Unusual Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Besides tulips and daffodils, there are many unusual spring-flowering bulbs that enrich borders, lawns and woodland edges.
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Unusual spring-flowering bulbs by flowering time

Winter aconites (Eranthis) start the season in February and March with yellow cup-shaped flowers, followed by glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa), Puschkinia and Siberian squill. Over the years these small bulbs form dense carpets under shrubs and in lawns. You will find a separate overview in the squill (Scilla) collection. From April, bluebells (Hyacinthoides) flower with nodding bells, such as the English bluebell, along with the summer snowflake (Leucojum). In May come camassias with tall blue or white spikes and the Portuguese squill 'Peruviana' with large blue umbels. The squill 'Blue Arrow' is also in our range.

Other genera at a glance

The larger groups of spring-flowering bulbs have their own collections: tulips, daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths, grape hyacinths, crown imperials and snake's head fritillaries as well as alliums. For a complete overview, see the collection bulbs for autumn planting.

Planting time and position in Switzerland

Spring-flowering bulbs are planted in autumn, on the Swiss Plateau from September to the end of October, and a little earlier at higher altitudes. Winter aconites and glory-of-the-snow should go in particularly early, as they dry out easily. Most small bulbs like sun to partial shade and thrive under deciduous trees and shrubs that still let light through in spring. Camassias and summer snowflakes also tolerate moister soils. All the species mentioned are hardy in Switzerland; the Portuguese squill needs a sheltered, sunny spot.

Planting and care

As a rule, plant two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. Small bulbs such as squill or Puschkinia go about 5 to 8 centimetres deep, camassias and bluebells 10 to 15 centimetres. Plant in groups of at least 10 to 20 so that they make an impact. Let the foliage die back after flowering, and only mow lawns containing bulbs once the leaves have turned yellow.

Uses

Many of these spring bloomers are valuable early sources of food for bees and bumblebees. Find out more in the bee-friendly plants collection. Small spring-flowering bulbs also do well in pots and bowls, for example layered beneath tulips or daffodils. This gives you flowers on the balcony and terrace for several weeks. Under trees and in meadows they can spread undisturbed and grow denser every year.