Bulbs
RHS/Tim Sandall
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Introducing...

Bulbs

Bulbs bring spectacular colour to gardens across the seasons, but especially in spring. From cheery daffodils to elegant tulips, blowsy gladioli to demure snowdrops, there are bulbs for all styles and growing conditions. A container of miniature bulbs will brighten up even the smallest space, while some dramatic dahlias or cannas will make a big splash in even the grandest of borders.

Looks

Planted when dormant, bulbs may look unassuming, but after just a few months they’ll reward you with exquisite flowers. It includes a wide range of flower shapes, colours and sizes as this is a large and diverse group.

Likes

Most bulbs like a sunny spot with soil that drains well. They prefer moist soil during the growing season, but often need drier conditions when the foliage dies back and they become dormant.

Dislikes

Those from Mexico, such as dahlias, may not survive the winter outside, especially if the tubers are subjected to frost, or grown in heavy clay soil that remains wet overwinter. If planted at the wrong depth or the wrong time, bulbs may fail to flower.

Did you know?

Most people think of bulbs as spring performers, but there are bulbs for every season, including lilies in summer, nerines in autumn and snowdrops in winter.

Growing guide

How to grow bulbs

How to grow bulbs

All the information you need to grow & care for bulbs in your garden. 

Some of our favourite garden plants are bulbs, including daffodils, snowdrops, lilies and gladioli. They are planted when dormant and usually take just a few months to come into bloom. There are bulbs for every season, and for most soil types and conditions, including containers.

How to grow bulbs

Get involved

The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.