Spring Bulbs & Plants

Geranium sanguineum ‘Album’ is a low, spreading hardy geranium that produces crisp white flowers over a neat mound of foliage, making it ideal for the front of borders, rock gardens and pots.

Growing to around 15–25cm tall, it forms a weed-suppressing carpet and flowers through early to mid-summer. The foliage often colours attractively later in the season, extending the plant’s interest.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils once established and suits informal and cottage-style planting.

Water in dry spells during the first season, then only in prolonged drought. Light trimming after the first flush of flowers can encourage a fresh burst of foliage and repeat flowering.

Perfect for edging, groundcover and underplanting, this easy perennial pairs well with roses and grasses, and it is also a pollinator-friendly choice for wildlife gardens.

Kniphofia ‘Red Rocket’ produces vivid coral-red flower spikes that light up sunny borders, gravel gardens and prairie-style planting, bringing bold colour and strong vertical shape through late summer.

An herbaceous perennial reaching around 60cm in height (and taller in flower), it forms a clump of strap-like foliage and sends up repeated spikes that open gradually, extending the flowering display into autumn.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil for best performance. A warm, sheltered position helps the stems stay upright and encourages strong colouring, especially in cooler or windier gardens.

Water to establish, then only during prolonged dry spells. Feed in spring, and remove spent stems to encourage more blooms. Leave foliage over winter for protection, then tidy in spring as growth resumes.

Perfect for hot borders and wildlife-friendly planting, kniphofia pairs beautifully with grasses, echinacea and late-summer perennials, and provides long-lasting cut stems as well.

Hosta ‘Patriot’ is a reliable shade perennial with bold, white-edged leaves that bring instant brightness to woodland borders, shady patios and large containers, adding texture and structure from spring to autumn.

Forming a clump to around 55cm tall, it produces spikes of funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in summer. The leaves are puckered and sturdy, creating a handsome mound that works as groundcover or a focal point.

Plant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots, so they benefit from mulch and from protection from hot afternoon sun in exposed gardens.

Water regularly in dry spells, especially in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems after flowering for a tidy finish.

Ideal for shady borders, underplanting, and container displays, ‘Patriot’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides strong foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.

Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a statement perennial for shade, grown for its huge, blue-grey, heavily puckered leaves that form a dramatic mound in borders and large containers, bringing texture and calm structure all season.

A clump-forming plant, it can reach around 60cm high (and larger in time) with a substantial spread, making it ideal as a focal point in shady beds. In early summer it produces stems of pale, bell-shaped flowers.

Plant in partial shade in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots and benefit from shelter from hot afternoon sun to keep foliage looking its best.

Water regularly during dry weather, particularly in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems for a tidy finish.

Perfect for woodland borders, shady courtyards and container displays, ‘Big Daddy’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides bold foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten rose, brings gentle colour to the garden when little else is flowering. Its nodding, cup‑shaped blooms open in soft pink shades from late winter into early spring, hovering above handsome, leathery green foliage.

This clump‑forming perennial grows to around 45cm tall and wide, making it easy to tuck into borders, underplant shrubs, or feature in large pots near a doorway. The flowers are long‑lasting and look lovely with early bulbs, grasses and spring woodland plants.

Plant in fertile, humus‑rich soil that stays moist but drains freely. A spot in partial shade is ideal, though it will also cope with some sun in cooler areas. Choose a sheltered position and mulch in autumn to keep the roots comfortable through winter.

Set plants at the same depth they were growing in the pot, water in well, and keep evenly moist while they establish. In late winter, tidy away tired leaves to show off the flowers and reduce leaf‑spot problems. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring.

Because hellebores flower early, they can provide nectar and pollen for emerging bees when other sources are scarce. Once established they’re low‑fuss, returning each year with reliable winter‑into‑spring interest and a fresh flush of foliage as temperatures rise.

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ is a shade-loving perennial prized for its shimmering, silver-patterned leaves and delicate forget-me-not style blue flowers that appear in spring, lifting woodland borders and shady pots.

