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Advice/Culture Notes

Planting Guide for Bulbs

Daffodils

On arrival keep the bulbs dry and cool in an airy place until ready to plant.

The ideal aspect is in full sun or light shade; avoid the windy aspect unless you are planting the dwarf or miniature varieties.

All should be planted as soon as possible after receipt and certainly before the end of October as bulbs can start to deteriorate, the ground should be moisture retentive but with good drainage, daffodils do not like to be completely waterlogged.

Plant at a depth of 3 times height of the bulb this can be at least 15 to 20 cm of soil on top of the bulbs depending on the size and variety and with a space equivalent to 2 or 3 bulbs, they can then be left for several years to develop, closer planting is fine, but you will need to lift and divide much more often.

Avoid fertilizers with a high Nitrogen content as this will cause soft growth and encourage softness and susceptibility to fungal disease, use a general fertilizer with high Potash, spread this at planting time and give an annual top dressing in the autumn.

After flowering remove the dead flower heads this prevent seed setting and will direct the energy to the bulb, please let the foliage die back naturally, as the leaves produce the energy for next years bulb and flowers.

Daffodils in pots or containers. Use a good quality bulb fibre or compost and plant the bulbs only just below the surface, do not allow the pots to dry out at any time, you will need to keep a careful eye on them during the growing season. Keep the pots in a sheltered spot until the bulbs are sprouting then bring them into a sunny area. Avoid too much heat as this can over force the bulb and could cause the flower to abort.

Once the flowers are over, you can transplant them direct into the garden and allow them to die back naturally; they may take a season to get back to full vigour.

A daffodil will take a lot of goodness from the pot, so it is best to replant them in the garden. If this is not possible then re-pot using fresh compost.

Tulips

Keep these dry and cool until you are ready to plant, the best time to plant Tulips is during October and November in a well-drained situation with full light, they will tolerate light shade.

Plant around the 10 to 12 cm deep and 10 to 12cm apart, if you need to add fertilizer do this at planting time and again as soon as the flowers have faded, high potash general fertilizer is best.

Remove the seed head as soon as the flower has finished and collect the fallen petals from the surrounding soil, allow the foliage to die back completely then lift the bulbs and store in a cool, dry and airy place.

The species and short Tulips can be left in the ground from year to year, but the Tall Hybrid Tulips do need lifting annually.

Alliums

Keep bulbs dry and cool until ready to plant, they prefer an open sunny aspect with rich well drained soil, plant 10-20 cm deep, the bigger bulbs deeper than the small varieties. Top dress with a good general high potash fertilizer when planting and again each Autumn.

The foliage often turns brown at the tips at flowering this can be trimmed and removed; generally, leave the foliage to die back naturally.

Fritillaria

Plant these as soon as possible in the Autumn 5-10 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart in a dappled light or slight shade, avoid very hot and dry situations, a good rich but well drained soil is best, but these bulbs should never become waterlogged as they will rot.

Top dress with a good general fertilizer at planting, and again each autumn.

Iris

Plant these as soon as possible in the Autumn in full sun and a well drained situation, the dwarf varieties should be 10 cm deep and 10 cm apart, they can be left undisturbed. For best results, top dress annually with a good general fertilizer.

Muscari

Keep cool and dry until ready to plant, choose a full sun to light shade situation and well drained soil. Plant 10-12cm deep and 10cm apart top dress with a good general fertilizer annually, they are best left undisturbed.

Anemone

On arrival unpack and store in a cool dry place away from children and animal until ready to plant.

It is best to soak the corns over night before planting.

Prepare the soil to a depth of around 20cm, the corns should then be planted at a depth of around 8cm and 10cm apart. It is a good idea to top dress with a well-rotted garden compost every other year.

Hyacinth

It is best to plant hyacinths as soon as possible on arrival. Planting in the garden, choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. You can enrich the soil by adding some organic matter such as compost or composted manure. Plant at a depth of 15-20cm and 20cm apart, cover with earth and water immediately. Pots are also great; a good well drained compost is required and make sure the pot has good drainage. When planting in pots the bulbs can be almost touching.

