Now’s The Time … Plan Your Autumn Planting For A Wonderful Spring Display

by Bob Willard, general manager of www.dejager.co.uk

Well it may be late summer but now is the time to start planning your autumn planting for a spectacular spring bulb display.

There are many varieties to choose from here is just a taster of what is available.

Large Trumpet Daffodil Marieke is one of the most perfectly formed daffodils you will ever find. Having a solid yellow trumpet with huge upward facing flowers with a vivid yellow perianth. It flowers during April growing to a height of 45-50cm.

Double Daffodil Sir Winston Churchill is sweetly scented with entirely distinct multi-headed dainty double white flowers with tiny orange yellow petals interspersed in the centre. It is an excellent variety for forcing, flowers in April and grows to 38cm.

How deep do I plant bulbs? The basic rule for all bulbs is to plant them at a depth equal to about twice the depth of the bulb itself.

A rare and fine species is Tulip Saxatilis. Its broad shining dark leaves are quite unique. It has delicate pale silvery lilac flowers with a large bright centre. This is one of the most popular tulips for naturalising. Flowering March-April it grows to 15cm.

May flowering Tulip Renown has a large oval-shaped flower of light carmine-red, paler toward the margin of petals. A long lasting variety, that flowers in May and grows to a height of 65cm.

After you have planted your tulips try planting crocus over the top and enjoy these forerunners of spring before the tulips.

Large flowering Dutch Crocus Jeanne D’ Arc is a striking pure white crocus, with large globular shaped flowers. It is very long lasting and highly recommended. It is very easy to grow and will flower and increase year after year. Flowering February-March it grows to a height of 15cm.

Early spring flowering Crocus Ancyrensis is a very early species that may produce 18 to 24 small flowers of brilliant orange-yellow. It is one of the finest, very prolific and ideal for naturalising. Flowers from January through to March and grows to 15-20cm.

Do not plant bulbs in dry spots: such as directly underneath overhanging roofs where bulbs are so sheltered they receive very little or no rain.

Colchicum Waterlily has large double rosy-pink flowers with segments opening horizontally to the sun. Very easy to grow, thriving in any well drained soil in a sunny position. Flowers from September to October and grows to a height of 12cm.

Colchicum Autumnale is a free-flowering purplish-pink. They will flower year after year, increase freely and are wonderful for naturalising. Flowers September to October and grows to a height of 19cm.

Never store bulbs in a warm or damp area prior to planting. Keep them in cool, dry conditions.

Allium Purple Sensation is a most superb variety with very large dense heads of 50 or more star-shaped deep purple flowers. It is excellent for flower arranging. Flowers from May to June and grows to a height between 70 and 90cm.

Allium Giganteum is a very impressive variety bearing large heads of violet flowers up to 15cm across. It is a very versatile bulb being decorative in the garden. Flowering during June it grows to a height of 110cm.

The depth of knowledge acquired over so many years is available to all our customers and should you have any special requirements or specific questions please do not hesitate to contact with us.

Iris Unguicularis - this ‘Winter Flowering Iris’ has sweetly scented lavender-blue flowers which are produced in abundance. Requires a light soil, and a south facing spot. Flowers November to March and grows to a height of 35cm.

Iris Amber Queen is a dwarf bearded iris. This charming little iris flowers very profusely with lovely primrose yellow flowers with the beard being the same colour as the petals.

Flowers from April to May and grows to a height of 20cm.