Forming a tidy clump, it reaches around 30–50cm in height and gradually spreads to create a generous patch of foliage. It’s a brilliant, low-effort plant for brightening darker corners all season long.

Plant in light to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It copes with a wide range of soil types, but appreciates consistent moisture during the growing season.

Water during dry spells, especially in the first year, and mulch in spring to keep roots cool and soil moisture steady. Remove old leaves as new growth appears to keep clumps looking fresh.

Ideal for woodland planting, shady borders and large containers, ‘Jack Frost’ pairs beautifully with hellebores, epimediums and spring bulbs, and is also a great ground-cover plant in dappled shade.

Gladiolus callianthus (often sold as acidanthera) produces elegant, starry white flowers with a rich, red-purple throat that adds a refined, exotic feel to late-summer borders, patio pots, and cutting gardens.

Reaching an established height of around 80–100cm, it sends up slender stems lined with multiple buds that open in succession, extending the display over several weeks and providing excellent cut flowers.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. In heavier ground, plant on a gritty layer or grow in containers for sharper drainage.

Water after planting and during dry spells while growth is active, then feed every two to three weeks once stems develop. Taller stems may benefit from discreet support in windy gardens.

Perfect for borders, pots and floral arrangements, this fragrant gladiolus pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials. In colder areas, lift and store corms frost-free once foliage dies back.

Nerine bowdenii produces shimmering, wavy-petalled pink flowers in autumn, bringing late-season sparkle to borders and containers when many summer flowers are fading. Its wavy-petalled blooms sit on strong stems and are excellent for cutting.

Reaching an established height of around 45–60 cm, nerines flower in autumn and prefer warmth and sun to set buds well. They are a superb choice for gravel gardens and south-facing borders where drainage is sharp.

Plant bulbs in late summer in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Set bulbs about 10cm apart; in milder areas leave the neck showing, while colder sites benefit from slightly deeper planting for frost protection.

Water lightly until growth is established, then keep on the drier side during summer dormancy. Feed in spring to support foliage growth, and remove spent flowerheads if you want a tidy finish.

Perfect for pots and sunny borders, nerines pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and autumn perennials. Once settled, they can increase into impressive clumps with very little attention.

Triteleia 'Queen Fabiola' produces clusters of starry purple flowers held above grassy foliage, forming airy clusters that add colour and movement in late spring and early summer. The flowers sit above grassy leaves and are especially effective in drifts or planted through perennials.

Reaching an established height of around 40–45 cm, triteleia is compact enough for pots but tall enough to show well in borders. It flowers over several weeks, and the stems are also excellent for cutting.

Plant bulbs in autumn in a sunny, well-drained position, around 8cm deep. Light, sandy soil is ideal, but any free-draining border works well; avoid heavy winter wet where bulbs can rot.

Water after planting and during dry spells in spring as growth appears. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can recharge, and keep the soil on the drier side in summer dormancy.

Perfect for pots, gravel gardens and sunny borders, triteleia pairs beautifully with alliums, grasses and hardy geraniums. Once established, it is drought tolerant and needs very little ongoing maintenance.

Oxalis 'Iron Cross' is grown for its distinctive foliage and bright pink, funnel-shaped flowers above distinctive cross-marked leaves, adding colour and texture to pots, borders and summer displays. The leaves open and close with the light, bringing extra movement and charm to containers.

At around 15 cm tall when in flower, oxalis makes a neat, spreading clump that works well as underplanting or ground cover in warm months. It blooms from late spring through summer in bright conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring once the soil starts to warm, in full sun or light shade. Use well-drained soil or compost and avoid waterlogging, especially early in the season while bulbs are starting into growth.

Water after planting and keep lightly moist while in active growth. If the plant goes dormant at any point, reduce watering and allow it to rest, then resume watering when new growth appears.

Ideal for patio pots, edging and rock gardens, oxalis can also be lifted and stored frost-free in colder areas. Bring pots under cover before hard frosts to enjoy the foliage for longer.