Chionodoxa

Plant as soon as possible on arrival. 7-8cm deep and 5cm apart in an area that has sunlight for at least half a day. The soil should be well drained. After flowering allow the foliage to die back naturally, this will feed the bulb for the following year.

camassia

The bulbs can look unhealthy but do not be alarmed this is natural. Plant them with 10cm of soil on top of the bulb and 30cm apart, this will allow them to mature in your garden. They are not fussy about soil, plant them as you would any other bulb and nature willing, they will be fine.

Galanthus

Snowdrops are among the earliest signs of spring, often flowering from January onwards. Their delicate white blooms are surprisingly tough, thriving in cool, moist conditions and naturalising beautifully in gardens across the UK.

When to Plant

  • Autumn: Plant dry bulbs from September to November.
  • In the green: Plant snowdrops lifted after flowering (Feb–Mar) for the most reliable establishment.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer partial shade, especially beneath deciduous trees and shrubs.
  • Thrive in cool, moist soil that doesn’t dry out in summer.
  • Ideal for woodland edges, lawns, borders, and naturalised drifts.

Soil & Preparation

  • Grow best in humus‑rich, well‑drained soil.
  • Improve poor or sandy soil with leaf mould or garden compost.
  • Avoid waterlogged areas, which can cause bulbs to rot.

Planting Snowdrop Bulbs

  • Plant bulbs 5–8 cm deep and 5–10 cm apart.
  • Plant in groups or clusters for a natural look.
  • Water lightly after planting to settle the soil.

Planting Snowdrops “In the Green”

  • Plant at the same depth they were previously growing.
  • Water well and keep soil moist until established.
  • This method gives the highest success rate.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water during dry spells in spring while plants are actively growing.
  • Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser after flowering to strengthen bulbs.
  • Allow foliage to die back naturally—it feeds next year’s blooms.

Care Through the Season

  • Mulch annually with leaf mould or compost to keep soil cool and moist.
  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years after flowering if they become congested.
  • Protect emerging shoots from slugs and snails.

Overwintering Snowdrops

  • Fully hardy across the UK.
  • Bulbs can remain in the ground year‑round with no special protection.
  • In containers, ensure pots don’t become waterlogged in winter.

Begonia

Begonias are ideal for UK gardens, offering long‑lasting colour in containers, baskets, and shaded borders. With the right start, they’ll flower reliably from early summer until the first frosts.

When to Plant
Indoors: Start tuberous begonias in late March–April.

Outdoors: Plant out from late May once frost has fully passed.

Where They Grow Best
Prefer partial shade but sun is needed for best flowering.

Thrive in sheltered spots away from heavy rain and wind.

Excellent for containers, baskets, and shaded beds.

Soil & Compost
Use a free‑draining, peat‑free multipurpose compost.

Add grit or perlite to improve drainage for tuberous types.

Keep compost moist but never waterlogged.

Planting Tuberous Begonias
Position tubers hollow side up.

Cover lightly with about 2cm of compost and keep warm and bright indoors.

Move outside gradually after hardening off.

Planting Bedding/Fibrous Begonias
Plant directly into borders or containers after frost.

Plant with 2 cm of soil on top, Space plants 20–30 cm apart, depending on variety.

Water well after planting.

Watering & Feeding
Water regularly, allowing the top layer to dry slightly between waterings.

Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Switch to a high‑potash feed during peak flowering.

Care Through the Season
Remove faded blooms to keep plants tidy and productive.

Watch for slugs and snails early in the season.

Rotate pots occasionally for even growth.

Overwintering Tuberous Begonias
Lift tubers in autumn once foliage dies back.

Dry for a week, then store in a cool, frost‑free place.

Replant in spring for another season of colour.

Dahlia

Dahlias are one of the highlights of the summer garden, producing bold, colourful blooms from midsummer until the first frosts. With the right start, they’re easy to grow and reward you with months of vibrant flowers.

When to Plant

  • Start indoors: Late March to April, in pots under cover.
  • Plant outdoors: Late May to early June, once all frost risk has passed.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun, ideally 6+ hours a day.
  • Thrive in sheltered, warm spots protected from strong winds.
  • Suitable for borders, cutting gardens, and large containers.

Soil & Preparation

  • Plant in fertile, well‑drained soil enriched with compost.
  • Avoid waterlogged areas, as tubers may rot.
  • Add a handful of slow‑release fertiliser at planting time.

