Easy Bulbs to buy in autumn - Alpine Garden Society

Easy Bulbs to buy in autumn
Crocus medius
Impress your friends with this autumn-flowering crocus. Lilac-purple flowers with contrasting orange-red
stigma. This one does well in moist soils, and will increase by underground stolons. Buy and plant as early
as possible. (5, October)
Crocus sieberi
Several subspecies and varieties are available, all good. C. sieberi tricolor is a stunner: each flower is bright
purple with a yellow base, with a white band between them. ‘Firefly’: inner petals violet, outer nearly white.
‘Bowles White’: white with a yellow base. Best in full sun with good drainage. (7, February)
Fritillaria meleagris
Wiry stems hold one or two large nodding bells in shades of purple or
white, with a chequered pattern. Will tolerate dry soils once established
and self-seed. Buy bulbs and plant them as early as possible; old, dry bulbs
may fail to establish. (15 – 30, April)
Narcissus bulbocodium.
The hoop-petticoat daffodil. Buy and plant as early as possible in humus-rich
moist soil. Conical flowers in many shades of yellow and various shapes,
and shiny narrow leaves. All are delightful! (10 – 15, February – April)
Narcissus juncifolius
A strongly-scented jonquil species, with small deep yellow flowers on tall, wiry stems. Has done surprisingly
well in poor, sandy soils. May also be found under the names N. assoanus or N. requienii. (10 – 25,
March)
Ornithogalum nutans
A relative of the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ with spikes of silvery-white outward-facing flowers. The petals have a
green or greyish stripe on the reverse. (15 – 20, May)
Scilla sibirica
Brilliant blue, slightly nodding flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. Will take some shade, but not too
much. (10, March).
Ornithogalum nutans
Narcissus bulbocodium.
Sternbergia lutea
Wonderful glossy upward-facing golden goblets, followed later by glossy, dark green
narrow leaves. For the hottest, sunniest place in your garden. (10, October)
Tritelia laxa ‘Queen Fabiola’
Generous heads of bright blue flowers. Plant in clumps 10 cm apart for a stunning
effect! (20, June – July)
Tulipa saxatilis
Large pale pink flowers with a bold yellow centre. Will flourish in the hottest,
sunniest situations. (20, April)
Tulipa tarda
A complete contrast. Glossy yellow petals, each with a white edge and reverse.
Must have full sun. (10, April)
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