Growing Instructions
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