Planting Dahlia Tubers

  • Dig a hole around 10–15 cm deep.
  • Lay the tuber horizontally with the growing eye facing up.
  • Cover with soil and water lightly.
  • As shoots grow, stake taller varieties early to prevent wind damage.

Planting Dahlia Plants (Young Starts)

  • Plant out after frost, spacing 45–60 cm apart depending on variety.
  • Water well and mulch to retain moisture.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly through summer, especially in dry spells.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a high‑potash fertiliser to boost flowering.
  • Avoid overwatering early in the season while tubers are still establishing.

Care Through the Season

  • Pinch out the growing tips when plants reach 30 cm to encourage bushier growth.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to keep flowers coming.
  • Watch for slugs, snails, and earwigs early in the season.

Overwintering Dahlias

  • In mild areas, leave tubers in the ground with a thick mulch for protection.
  • In colder or wetter regions, lift tubers after the first frost.
  • Dry them for a few days, then store in a cool, frost‑free place in dry compost.
  • Replant in spring.

Eucomis

Eucomis, or pineapple lilies, bring bold, architectural interest to summer borders and containers. With their striking flower spikes and exotic look, they’re surprisingly easy to grow in the UK when given warmth and good drainage.

When to Plant

  • Indoors: Start bulbs in pots from April.
  • Outdoors: Plant out in late May–June, once the soil has warmed and frost has passed.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun or bright, open positions.
  • Thrive in sheltered spots that trap warmth.
  • Ideal for containers, gravel gardens, and sunny borders.

Soil & Preparation

  • Need free‑draining soil—they dislike sitting wet.
  • Improve heavy ground with grit or coarse sand.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost mixed with grit.

Planting Eucomis Bulbs

  • Plant bulbs 10–15 cm deep, with the pointed tip facing up.
  • Space bulbs 20–30 cm apart in borders.
  • Water lightly after planting, then keep just moist until growth appears.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly through summer, especially in containers.
  • Avoid overwatering in cool or wet spells.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser once growth is strong.

Care Through the Season

  • Mulch lightly to retain warmth and moisture.
  • Remove faded flower spikes to keep plants tidy.
  • Support taller varieties if exposed to wind.

Overwintering Eucomis

  • In mild, well‑drained gardens, bulbs can be left in the ground with a thick winter mulch.
  • In colder or wetter areas, lift bulbs in autumn once foliage dies back.
  • Store in a cool, frost‑free place in dry compost and replant in spring.

Lilies

Lilies bring height, fragrance, and elegance to summer gardens. With their bold blooms and reliable performance, they’re easy to grow in UK conditions when given good drainage and plenty of light.

When to Plant

  • Autumn or early spring: Ideal times for planting lily bulbs.
  • Potted lilies: Can be planted at any time from spring to early summer.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun or light shade.
  • Thrive in sheltered borders, containers, and cottage‑style plantings.
  • Many varieties make excellent cut flowers.

Soil & Preparation

  • Lilies need free‑draining soil—they dislike sitting wet.
  • Improve heavy clay with grit or organic matter.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost mixed with grit.

Planting Lily Bulbs

  • Plant bulbs 15–20 cm deep, depending on size.
  • Space bulbs 20–30 cm apart.
  • Position bulbs upright and cover firmly with soil.
  • For tall varieties, add support stakes early to avoid damage later.

Planting Lilies in Containers

  • Choose a deep pot with good drainage.
  • Plant bulbs close together for a full display, leaving a few centimetres between each.
  • Water well and place in a bright, sheltered spot.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly during growth, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a high‑potash fertiliser once buds form.
  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease.

Care Through the Season

  • Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
  • Leave stems and foliage to die back naturally—they feed the bulb for next year.
  • Watch for lily beetles and remove them promptly.

Overwintering Lilies

  • Most lilies are hardy and can stay in the ground year‑round.
  • In very wet gardens, add a winter mulch or lift bulbs to store in a cool, dry place.
  • Container lilies should be moved to a frost‑free spot over winter.

Nerine

Nerines bring a burst of late‑season colour just as the garden begins to fade. Their elegant, ribbon‑petalled blooms appear in autumn, thriving in warm, sunny spots where their bulbs can bake in summer. With the right conditions, they’re long‑lived, low‑maintenance, and reliably eye‑catching.

