Spring Garden Bulb Collection Bulbs

The Spring Garden Bulb Collection Bulbs creates a layered succession of spring color, filling a large planting with changing flowers over several weeks. The 250-bulb collection combines approximately 95 alliums, 50 anemone, 40 grape hyacinth, 15 daffodils, 15 tulips, 15 Dutch iris, and 20 Sparaxis in a broad mix of colors, flower shapes, and heights from about 6 to 20 inches. Tulips and daffodils start the display, muscari and anemone carry it through mid spring, and later alliums and Sparaxis extend interest toward early summer. This is a fabulous collection for gardeners starting a new bed.The assortment is designed for overlapping bloom times, giving borders and cutting gardens a longer spring season. Most of the included bulbs are perennial in zones 6-10, although Sparaxis may require lifting in zone 7 and colder. The contrasting flower forms are part of the appeal, from rounded allium heads and compact grape hyacinth spikes to larger tulip, daffodil, iris, and Sparaxis blooms. Use the collection through mixed borders, along walkways, in cutting gardens, or in large patio containers where different bulbs can emerge in sequence.Spring Garden Bulb Collection Bulbs CarePlant in full sun and in well-drained loamy, sandy, or amended clay soil. Set most bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep, planting larger bulbs such as tulips and daffodils the deepest, and smaller bulbs and corms at the shallower end of this range. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH suits most of the collection.Provide moderate moisture during active spring growth when rainfall is limited. Reduce watering as individual varieties finish and their foliage begins to yellow. Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer as growth emerges in spring, or work a light application into the soil at planting.Deadhead spent flowers if possible, but allow the foliage to decline naturally in place. Remove spent leaves only after they have finished feeding the bulb. In colder regions, Sparaxis may need to be lifted and stored after dormancy, but the hardier bulbs can remain in the ground.Spring Garden Bulb Collection Bulbs SpacingSpace bulbs according to their mature size, generally about 4 to 6 inches apart, and plant in loose clusters rather than rigid rows for a more natural display. For containers, use pots at least 10 to 12 inches deep with generous drainage and layer larger bulbs below smaller ones to create a longer bloom sequence. In colder climates, container-grown bulbs benefit from winter protection against repeated freezing and thawing.Spring Garden Bulb Collection Bulbs Companion PlantsCatmint works well along sunny borders because its spreading foliage can begin covering declining bulb leaves as the spring display winds down. Spirea can provide a low shrub framework and continue the season with foliage and flowers after many bulbs have finished. In large containers, alyssum can fill the upper soil surface and edge while the collections taller bulbs emerge through the center.