maybe left undisturbed if happy, remove all the old foliage and top-dress with a complete fertilizer.

 


 

Gloriosa

Soil & Location

Well-drained rich loamy soil in a sunny situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant tubers 7cm deep, points down and place them 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with a complete fertiliser and water once a week during the summer

 

Comments

They require the support of a shrub or wire to climb on as they can reach one metre in height

 


 

Habranthus

Soil & Location

Well-drained loamy soil in a spot that gets at least morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and allow at least 8cm spacing

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of complete fertilizer and handful of lime worked well into the soil at planting time. Normal spring rains are usually adequate, but water once a week if season is dry

 

Comments

Early summer rains promote the flower stems. They may be left undisturbed for several years

 


 

Hemerocallis

Soil & Location

Well worked moderately rich soil with at least full morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant crowns 5cm deep and allow 60cm between the plants

 

Fert  & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser and water once a week during dry weather

 

Comments

Remove any deep foliage late autumn to tidy up their appearance and lightly top dress

 


 

Hermodactylus

Soil & Location

These  tubers require a require a sunny situation in moderately rich, well-drained  soil. They require water from autumn to spring flowering, then they prefer a dry summer rest

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 5cm deep and 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

A complete fertilizer or blood & bone and a little lime at time of planting. Water once a week if the winter/spring rains are lower than normal

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed for several years, top-dress with a little fertilizer and lime late autumn

 


 

Hippeastrum

Soil & Location

Well-drained moderately rich loam in a warm sunny position

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant with neck of bulbs at ground level and space them about 15cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich soil with blood & bone and water regularly during growth season

 

Comments

They require a dry rest from winter to late spring to promote blooms. Ideal for a large pot.


 

Hosta

Soil & Location

Grow well in a shaded well-drained moist situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant crowns 5cm deep and 6ocm apart the smaller leafed varieties can be planted closer.

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone or old well rooted manure, give them at least one good soak a week during summer

 

Comments

Clean up old foliage and top dress each winter leave undisturbed for several years. A summer mulch will help retain the moisture level around the plants

 


 

Hymenocallis

Soil & Location

These bulbs need a well-drained situation with plenty of sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 8cm deep and allow about 15cm between the bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser, water well while in leaf.

 

Comments

May be left undisturbed for 3-4 years with an annual top dressing each winter. A mulch of leaf mould or peat moss will help to keep these little gems cooler

 


 

Ixia

Soil & Location

Well drained soil in a sunny situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of fertilizer at time of planting. Normal winter/spring rains should be adequate but if season is unusually dry a good watering once a week maybe necessary

 

Comments

When plants have turned yellow it is better to dig then and store as you would for Tulips. May need frost protection in the colder areas

 


 

Lachenalia

Soil & Location

Well-drained soil in a sunny situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of fertilizer at time of planting. Normal winter/spring rains should be adequate but if season is unusually dry a good watering once a week maybe necessary

 

Comments

When plants have turned yellow it is better to dig then and store as you would for Tulips. May need frost protection in the colder areas

 


 

Leucojum

Soil & Location

These require depending on the species either, a sunny well-drained situation as for L.autumnale, or semi-shaded moist area as for L.aestivum

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and about 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of blood & bone at planting time. Only water is season is dry

 

Comments

These are lovely left to naturalize, leave undisturbed until they start to produce few flowers and lots of leaves, then dig and replant in the autumn

 


 

Liliums

Soil & Location

A rich well-drained loamy soil, preferably with an easterly aspect with protection from hot afternoon sun is ideal

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 10cm deep and about 20cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich soil with a complete fertiliser or blood and bone and water well once a week during dry weather. Mulch around the bulbs to help retain the moisture and keep root zone cooler

 

Comments

Remove old stems late autumn and top-dress with a complete fertiliser. Leave undisturbed for 2-3 years or until crowded

 


 

Lily of the Valley

Soil & Location

A good rich loamy soil in a cool semi shaded situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Remove band and lay root stocks flat about 7cm apart and about 2cm deep

