As winter draws to an end, we look forward to seeing colourful spring flower displays. Whilst snowdrops are recognised as winter flowers, they are closely followed in early spring by crocus, then daffodils, then by bright, showy tulips. Do not forget though about some of the other spring flowering bulbs such as chionodoxa, corydalis, erythronium, fritillaria, hyacinths, iris, and muscari, to name just a few.

But it is almost certainly the daffodil that people associate with the arrival of spring. No spring garden is complete without Narcissus, whether growing in the borders or in pots, and dominating roadside verges and spring show benches. 

Its popularity is well deserved as there are lots of different shapes, sizes, and colour varieties from which to choose, and spring is a great time to go out and enjoy them. 

There are a number of large gardens with significant displays of daffodil: Brodie Castle (NTS) in Moray, Greenbank Garden (NTS) near Glasgow, and Backhouse Rossie in Fife are all well worth a visit.

Another way of exploring the wide range of daffodils and other spring blooms would be to visit a spring show. This this can be a good way to help you choose what to grow in your own garden. Why not check out The Caley Spring Show on 5th and 6th April 2024, get a closer look, and be your own judge? The Show takes place in Edinburgh at Saughton Park, EH11 3HR, and is open to new entrants, you do not need to be an expert to enter.

You do not need a large garden to grow spring bulbs, these bulbs also grow well in pots, and are a sheer delight.

Chionodoxa

This spring flowering bulb is more often called ‘Glory of the Snow’. An easy, low-growing bulb which is often grown in rockeries. They are closely related to scillas, another spring flowering bulb. You can grow these in your garden, where their brilliant blue flowers can be striking, but many of us in Scotland also like to pop a few of these bulbs in a pot.

Corydalis

Not all Corydalis are spring flowering, but the varieties good for cooler conditions of spring present a display of fern-like leaves with small tubular flowers. They are not keen on full sun so can do well with other woodland type bulbs in part shade.

Erythronium

A delightful inclusion in any Scottish spring garden. There are a lot of varieties and they are pretty easy to grow. They grow well in part shade and once established they can create impressive clumps. Erythronium are often known as a ‘Dog Tooth Violet’.

Fritillaria

Fritillaria have bell-like blooms that hang down delicately. There are around a hundred different varieties, some large, some small, although some are easier to grow than others! Fritillaria meleagris, Snake’s Head Fritillary, is easy to grow – but beware of mice and squirrels when they are first planted.

Hyacinths

Hyacinths are often described as the most fragrant of all spring flowering bulbs. It is fair to say the fragrance, however, is not always appreciated: you either love it or you hate it! Hyacinths have a large bulb and, usually, have a single flower spike. They are more frequently grown in pots to give early bold colour.

Iris

The range of different flowering Iris is vast, many flowering during the summer, but there are a few early flowering varieties. These are smaller plants, often grown in rockeries or pots. Look out for Iris danfordiae or one of varieties of Iris reticulata. 

Muscari

Otherwise known as Grape Hyacinths, used to have a mixed reputation amongst gardeners as some varieties can become very prolific. This is rather an unfair reputation as there are many well-behaved varieties which will grow well in areas where other bulbs struggle, and will naturalize in grassy areas under trees. They contrast well with other spring bulbs, and make a perfect companion plant in pots.

Tulips

Whilst Tulips grow well in the garden many, particularly the lower growing varieties, are popular for growing in pots and containers. One of the advantages to growing tulips in Scotland is that the bulbs like to be planted in cold soil so they are very suited to autumn planting. Their biggest drawback is that mice and squirrels do like to eat the newly planted bulbs.

The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, known affectionately as ‘The Caley’, was established in 1809 by a group of seventeen Edinburgh worthies at a meeting held at the Royal College of Physicians.

The Caley is always ready to welcome new members and offers a wide range of benefits to encourage you to join. From workshops and classes to talks and trips, there is sure to be something to interest anyone in Scotland with a love of plants and gardening. Find out more about how to join Scotland’s National Horticultural and Gardening Society on their website.