Designing with Spring Bulbs

After a long, cold winter, the sight of a sunny daffodil is like a cool drink after a hot day of yard work. We all know tulips and crocuses, but there are other, lesser-known, bulbs that deserve attention.

Eranthus Hyemalis (Winter Aconite)

Eranthus hyemalis (winter aconite) Eranthus provides a flash of butter yellow low to the ground in wooded areas early in the spring.  This year, they were found hiding under the snowfall, just waiting to be adored.  Their frilly bright green leaves create a rich ground cover.  Hardy and slow to spread, they reliably return each spring with a few new friends.

Leucojum Aestivum (Summer Snowflake)

Leucojum aestivum (Summer snowflake) What if I told you there was a long blooming bulb that liked WET SHADE?!  For real! Leucojum looks like a giant snowdrop (Galanthus), standing 18”-24” high.  It blooms later than snowdrops and is an excellent choice for those squishy areas by the edge of the woods or rain gardens.

Puschkinia Scilloides (Striped Squill)

Puschkinia Scilloides (Striped Squill) I love this bulb – it is just precious.  Each plant can have up to 20 little flowers, each white petal with a blue stripe down its center.  Like most bulbs, it likes full sun or partial shade and the soil needs to be well-drained.  It will spread when it is happy, but not in an obnoxious way.

Fritillaria Imperialis (Crown Imperial)

Fritillaria Imperialis (Crown Imperial).  This one is not for the faint hearted.  Crown Imperials are incredibly persnickety, expensive, and they kind of smell like skunk.  But, planted correctly and with a little luck, its unparalleled appearance is a show stopper!

Be sure to talk to your Chalet Landscape Client Representative today about spring bulbs while they are on your mind!  

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By: Alice O’Laughlin, Chalet Landscape Designer