Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
The wee bulbs that bloom from January through March are a special delight, and the only “minor” thing about them is the small size of their flowers. Indeed, the joy they provide is huge, for they offer the brightest of all possible flowers — sparkling blues, whites, purples, lavenders and yellows — at a time when there is little else happening in the garden. I like to plant them in circles under trees, in drifts near the front porch, and beneath my lilacs, mock-oranges, and other deciduous shrubs. Here are just a few of the early birds that you can plant in September and October:
Winter Aconite
The winter aconite, Eranthis hyemalis, will open its green-collared golden cups as early as January during a mild winter, and late-February or early March during a severe one. I have it planted next to the south-facing front porch, where visitors can enjoy its buttery blooms. Hint: Soak bulbs overnight. Then plant 2″ deep, 2″ or 3″ apart.
Snowdrops
Galanthus, or snowdrops, are undaunted by snow. Planted above a southern stone wall in my Serpentine Garden, the nodding white bells never fail to open in January. They are also effective in a woodland setting, providing they receive early sunshine. I have the more common, single variety, but there is a double version available, too. I always save a few bulbs for even earlier bloom in the window garden. Plant in September, 4″ deep, 2″ apart.
Puschkinia
Planted in a circle beneath my Madonna crabapple, Puschkinia libanotica makes a pleasant, Victorian-like picture. Its icy-blue flowers open in March. Plant 2″ to 3″ deep, 4″ to 5″ apart.
Crocus
Essential to every winter garden are the crocuses, particularly the species that bloom from February into March. These include the golden Crocus flavus ‘Yellow Mammoth,’ the lavender-violet C. vernus ‘Grand Maitre’ (above) and the bluish-white C. chrysanthus ‘Blue Pearl.’ Plant early, 2″ to 3″ deep, 5″ to 6″ apart.
Chiondoxa
Chiondoxa, or “Glory of the Snow,” is another winter-lover. I recently planted 25 of these bulbs in a patch of my Woodland Garden, in hopes that they will transform the landscape there from white to blue in early March. Plant 3″ deep, 2″ apart; endures March snow. Good for naturalizing in relatively sunny places.
It is worth mentioning that all of these bulbs will bloom better — and earlier — if you plant them in rich, well-draining soil, which warms up faster than cold, hard, clay. Clay soil, of course, can be improved with the addition of compost and sand.
I hope that I’ve tempted you with some of these early birds. Why not plant a few of the minors in sheltered spots beneath your own trees and deciduous shrubs this fall? I can guarantee that winter will bring you some unexpected color.
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Eric says
Kevin, how do I keep squirrels from eating my bulbs?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Eric – first, bury the bulbs a few inches deeper than usual. Then cover the bulb-patch with a section of chicken-wire fencing, using landscaping pins or stones to the wire in place. I've seen this chicken-wire-fence-trick employed by the great gardeners at Dumbarton Oaks in Georgetown. It really works.
Sharon says
I have snowdrops in a bed near my patio, and yes, they DO bloom in the snow, when it's not too deep. I'll have to get some puschkineas, aconites, and species crocuses planted this fall.
Holly says
I alway mean to plant bulbs in the fall, but never seem to get around to it. Ah, maybe this year. Thanks for the inspiration!
Gardenlady says
Years ago, I planted about 2 dozen aconites on a wild part of my property. They have multiplied tremendously. They are the first things to flower here, sometimes when there is still a little snow in the yard.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Gardenlady – your aconites must be very beautiful! I'll have to add some to the bed beneath my music room window. Then I can enjoy their blooms without having to trudge through the slushy-cold outdoors.