 

Fert  & Water

These love fertiliser and respond to blood & bone, old cow manure, a good compost and if your soil is acidic some Lime. They like to be keep moist, not wet, during summer

 

Comments

They require a cold winter, with frosts, to produce flower buds. Therefore if you don’t receive frosts you can place blocks of ice over the crown during July to aid the cooling of the soil. Remove all old foliage and winter mulch with old cow manure or Dynamic Lifter, Lime and a good compost

 


 

Littonia

Soil & Location

Well-drained rich loamy soil in a sunny situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant tubers 7cm deep, points down and place them 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with a complete fertiliser and water once a week during the summer

 

Comments

Both of these require the support of a shrub or wire to climb on as they can reach one metre.

 


 

Lycoris

Soil & Location

A warm sunny positions in a well-drained loamy soil.

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs with the top of the neck at ground level and allow 12cm between them

 

Fert  & Water

Only a small amount of complete fertilizer or if available potash is required at planting time.  Try to keep bulbs dry, (No watering, you can’t stop the rain) from the end of spring until Christmas then give them a good soaking to start their flower cycle

 

Comments

Remove all the dead foliage at end of spring and top-dress with small amount of potash. They will need protection from frosts in the colder areas


 

Moraea

Soil & Location

These little South African bulbs do best in warm sunny situation in a well-drained garden loam

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep and about 6cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Require only a small amount of complete fertilizer . Need water during their growing season but prefer to be dry when dormant

 

Comments

Need protection from winter frosts and if the dry dormancy is a problem suggest you try them in a pot.

 


 

Muscari

Soil & Location

These hardy spring flowering bulbs are ideal for sunny borders or pockets in the rockery, in well-drained garden loam

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 5cm deep in small groups

 

Fert  & Water

Work complete fertilizer or blood & bone into bed prior to planting. Normal winter/spring rains should be adequate

 

Comments

Maybe left undisturbed until they are to over-crowded to flower freely, top-dress each autumn

 


 

Narcissus

Soil & Location

All Daffodils like well-drained loamy soil and plenty of sunshine

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant with top of neck at ground level and allow about 5cm between, Bulbocodium (Hoopicoat Petticoat Daff.) can be planted in clusters 5cm deep

 

Fert  & Water

Small amount of fertilizer low in nitrogen is best. Water should only be required if seasonal winter/spring are low

 

Comments

Remove all dead foliage and top-dress in the autumn with potash if available

 


 

Nerines

Soil & Location

A warm sunny positions in a well-drained loamy soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs with the top of the neck at ground level and allow 12cm between them

 

Fert  & Water

Only a small amount of complete fertilizer or if available potash is required at planting time. We withhold water until the end of January and then give them a good soaking to start their flower cycle

 

Comments

Remove all the dead foliage at end of spring and top-dress with small amount of potash. They will need protection from frosts in the colder areas

 


 

Onixotis

Soil & Location

This South African bulb revels in a damp to wet but sunny spot

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 5cm deep and 7cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use a small amount of fertilizer at planting time. They require plenty of watering, while in growth, up until flowering has finished then they can be kept relatively dry for the summer

 

Comments

Can be left undisturbed for several years

 


 

Peonies

Soil & Location

Well-drained situation with plenty of sun, but protected from hot northerly winds

 

Depth & Spacing

Cover the crowns with 5cm of topsoil only, and leave about one metre between plants

 

Fert  & Water

Soil needs to be enriched with blood & bone or old well-rotted manure and lime. Paeonies need a regular watering from when leaf growth commences in the spring until after flowering then they are quiet drought tolerant.

 

Comments

Paeonies require a cold winter, with frosts, to promote their flower buds. Select a position in the garden carefully as Paeonies can be left undisturbed for a long time. Remove all old foliage at the end of autumn and top-dress with Dynamic Lifter, a complete fertilizer and some Lime.