When to Plant

  • Spring to early summer: The best time to plant bulbs.
  • Potted nerines: Can be planted at any time during the growing season.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun—they flower best with plenty of heat.
  • Thrive in sheltered, south‑facing borders, gravel gardens, and containers.
  • Ideal for urban gardens, where walls and paving create extra warmth.

Soil & Preparation

  • Need free‑draining soil; they dislike winter wet.
  • Improve heavy ground with grit or coarse sand.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost mixed with grit.

Planting Nerine Bulbs

  • Plant bulbs with the neck just above soil level—they like to sit slightly proud.
  • Space bulbs 10–15 cm apart.
  • Water lightly after planting, then keep on the dry side until growth begins.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water sparingly—nerines prefer dry conditions in summer.
  • Once growth appears, water moderately until flowering.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser during active growth.

Care Through the Season

  • Avoid disturbing bulbs; they flower best when left to clump.
  • Remove faded flowers but allow foliage to die back naturally.
  • Protect emerging shoots from slugs and snails.

Overwintering Nerines

  • Hardy in much of the UK if soil is well drained.
  • In colder or wetter regions, add a winter mulch or grow in containers.
  • Container-grown nerines can be moved to a frost‑free porch or greenhouse over winter.

Summer Anemones

Summer‑flowering anemones, such as Anemone coronaria, bring vibrant, poppy‑like blooms to early and midsummer displays. With their bold colours and delicate, wind‑dancing petals, they’re easy to grow and thrive in sunny, well‑drained spots across the UK.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Plant corms from March to May for summer flowering.
  • Autumn: In mild areas, autumn planting can give earlier blooms the following year.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun or very light shade.
  • Thrive in sheltered borders, raised beds, and containers.
  • Ideal for cut‑flower gardens, producing long, elegant stems.

Soil & Preparation

  • Need free‑draining soil—they dislike sitting wet.
  • Improve heavy ground with grit or organic matter.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost mixed with grit.

Preparing & Planting Corms

  • Soak corms in lukewarm water for 3–4 hours before planting to speed up sprouting.
  • Plant corms 5–8 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart.
  • Don’t worry about orientation—anemone corms will find their way up.
  • Water lightly after planting.

Watering & Feeding

  • Keep soil lightly moist during growth and flowering.
  • Avoid overwatering, especially in cool spells.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser once foliage appears.

Care Through the Season

  • Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms.
  • Protect young growth from slugs and snails.

After Flowering

  • Allow foliage to die back naturally—it feeds the corms for next year.
  • In well‑drained borders, corms can be left in the ground.
  • In wetter areas, lift corms once foliage has died back and store them dry and frost‑free

Zantedeschia

Zantedeschia, or calla lilies, bring sleek, sculptural blooms to summer displays. With their elegant, funnel‑shaped flowers and lush foliage, they thrive in warm, sheltered spots and are ideal for borders, containers, and patio plantings.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Plant rhizomes from April to May, once the soil has warmed.
  • Potted plants: Can be planted out from late spring after frost has passed.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun or light shade.
  • Thrive in sheltered, warm positions protected from cold winds.
  • Excellent for containers, where warmth and drainage are easier to control.

Soil & Preparation

  • Need moist but free‑draining soil—they dislike sitting wet in winter.
  • Improve heavy ground with grit or organic matter.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost with added grit.

Planting Zantedeschia Rhizomes

  • Plant rhizomes 7–10 cm deep, with the growing points facing up.
  • Space 20–30 cm apart in borders.
  • Water lightly after planting and keep soil just moist until growth appears.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly through the growing season, especially in containers.
  • Keep soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser once foliage is strong.

Care Through the Season

  • Mulch lightly to retain moisture and warmth.
  • Remove faded blooms to keep plants tidy and encourage more flowers.
  • Support taller varieties if exposed to wind.

Overwintering Zantedeschia

  • Hardy varieties (mainly white callas) can stay in the ground with a thick winter mulch.
  • Tender coloured hybrids should be lifted in autumn once foliage dies back.
  • Store rhizomes in a cool, frost‑free place in dry compost and replant in spring.

