Michael reveals his favourites among the latest new and unusual varieties
It is time for thinking about (getting excited by) spring bulbs. Just half an hour of planting now will reward you with so much colour and joy next spring, so wrap up and let’s get planting. This is also probably one of the easiest tasks for a gardening beginner too, as long as bulbs are planted the right way up (pointed ends skyward), they generally find their own way!
So, it’s definitely time to grab your credit card, and your trowel and start planting the promise of glorious spring blooms to come.
‘Ginger Snap’ Tulip Mix by Sarah Raven’s Garden
Have you ever seen such a luscious, colour drenched bunch of tulips as this? All I can say is wow, Sarah Raven’s garden knocks it out of the park again with this curated blend of cultivars. Plant these later in November or even in December, so the ground is cooler and all the nasties lurking in the soil will hopefully have been killed off by the cold
Hyacinth ‘Midnight Mystic’ by Thompson & Morgan
These are 20 years old yet still pretty scarce. ‘Midnight Mystic’ is the world’s only black- flowered hyacinth, and unique genetics and careful micropropagation keeps this beauty highly sought after. Not only is the deep purple-black colour unique, but the fragrance differs too, with a spicy cinnamon aroma.
Narcissus ‘Queen’s Day’ by Farmer Gracy
Oh, the scent of Narcissus is really a sign of spring to me. It’s so sticky and sweet, I find the aroma a little addictive. ‘Queens Day’ is an ‘extreme double’ (my words, not theirs) with classic golden petals, packed tightly into a rosette.
Tulip ‘Strawberry Cream’ by Dutch Grown
These tulips are the ultimate in luxury, for not only are they beautiful but they open with a whole lot of theatre too. From the much admired ‘Ice Cream’ Series, this new shade has a lip-smacking contrast to boot.
Iris ‘Lion King’ by Jacques Amand International
Dutch Iris are the best kept secret in growing; they are insatiably easy, and give flowers from late spring onwards. Nice and tall, they are ideal for cutting and I am rather in love with the bronze shade of this cultivar from the team at Jacques Amand too.
Gladiolus ‘Queen Elizabeth’ by FAM Flower Farm
Gladioli are the next big thing, you heard it here first! They are elegant, flamboyant, full of colour, and an absolute doddle to grow. FAM Flower Farm is launching a full Gladioli catalogue for 2025, and I cannot wait to get a copy.
‘Queen Elizabeth’ is ruffled and oh-so-fancy, and comes in a rather unique shade of what I can only describe as ‘orange pastel’. Go on, you know you want to!
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