 


 

Tree Ponies

Soil & Location

Well-drained situation with plenty of sun, but protected from hot northerly winds

 

Depth & Spacing

Cover the crowns with 5cm of topsoil only, and leave about one metre between plants

 

Fert  & Water

Soil needs to be enriched with blood & bone or old well-rotted manure and lime. Paeonies need a regular watering from when leaf growth commences in the spring until after flowering then they are quiet drought tolerant.

 

Comments

Tree Ponies require a cold winter, with frosts, to promote their flower buds. Select a position in the garden carefully as Paeonies can be left undisturbed for a long time. Remove all old foliage at the end of autumn and top-dress with Dynamic Lifter, a complete fertilizer and some Lime.

 

Tree Ponies require the same cultural conditions as Paeonies with a minimal of pruning to remove only the weak shoots and to remove the old flower heads

 


 

Pancratium

Soil & Location

These bulbs need a well-drained situation with plenty of sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 8cm deep and allow about 15cm between the bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser, water well while in leaf

 

Comments

May be left undisturbed for 3-4 years with an annual top dressing each winter

 


 

Pinellia

Soil & Location

Well-drained humus rich soil in partial shade

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the rhizome-like tubers 5cm deep and 14cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone and leaf mould and water well

 

Comments

These little gems will grow in full shade if you keep them damp enough through the summer season

 


 

Polygonatum

Soil & Location

Good loamy soil in a semi shaded or woodland setting

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant rhizomes 4cm deep and 15cm apart.

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone and old well- rotted manure and water well once a week during summer

 

Comments

Remove all the old top late autumn and top dress. Ideal for growing in a woodland setting or shady garden.


 

Primrose

Soil & Location

Moist sheltered spot with good rich loamy soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the crowns firmly about 20cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & Bone and old cow manure and water at least once a week during the summer

 

Comments

These plants are quite happy growing near water, but not in it.

 


 

Ranunculus

Soil & Location

These showy plants require a sunny situation in spring, but they prefer shelter from the hot summer sun and they appreciate a good rich soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 2cm deep and 6cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

A complete fertilizer or blood & bone at time of planting. Water once a week thru’ winter/spring. If in a pot, a daily water may be necessary when the weather is warm

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed for several years, top-dress with a little fertilizer late autumn. Will make a very delightful specimen in a pot

 


 

Rhodohypoxis

Soil & Location

Rich well-drained soil in full sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the tuberous roots about 2cm deep and 8cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & bone and leaf mould, give them a good soak at least once a week during summer.

 

Comments

As these are a little frost tender it is a good idea to mulch them, which will also help to retain moisture during summer.

 


 

Rhodophiala

Soil & Location

Rich well drained soil in full sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant to top of the bulb 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser, water well while in leaf

 

Comments

Need some protection from frost. Can be left undisturbed for several years

 


 

Roscoea

Soil & Location

Rich well-drained semi-shaded situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the tubers 6cm and deep 20cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & Bone and leaf mould and water at least once a week during summer.

 

Comments

Remove all the old foliage late autumn and give them a top dress of leaf mould or well-rotted compost.

 


 

Sandersonia

Soil & Location

Well-drained loamy soil with an easterly aspect with light afternoon shade

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant tubers prongs down and cover with 5cm of top soil, leaving 8cm spaces between them

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with complete fertiliser and water at least once a week during summer.

 

Comments

Protect the new shoots from slugs and snails. They are ideal in pots but ensure that the drainage is good

 


 

Sauromatum

Soil & Location

Well-drained rich loamy soil with at least sun until mid-afternoon

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant rhizomes ‘eyes’ up, 10cm. deep and 24cm. apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use only a small amount of complete fertiliser and water well at least once a week during summer, reducing the watering through autumn

 

Comments

Ideal for pots, but don’t over water

 


 

Smilacina

Soil & Location

Good loamy soil in a semi-shaded area

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant rhizomes 4cm deep and 15cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood and bone and water well once a week during summer

 

