Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June Hardiness: fully hardyDense, rich-purple globes held high on erect stems above strap-like, pale green leaves appear in early summer. They look spectacular grouped in a pot, or in a sunny border, dotted in groups among ornamental grasses, or as part of a Mediterranean scheme. Alliums look best planted between medium-sized herbaceous plants, which help to mask the strap-like leaves, which fade by the time the flowers appear.Garden care: Plant bulbs 15cm deep and 15cm apart to enjoy the full effect of the flowers.

Avoid excessive soil moisture, and split and divide large clumps in autumn or spring.

A multi-headed trumpet daffodil that emerges from its bud a greeny-white and opens to reveal a delightful, pure white flower that looks really good planted in big swathes. This is quite an old variety that was a firm favourite of the Victorians. It went out of favour for several years as the newer varieties had bigger flowers or bolder colours.

Happily though, this gem is now enjoying a renaissance due to its simple, under-stated elegance.Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: March and April Flower colour: whiteOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Wearing gloves plant bulbs 10-15cm deep and 10cm apart in autumn. After flowering feed with a balanced fertiliser, dead-head the...

Each stem of this plant will carry up to 10 nodding, sulphur-yellow flowers with a brown central ring and deep yellow anthers. The foliage can be equally showy as it has either bronze-mottled, or fainter white marbling on the deep green, glossy leaves. In early spring this combination makes a very colourful display in woodlands and meadows.

This is a vigorous plant which will form clumps and spread.Position: partial to shadeSoil: fertile, humus-rich, freely draining soil that does not dry outRate of growth: fastFlowering period: March and April Flower colour: yellow Hardiness: fully hardyGarden care: Plant bulbs 15 - 20cm deep and 15cm apart in naturalistic drifts where they can be left undisturbed for several years. Try to avoid planting under shrubs or trees that will soak up all...

The rich, warm tones of this glorious tulip won't fail to delight. The goblet shaped flowers have mahogany-red petals each with a buttercup-yellow feathered edge. These bulbs are perfect for 'bruised' toned borders and compliment rich plums and deep purples.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: Apr-MayFlower colour: warm red with a yellow trimOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.

A beautiful lily-flowered tulip with purple-violet, reflexed petals with a narrow margin of creamy-white. This is a particularly sturdy variety, despite looking quite delicate. It is a neat border plant that looks great planted out in bedding displays, or potted up into containers.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: mid MayFlower colour: purple-violetOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool...

A single, early hybrid with deep yellow cups that are heavily streaked with blood-red flames. The flowers are quite small but nevertheless they pack a real punch when planted in bold drifts, or where their bright flowers can add early colour to a hot border.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: early AprilFlower colour: yellow and redOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq.

After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.

Named after a Dutch Princess, this variety was first introduced in 1845. It has pale orange petals that are flushed with purple and are sweetly scented. Their short, sturdy stems make them ideal for growing in windy or exposed positions and they rarely get flattened by heavy spring downpours.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: AprilFlower colour: orange, flushed with purpleOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the...

Rich, deep maroon purple with lovely coloured veining make this a spectacular tulip for spring bedding displays. The petals have a rounded shape with pointed tips and have a smoky sheen and silky texture.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: Apr-MayFlower colour: deep maroon-purpleOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq.

After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.

An elegant tulip with broad, white, slightly feathered petals each with a bright green central band. Perfect for a sunny, well-drained border where it will brighten up a spring day or for planting in pots on the patio. It looks particularly lovely teamed with silver foliaged plants or with other tulips, especially the dark plum coloured varieties like 'Black Hero'Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: MayFlower colour: whiteOther features: excellent cut-flowersHardiness: fully hardyGarden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil.

Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once...

The flowers on this Allium are quite papery, which means they last longer than many of the other varieties. In spring the first sign of growth is the appearance of the strappy foliage. This has usually died off by the time the flowers appear in late spring.

The pinky-purple, bell shaped flowers emerge in clusters of up to 20 at a time on top of single stems. A great plant for an alpine bed or to add colour to the front of a mixed border.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: May to JulyFlower colour: pinkish-purpleOther features: Dried flower-heads are useful for flower arrangementsHardiness: semi hardyGarden care: Plant bulbs 5cm deep and 5cm apart in clumps or drifts. Avoid excessive soil moisture and split and divide large clumps in...