Tigridia pavonia 'Mixed' brings a vibrant, exotic mix of peacock-like flowers with spotted centres to summer borders, with exotic, patterned flowers that open wide in sunshine. Each bloom is short-lived, but plants carry many buds, so you still get weeks of colour in warm weather.

Growing to around 45–60 cm, tiger flowers are upright and slim, making them great for weaving through planting and for pots. They look best planted in generous clumps, where the daily opening flowers create a lively, changing display.

Plant bulbs in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in full sun and well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered spot helps them flower strongly; start in pots under cover for an earlier display if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Feed every couple of weeks once growth is established to support flowering. As temperatures cool, reduce watering and allow foliage to die back naturally.

Perfect for colourful summer pots and exotic-style borders, tigridias also make fun, unusual cut flowers. Lift and store bulbs frost-free in colder or wetter gardens to replant the following spring.

Freesia 'Single Mixed' produces a colourful mix of single, funnel-shaped flowers on gently arching stems, filling borders and patio pots with colour and a sweet scent. Freesias are also excellent cut flowers and last well in a vase.

Growing to around 25–45 cm, they form narrow, fresh green leaves and send up multiple buds per stem. With warm conditions and bright light, they flower through late summer and into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, or start them in pots under cover for earlier growth. Freesias prefer warmth and do best where they are protected from cold winds.

Water after planting and keep compost lightly moist as shoots appear, increasing watering as buds form. Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser once flower spikes develop, and provide support if stems need it.

Perfect for containers, greenhouse growing, and sunny borders, freesias bring perfume and colour to small spaces. After flowering, reduce watering and store corms dry and frost-free if grown outdoors.

Freesia 'White' (single) produces pure white, single funnel-shaped flowers with a sweet scent on gently arching stems, filling borders and patio pots with colour and a sweet scent. Freesias are also excellent cut flowers and last well in a vase.

Growing to around 25 cm, they form narrow, fresh green leaves and send up multiple buds per stem. With warm conditions and bright light, they flower through late summer and into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, or start them in pots under cover for earlier growth. Freesias prefer warmth and do best where they are protected from cold winds.

Water after planting and keep compost lightly moist as shoots appear, increasing watering as buds form. Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser once flower spikes develop, and provide support if stems need it.

Perfect for containers, greenhouse growing, and sunny borders, freesias bring perfume and colour to small spaces. After flowering, reduce watering and store corms dry and frost-free if grown outdoors.

Freesia 'Double Mixed' produces a fragrant mix of double, funnel-shaped flowers on gently arching stems, filling borders and patio pots with colour and a sweet scent. Freesias are also excellent cut flowers and last well in a vase.

Growing to around 25–45 cm, they form narrow, fresh green leaves and send up multiple buds per stem. With warm conditions and bright light, they flower through late summer and into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, or start them in pots under cover for earlier growth. Freesias prefer warmth and do best where they are protected from cold winds.

Water after planting and keep compost lightly moist as shoots appear, increasing watering as buds form. Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser once flower spikes develop, and provide support if stems need it.

Perfect for containers, greenhouse growing, and sunny borders, freesias bring perfume and colour to small spaces. After flowering, reduce watering and store corms dry and frost-free if grown outdoors.

Crocosmia 'Large Flowering Mixed' produces a showy mix of large flowers in hot summer shades on graceful, arching stems, adding movement and hot colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 60–90 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Crocosmia 'George Davidson' produces golden yellow blooms that open from orange buds on graceful, arching stems, adding movement and hot colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 60–90 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Hymenocallis × festalis 'Zwanenburg' produces fragrant white, spidery flowers with a central cup, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add structure and summer interest to borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem for a longer display and excellent cut stems.

Reaching an established height of around 50–70 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh foliage, then flowers in the warmest months when many spring bulbs have finished.

Plant in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Work in compost to improve fertility and drainage, and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot dormant bulbs or corms.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form. Remove spent stems for a tidy finish, but leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s bulb.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, these spikes bring a slightly exotic note to planting schemes. In colder areas, lift and store bulbs once foliage yellows, or protect them well in a sheltered spot.