Comments

Will appreciate being mulched for the summer. Remove old foliage late autumn and top-dress

 


 

Sprekelia

Soil & Location

These bulbs need a well-drained situation with plenty of sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 8cm deep and allow about 15cm between the bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Moderate dressing of complete fertiliser, water well while in leaf

 

Comments

May be left undisturbed for 3-4 years with an annual top dressing each winter

 


 

Sternbergia

Soil & Location

Well-drained loamy soil in a spot that gets at least morning sun

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant bulbs 10cm deep and allow at least 8cm spacing

 

Fert  & Water

A small amount of complete fertilizer and handful of lime worked well into the soil at planting time. Normal spring rains are usually adequate, but water once a week if season is dry

 

Comments

Be sure to allow plenty of room in garden bed as Colchicum leaves take up more room than daffodils or tulips. They may be left undisturbed for several years


 

Tellima

Soil & Location

Moist sheltered spot with good rich loamy soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the crowns firmly about 20cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & Bone and old cow manure and water at least once a week during the summer.

 

Comments

These plants make a good ground cover in woodland setting or a shady garden

 


 

Trillium

Soil & Location

These woodland tubers require a cool semi-shaded spot in moderately rich soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 4cm deep and 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

A complete fertilizer or blood & bone at time of planting. Water once a week if the winter/spring rains are lower, than normal

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed for several years, top-dress with a little fertilizer late autumn. Will tolerate a dry summer, as long as they are protected, from the hot afternoon sun

 


 

Tricyrtis

Soil & Location

Rich well-drained semi-shaded situation

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant the tubers 6cm and deep 20cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood & Bone and leaf mould and water at least once a week during summer

 

Comments

Remove all the old foliage late autumn and give them a top dress of leaf mould or well-rotted compost.

 


 

Tulipa

Soil & Location

Species Tulips come principally from the Eastern Mediterranean Basin and are suitable for planting in pockets in the rock or alpine garden

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 5cm deep and 6cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use a complete fertilizer/blood & bone with some lime, which all tulips like. Water should only be required if season is unusually dry

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed for several years. Remove old foliage and top-dress each winter

 


 

Urceolina

Soil & Location

A rich soil in a warm sunny position suits these South American bulbs

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 7cm. deep and 10cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Soil needs to be enriched with blood and bone and they require a good watering once a week during summer. Clean off all old foliage each winter and top dress

 

Comments

If they are increasing but not flowering, try planting bulbs 10cm deep and feed up with something like Dymanic Lifter

 


 

Vallota

Soil & Location

Well-drained moderately rich loam in a warm sunny position

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant with neck of bulbs at ground level and space them about 15cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich soil with blood & bone and water regularly during growth season

 

Comments

Benefit from being left to dry after the foliage dies down

 


 

Veltheimia

Soil & Location

Bracteata prefers a semi-shaded situation with plenty of leaf mould and away from frost

 

Depth & Spacing

Cover the top of bulbs with about 4cm of soil and allow 15cm between bulbs

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich soil with blood and bone or dynamic lifter. Water well during late spring flowering then they will tolerate more dry

 

Comments

Ideal for planting under deciduous trees where they receive plenty of leaf mould and the tree roots help to prevent water-logging

 


 

Wood Anemone

Soil & Location

A cool semi-shaded area with well-drained loamy soil

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant 2cm deep and 5cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Use a small amount of blood & bone and for best results keep cool and damp(not wet ) through summer.

 

Comments

Leave undisturbed and mulch with a peat-moss compost mix especially during their summer dormancy.

 


 

Zantedeschia Aethiopica "Green Goddess"

Soil & Location

Good loamy soil in a semi-shaded area

 

Depth & Spacing

Plant rhizomes 4cm deep and 30cm apart

 

Fert  & Water

Enrich the soil with blood and bone and water well once a week during summer

 

Comments

Will tolerate a moist corner of the garden and appreciate being mulched for the summer. Remove old foliage late autumn and top-dress