For places short on space, there are a plethora of miniature bulbs that will fit into the smallest of spaces, but still have a big impact. Here are some top picks for miniature bulbs for spring and summer.
Bulbs for Spring
Sparaxis tricolor (harlequin flower)
Technically a cormous perennial rather than a bulbous one, these blooms pack lots of interest into the flowers. In spring and summer, the small clusters are made up of red, orange, and purple funnel-like flowers. Originating from South Africa, these plants are tolerant of low temperatures, but not of being frozen. This makes them great for growing under glass or on the patio in a spot with plenty of light but not in direct sun.
Once flowering is done, remove any spent flowers and let the foliage die down.
- Flowers in spring
- Plant in early autumn or early spring
- Can naturalise
- Tolerant of low temperatures, but not of being frozen
- Grows up to 45cm tall
- Well-drained loam soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Muscari (grape hyacinth) ‘Blue Ocean’
Whether you’re growing these in a container or at the front of a border, the texture and cool colour of these flowers will add a charm. Planting them en masse creates a soft carpet effect in spring. ‘Blue Ocean’ is a new cultivar, introduced in 2022 and when fully grown they reach 20cm tall.
- Flowers in spring
- Plant in autumn
- Does well naturalising
- Hardy through most areas of the UK
- Grows up to 20cm tall
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
Babiana stricta (baboon flower)
The name may give connotations of a tough looking flower, but it’s surprisingly small and dainty looking, growing up to 30cm tall with pink-purple flowers. Blooming in late spring, they are loved by pollinators, making them a great addition to a wildlife friendly garden. As well as beauty, they have a delightful fragrance as well.
- Flowers in spring
- Plant in the spring (after all risk of frost has passed)
- Naturalises to form clumps
- Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen
- Grows up to 30cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Bulbs for Summer
Allium moly (yellow garlic) ‘Jeannine’
Small but mighty, this ornamental onion has plenty to offer. Growing up to 40cm tall, it’s a nice height for a spring container, with umbels of vibrant yellow flowers. Not only do the flowers appeal to us, but they’re a magnet for pollinators too. After a few years, the clumps can be divided in early spring. This will extend the life of the bulbs, whilst increasing your stock for more flowers to enjoy.
- Flowers in summer
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Naturalises well
- Fully hardy
- Grows up to 40cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
Scilla peruviana (Portuguese squill)
A more or less evergreen perennial, these perennials do very well in early summer, with their star-shaped flowers creating a wonderful spread of blue colour. They are only dormant for a very short period of the year after the leaves wither, so you won’t have to wait long for them to show some life again. Just be mindful that the whole plant is poisonous, and so may cause severe discomfort if digested.
- Flowers in summer
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Naturalises well
- Hardy
- Grows up to 30cm tall
- Well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Sheltered
Dahlia ‘Ellen Huston’ (D/DwB)
A tuberous rooted perennial, this dahlia is brightly coloured and a lovely addition to your garden for flowers to last through summer and into autumn. It grows up to 45cm tall, which makes it a great container plant, or decoration for your patio. It does well in various environments, which makes it ideal for city, courtyward, cottage and informal gardens, which also includes flower borders and beds.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Plant bulbs in spring
- Can naturalise – may struggle in winter
- Hardy in coastal and mild areas
- Grows up to 45cm
- Moist but well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Bulbs for Autumn
Cyclamen hederifolium (Hardy cyclamen)
There are not many miniature bulbs that flower in autumn, but cyclamen hederifolium being a hardy perennial means it grows well in autumn conditions. It has beautiful purple flowers, and has dark green leaves that are reminiscent of ivy. It is ideal for growing at the base of shrubs and trees to fill any empty space that needs a little autumn colour.
- Flowers in autumn
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Naturalises very well
- Hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Moist but well-drained
- Dappled shade, full shade or partial shade
- Sheltered
Zephyranthes candida (Peruvian swamp lily)
Reaching up to 20cm in height and only 4cm across, these little lilies create a nice contrast to the reds and oranges of autumn with it’s white flowers and green leaves. Their funnel-shaped flowers are akin to the flowers of the crocus, which makes for lovely cohesion in your autumn garden.
- Flowers in summer and autumn
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Can naturalise – may struggle in winter
- Hardy in coastal and mild areas
- Grows up to 20cm tall
- Well-drained
- Full sun
- Sheltered
Crocus goulimyi (fall crocus)
A cormous perennial hailing from Greece, their two-tone lilac flowers are thanks to their inner tepals being paler and slightly shorter. They’re lovely and small perennials, only reaching about 10cm in height, which are ideal for almost any garden. Alongside being beautifully coloured, the flowers have a lovely scent too.
- Flowers in autumn
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Good for naturalising
- Hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Well-drained
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
Bulbs for Winter
Galanthus nivalis f. pleniflorus (double snowdrop) ‘Flore Pleno’
What could be more stunning than a snowdrop? A double snowdrop of course. With a final height of just 15cm tall, they may be short, but the recognisable flowers are sure to bright joy on a winter or early spring morning. The flowers have much to offer alongside their beauty. For instance, their fragrance is another selling point, as well as them being attractive to pollinators.
- Flowers in winter
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Great for naturalising
- Hardy
- Grows up to 15cm tall
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
Aconitum hyemale (winter aconite)
These beautiful yellow flowers instantly catch the eye, especially against the browns and greys of winter. What more could you want than the bright appearance of something like buttercups in the middle of a frost? It is worth knowing that these plants may cause skin irritation when planting and stomach upset if digested, so take care to wear gloves when planting.
- Flowers in winter
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Good for naturalising
- Well hardy
- Grows up to 10cm tall
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
- Full sun or partial shade
- Exposed or sheltered
Iris reticulata (early bulbous iris)
A truly gorgeous dwarf perennial, it’s stiff leaves and purple flowers really stand out in any garden. That lightning bolt-like flash of yellow on the ridge contrasts that purple-blue colour wonderfully, and also helps it to stand out in the darker shades of winter, which also draws you in to enjoy its delightful floral scent.
- Flowers in winter
- Plant bulbs in autumn
- Good for naturalising
- Fully hardy
- Grows up to 15cm tall
- Moist but well-drained or well-drained soil
- Full sun
- Exposed or sheltered
With these small bulbous perennials, you can have displays whatever the garden size. Throughout the year, ensure you have blooms that will grace you with their presence again with these top picks of miniature bulbs for spring and summer flowers.
Find out more about adding texture to your garden:
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David Domoney is a Chartered Horticulturalist, Broadcaster, and Author. David has worked with a number of the UK’s leading garden retailers as a plant buyer and strategic consultant. With more than 30 years experience, in horticulture, David is as passionate about plants now as he was when he bought his first plant at a village fete.
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