Crocosmia masoniorum 'Orange Devil' produces bright orange flowers on upright, arching stems on arching stems, adding movement and bold colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 90 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' (Firey Stars) produces fiery red flowers on tall, arching stems on arching stems, adding movement and bold colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 120–160 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Oxalis triangularis is loved for its dramatic purple foliage and delicate white flowers above deep purple leaves, bringing a jewel-toned feel to pots, hanging baskets, and sunny windowsills. It’s a brilliant way to add colour and texture with minimal fuss.

Growing to around 20–30 cm, oxalis forms compact clumps and can flower repeatedly through the warmer months. The leaves open and close with the light, adding extra movement and interest to displays.

Grow in well-drained compost or soil, in a sheltered spot with bright light. It can be grown outdoors in summer and moved under cover before frosts, or kept as an easy houseplant year-round.

Water when the top of the compost dries out and feed lightly during active growth. Oxalis may go dormant at times; if growth slows, reduce watering and allow it to rest before it resprouts.

Perfect for containers, windowsills and conservatories, this plant also works well in sheltered courtyard gardens during summer. Its compact habit makes it ideal for adding colour to small spaces.

Eucomis 'Bicolor' produces white-green, starry flowers topped with a leafy tuft, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add structure and summer interest to borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem for a longer display and excellent cut stems.

Reaching an established height of around 50–60 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh foliage, then flowers in the warmest months when many spring bulbs have finished.

Plant in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Work in compost to improve fertility and drainage, and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot dormant bulbs or corms.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form. Remove spent stems for a tidy finish, but leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s bulb.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, these spikes bring a slightly exotic note to planting schemes. In colder areas, lift and store bulbs once foliage yellows, or protect them well in a sheltered spot.

Crocosmia 'Babylon' produces large orange-red flowers with warm yellow throats on arching stems, adding movement and bold colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 80–100 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour right into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Sparaxis 'Mixed' brings a bright, contrasting mix of starry summer flowers to the very front of borders and containers, opening wide in sunshine for maximum impact. These small flowers are packed with personality and look best planted in generous drifts.

At around 25 cm tall, sparaxis stays neat and compact, making it ideal for pots, rockeries and edging. It flowers through summer and is especially effective mixed with other low-growing seasonal bulbs.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Space corms closely for a full display, and improve drainage with grit if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Once flowering finishes, allow foliage to die back naturally; in colder or wetter gardens, lift and store corms dry over winter.

A brilliant choice for colourful summer pots and for bringing a cheerful, jewel-toned feel to small spaces and wildlife-friendly planting.

Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' produces wavy-petalled white flowers in autumn, bringing late-season sparkle to borders and containers when many summer flowers are fading. Its wavy-petalled blooms sit above strap-like foliage for a clean, architectural look.

Reaching an established height of around 40–50 cm, nerines flower in autumn and are excellent for cutting. They prefer warmth and sun to set buds well, rewarding you with reliable colour year after year.

Plant bulbs in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. In colder areas, set bulbs a little deeper for frost protection, and avoid rich, wet ground that can cause rotting.

Water lightly until growth is established, then keep drier during summer dormancy. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and remove spent flowerheads if you want a tidy finish.

Perfect for pots, gravel gardens and sunny borders, nerines add a distinctive late flourish and pair beautifully with grasses and autumn perennials.

Ranunculus 'Yellow' produces vibrant yellow blooms with layered petals, creating a refined, romantic look in spring and early-summer borders. The blooms are especially prized for cutting and stay fresh in a vase.

Growing to around 30 cm, ranunculus forms low, ferny foliage and a steady succession of flowers in cool, bright conditions. Plant in groups for the fullest display and to make harvesting stems easy.

Soak the ‘claws’ for a few hours before planting, then set them in well-drained soil in full sun. In colder areas, start in pots in a frost-free place and plant out once conditions are mild.

Keep soil evenly moist while growth is active, but avoid waterlogging. Feeding every couple of weeks once buds form helps support a long flowering period.

Perfect for pots, borders and cutting gardens, ranunculus is a brilliant way to add high-end florist style at home. After flowering, let foliage die back naturally to recharge the tubers.