Crocosmia

Crocosmia brings vibrant colour and graceful movement to summer borders. With arching stems and fiery blooms in shades of red, orange, and yellow, these hardy perennials thrive in UK gardens and return reliably year after year.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Plant corms from March to May.
  • Potted plants: Can be planted at any time during the growing season.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun, though they tolerate light shade.
  • Thrive in sheltered borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings.
  • Excellent for cut flowers, producing long, elegant stems.

Soil & Preparation

  • Grow best in moist but well‑drained soil.
  • Improve heavy clay with grit or organic matter.
  • Avoid very dry, sandy soils unless improved with compost.

Planting Crocosmia Corms

  • Plant corms 8–10 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart.
  • Position in groups for a fuller display.
  • Water lightly after planting.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly during dry spells in the first year.
  • Once established, crocosmia is drought‑tolerant.
  • Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertiliser if growth is weak.

Care Through the Season

  • Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Remove spent flower stems to keep plants tidy.
  • Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigour.

Overwintering Crocosmia

  • Fully hardy across most of the UK.
  • In very cold or exposed gardens, add a light winter mulch for protection.
  • Container-grown plants should be moved to a sheltered spot over winter.

Gladiolus Callianthus

Gladiolus callianthus, also known as the Abyssinian gladiolus, brings elegant, star‑shaped white flowers with deep maroon centres to late‑summer displays. With their slender stems and delicate fragrance, they thrive in warm, sunny positions and add height and refinement to borders and containers.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Plant corms from April to May, once the soil has warmed.
  • Potted plants: Can be planted out from late spring after frost has passed.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun for strong flowering.
  • Thrive in sheltered borders, gravel gardens, and containers.
  • Ideal for adding late‑season height and fragrance.

Soil & Preparation

  • Need well‑drained soil—they dislike sitting wet.
  • Improve heavy ground with grit or coarse sand.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost mixed with grit.

Planting Gladiolus callianthus Corms

  • Plant corms 10–12 cm deep and 10–15 cm apart.
  • Position in groups for a fuller, more natural display.
  • Water lightly after planting.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly during dry spells, especially in containers.
  • Keep soil moist but never waterlogged.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser once growth is strong.

Care Through the Season

  • Support taller stems if exposed to wind.
  • Remove faded flowers to keep plants tidy.
  • Mulch lightly to retain warmth and moisture.

Overwintering Gladiolus callianthus

  • In mild, well‑drained gardens, corms may survive winter with a thick mulch.
  • In colder or wetter areas, lift corms in autumn once foliage dies back.
  • Dry for a few days, then store in a cool, frost‑free place in dry compost.
  • Replant in spring.

Hymenocallis festalis

Hymenocallis festalis ‘Zwanenburg’, often called the Peruvian daffodil or spider lily, brings an exotic elegance to summer displays. Its striking, spidery white blooms and sweet fragrance make it a standout in warm, sheltered gardens and containers across the UK.

When to Plant

  • Spring: Plant bulbs from April to May, once the soil has warmed.
  • Potted plants: Can be planted out from late spring after frost has passed.

Where They Grow Best

  • Prefer full sun or very light shade.
  • Thrive in sheltered, warm positions, such as south‑facing borders or patios.
  • Excellent for containers, where warmth and drainage are easier to control.

Soil & Preparation

  • Need free‑draining soil—they dislike sitting wet.
  • Improve heavy ground with grit or coarse sand.
  • In containers, use a peat‑free multipurpose compost mixed with grit.

Planting Hymenocallis Bulbs

  • Plant bulbs 10–15 cm deep, with the neck just below soil level.
  • Space bulbs 20–25 cm apart in borders.
  • Water lightly after planting and keep soil just moist until growth appears.

Watering & Feeding

  • Water regularly through the growing season, especially in containers.
  • Keep soil moist but never waterlogged.
  • Feed every 2–3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser once foliage is strong.

Care Through the Season

  • Mulch lightly to retain warmth and moisture.
  • Remove faded flowers to keep plants tidy.
  • Support taller stems if exposed to wind.

Overwintering Hymenocallis

  • Not fully hardy in most of the UK.
  • In mild, very well‑drained gardens, bulbs may survive with a thick winter mulch.
  • In colder or wetter areas, lift bulbs in autumn once foliage dies back.
  • Store in a cool, frost‑free place in dry compost and replant in spring.

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