Galtonia viridiflora

A hyacinth relative from South Africa, galtonia has funnel-shaped, pale green flowers which add glistening highlights to a border. The flowers appear in late summer, suspended from tall arching stems. In very cold areas, lift the bulbs over winter and store in a cool spot indoors. Height to 3 ft (1 m) – Width 4 in (10 cm)

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

This is the English bluebell rather than the more uprightgrowing Spanish species. Plant the bulbs in broad drifts under trees in dappled shade for maximum impact in spring. Flowers are traditionally blue, although pink or white forms can be found. It can become invasive if planted in the border. Height 8–16 in (20–40 cm) – Width 3 in (8 cm)

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’

Famed for their exquisitely perfumed flowers, hyacinths are very easy to grow. They are available in a range of colors and the bulbs can be planted as spring bedding, singly in pots, or even rooted in water on a windowsill indoors. ‘Blue Jacket’ has navy-blue, waxy flowers with purple veins. Height 8–12 in (20–30 cm) – Width 3 in (8 cm)

Iris ‘Golden Alps’

This cream and yellow, tall bearded iris should be planted with its lower stem and rhizome just above soil level. Swordshaped green leaves form a fan, while summer flowers are held high on sturdy stems. Bearded irises come in a range of colors, and all are ideal for a sunny, mixed border. Height 36 in (90 cm) – Width 24 in (60 cm)

Iris pallida ‘Variegata’

The long, tapering, yellow-striped leaves of this iris surround a succession of showy, scented blue flowers in late spring and early summer. This is a perfect plant for a hot border or exposed site where the sun can bake the soil surface. Lift clumps, divide, and replant in early fall. Height to 4 ft (1.2 m) – Width 18–24 in (45–60 cm)

Iris ‘Superstition’

Purple-brown and blue-black combine here with dramatic effect in this deeply colored, tall bearded iris. Plant with pale-colored selections such as ‘White Knight’ to create a contrasting combination. The dark flowers are also fragrant, and appear almost black in fading light. Height 36 in (90 cm) – Width 24 in (60 cm)

Leucojum aestivum ‘Gravetye Giant’

Similar to a large snowdrop, the summer snowflake is an attractive plant for damp areas of the garden. Nodding white flowers with green petal tips emerge in spring; the narrow green leaves providing a subtle backdrop. ‘Gravetye Giant’ is robust and will grow quite tall next to water. Height 36 in (90 cm) – Width 3 in (8 cm)

Lilium African Queen Group ‘African Queen’

Place some pots of these by your back door and you will be greeted by deliciously fragrant, bright orange trumpet flowers every time you step outside from mid- to late summer. This lily can also be grown in a border, if the flowers are in the sun while the roots are kept shaded. Height5–6 ft (1.5–2 m) – Width 10 in (25 cm)

Lilium ‘Black Beauty’

Lilies with this flower form are known as turk’s caps because of the way the petals curve back on themselves, revealing pollen-laden anthers. ‘Black Beauty’ is a vigorous type and can be positioned among herbaceous plants in the border, or grown in containers for a movable midsummer display. Height 4½–6 ft (1.4–2 m) – Width 10 in (25 cm)

Lilium Citronella Group

An Asiatic lily, this group contains yellow-flowered plants with speckled, recurved petals. In midsummer, tall flower spikes are held erect and the buds unfold to reveal the showy blooms. It is vigorous, but needs feeding if it is to flourish. It also makes a superb cut flower. Height 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) – Width 10 in (25 cm)

Lilium martagon

Scatter bulbs of the common turk’s-cap lily around a mixed border and plant them where they land. The pretty flowers, which have recurved purple petals with dark markings, appear from early to midsummer. The flowers of Lilium martagon var. album are pure white. Height 3–6 ft (0.9–2 m) – Width 8 in (20 cm)

Lilium Pink Perfection Group

First introduced in 1950, the large, pinkish-red trumpets of this lily hybrid soon caught the attention of keen gardeners. In midsummer, short flower stems are laden with lightlyscented blooms with protruding orange anthers. Choose a sunny site with some shade for the roots for best results. Height 5–6 ft (1.5–2 m) – Width 10 in (25 cm)

Lilium regale

The large, white, trumpet-shaped flowers of the regal lily are purple on the outside and held in clusters on tall stems, creating an eye-catching display in midsummer. The lilies are very fragrant and are ideal for use in mixed borders or as cut flowers. The stems may need staking. Height 2–6 ft (0.6–2 m) – Width 10 in (25 cm)

Lilium ‘Star Gazer’

Both the color and the perfume of ‘Star Gazer’ attract attention and make this Oriental lily one of the most popular cut flowers ever developed. The pink and white flowers with speckled petals are upward-facing and robust, and appear in midsummer. Plant in a border or in a stylish container. Height 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m) – Width 10 in (25 cm)

Muscari armeniacum ‘Blue Spike’

This is a double-flowered form of the common grape hyacinth. Fleshy green narrow leaves form a carpet as small, fat spikes of blue flowers push their way through in spring. The plant can become invasive, so restrict its spread by growing it in a container. Choose a site in full sun. Height 8 in (20 cm) – Width 2 in (5 cm)

Muscari latifolium

The flowers of this grape hyacinth seem to be wearing little hats. Blue flowerspikes are topped by small, paler-colored flowers, while the leaves are mid-green and more flattened than those of Muscari armeniacum (left). Attractive in drifts at the front of a border, it is also good for a rock garden. Height 8 in (20 cm) – Width 2 in (5 cm)

Narcissus ‘Bridal Crown’

‘Bridal Crown’ has sweetly-scented double white blooms with pale orange centers. The flowers cluster together at the top of the stems and appear in early spring. Plant bulbs during fall in well-drained soil in a sunny border, or in a container. ‘Bridal Crown’ makes a pretty cut flower. Height 16 in (40 cm) – Width 6 in (15 cm)

Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus

Known as the old pheasant’s eye, this late spring-flowering daffodil differs from Narcissus poeticus in having backwardcurving petals. Pure white petals surround a yellow eye, which has a dainty, orange-frilled edge. It can be naturalized in a lawn, and is also good for cut flowers for the house. Height 14 in (35 cm) – Width 2–3 in (5–8 cm)

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’

Tiny flowers on short stems make this a favorite spring bulb for planting at the front of borders, in rock gardens, and in containers of all shapes and sizes. Plant en masse for the best effect, as small clumps can look insignificant. Containergrown plants can be grown on a windowsill indoors. Height 15cm (6in) – Width 5cm (2in)

Narcissus ‘Thalia’

This delicately beautiful daffodil carries two milky-white flowers per stem. Mid-spring sees these emerge from papery buds to lighten border plantings or provide early interest in a ”white“ border. Grow in a tall container and place against a painted wall to make a bold statement. Height 14 in (35 cm) – Width 3 in (8 cm)

Nectaroscordum siculum subsp. bulgaricum

The flowers on this onion relative are green, white, and burgundy. Grouped in sprays of 10–30 on top of tall stems, they make an attractive display in early summer. Grow in a wild garden or herbaceous border where the flowers will catch the eye. Deadhead to prevent it spreading. Height to 4 ft (1.2 m) – Width 12–18 in (30–45 cm)

Nerine bowdenii

South Africa has given gardeners worldwide many wonderful plants and this spectacular bulb is no exception. Stems of vivid pink, spidery flowers appear from bare soil in fall. Nerines look good in groups at the foot of a sunny, light-colored wall. Provide a deep mulch in winter in very cold areas. Height 18 in (45 cm) – Width 3–5 in (8–12 cm)

Scilla siberica

The Siberian squill produces bright blue, pendent flowers in spring, giving the garden a dash of color. The bulbs can be grown in groups in a rock garden, between paving stones, or at the front of herbaceous and mixed borders. Plant in full sun or part shade, and water well when in growth. Height 4–8 in (10–20 cm) – Width 2 in (5 cm)

Trillium grandiflorum

A vigorous plant for a woodland garden or border, wake robin forms clumps of dark green, rounded leaves with distinctive, three-petalled white flowers in spring and summer. The form ‘Flore Pleno’ is slower-growing and has double flowers. Both make wonderful shade plants. Height to 16 in (40 cm) – Width 12 in (30 cm) plus

Tulipa ‘Flaming Parrot’

This late spring-flowering tulip has fringed yellow petals, each with a distinctive red blaze. Inside is a cluster of black anthers. Grow as a single variety in formal beds or in drifts, merging with other colors. Alternatively, plant a number of the bulbs in a tall pot or container in a sunny position. Height 22 in (55 cm) – Width 6 in (15 cm)

Tulipa ‘Prinses Irene’

The orange petals of this striking tulip look like they have been painted with delicate brush strokes of purple. Flowering in midspring, ‘Prinses Irene’ is effective when grouped in swathes in a border or planted as part of a container display with decorative grasses. It can also be cut for indoor arrangements.  Height 14 in (35 cm) – Width 6 in (15 cm)

Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’

Popular because it is so deeply colored and satiny, this late spring-flowering tulip looks striking if planted among purple and black-leaved perennials and low shrubs, or with gray or silver-leaved plants. Alternatively, use it in front of a pale-painted fence or wall for contrast. Height 24 in (60 cm) – Width 6 in (15 cm)

Tulipa ‘Spring Green’

This Viridiflora Group tulip sports a green feathery flash on each of its ivory-white petals and adds an elegant touch to a mixed or color-themed border. Plant where it can be appreciated at close quarters, as it is only 16 in (40 m) high when flowering in late spring. Height 16 in (40 cm) – Width 4 in (10 cm)