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Spring Scheming–Unusual flower bulbs from Secret Garden Growers

by | Nurseries, Plants, Shop updates | 0 comments

Close up of two pendulous flowers with distinct white and burgundy checkerboard pattern.

Planting now for Spring feels like money in the bank.

 

Read on for 6 unusual Spring flower bulbs that are true treasures from Secret Garden Growers nursery:

 

Honey Garlic

Allium siculum sends up spires topped with pendulous flowers in dusty shades of mauve and yellow. Definitely a showstopper. Plus it’s easy to grow and looks good even after blooming. The dried flower heads are a florist’s dream.

Chandelier-shaped flowers in pale cream atop green spired stems.
Also knows as Sicilian Honey Lily, Allium siculum is a surprising Spring bulb that pairs well with other soft colors. Photo by Leafari.

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Species Tulips

Given good drainage and dry conditions in Summer, Tulipa turkestanica is a species tulip that will return and naturalize, spreading cheer for many Springs to come.

Close up birds-eye view of star shaped flowers of pale yellow with bright yellow centers.
Tulipa turkestanica is a wonderful tulip for naturalizing in spots that stay dry in Summer. Photo by Secret Garden Growers.

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Snowdrops

Galanthus ‘Hippolyta’ is one of the first signs of Spring, blooming in late Winter and earning it the nickname ‘snowdrop’ for its ability to poke its head out of the snow. This is an extra rare and beautiful variety. Plant in pots to get the precious blooms in closer proximity.

Close up of single white flower with multi-petaled center of lime green.
Snowdrops are always an exciting sight and Galanthus ‘Hippolyta’ thrills even more with it’s fanciful bi-color blooms. Photo by Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

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Fritillaria

I’ve never understood why fritillaria aren’t as popular as daffodils and tulips, because as Spring flower bulbs they are just as magical and easy to grow. Fritillaria uva-vulpis is a graceful and exquisite variety with fine, blue-grey foliage that pairs well with all sorts of Spring color-schemes.

Close up of single pendulous flower in mint green striped with burgundy and yellow tips.
Fritillaria uva-vulpis is not quite as showy as the checkerboard Fritillaria but enchants just as much. Photo by Annie’s Annuals & Perennials.

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Wild Blue Hyacinth

If you have a rain swale or area of your garden that stays moist in the Spring this regal and graceful PNW native Camas Camassia cusickii will naturalize, creating an enchanted meadow look.

A collection of light green, grassy plant spires topped with star shaped blooms in icy blue.
A light blue version of the PNW native camas flower, Camassia cusickii provides charm and height to Spring gardens. Photo by Far Reaches Farm.

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Variegated Japanese Iris

Iris japonica ‘Variegata’ would be worth growing for the high-contrast foliage alone but also produces striking orchid-like flowers. A stunner all around.

Close up of open flower with fringed white petals with painted-looking splashes of yellow and purple.
Iris japonica ‘Variegata’ has variegated leaves with fringed white flowers painted in yellow and purple. A masterpiece. Photo by Secret Garden Growers.

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So many interesting and unusual bulbs, corms, and tubers for a sophisticated garden

There are so many to love, it’s hard to pick just a few. The checkerboard lily Fritillaria meleagris seen in the first photo can be found here.
Honorable mention: