Eremurus
Foxtail Lily
An incredible plant features a tall spike of flowers in early summer. Perfect for a vertical effect or to give height to the border, it makes an excellent cut flower. Protect from strong winds. These are the stars in the border of the English Walled Garden in June. Eremurus ‘Cleopatra’ 4-5´ This creates a bright, eye-catching display, with its tall spikes of burnt-orange flowers accented with a red midrib. E. bungei (syn. E. stenophyllus) 3-6´ The bright yellow flower matures to orange, then russet brown.
Fritillaria
Fritillary
This most unusual group of plants comes in a variety of sizes and colors. They all have bell-shaped, usually pendulous, flowers. They perform best when sited in moist, rich, well-drained soils. Pest-free. Keep the bulbs moist before planting. Fritillaria imperialis ‘Lutea’ Crown Imperial 32-40˝ Clear lemon-yellow flowers bloom below a tufted “crown” of green leaves. This is the only bulb with foliage above the flowers. F. i. ‘Rubra Maxima’ 24-32˝ This classic has been on the market since 1665! Bright redorange petals. F. meleagris Guinea Hen Fritillary 6-8˝ In April–May, this selection has wonderful, nodding flowers with a faint creamy white, checkered pattern over the reddishpurple petals. It has distinctive charm and performs well in a damp location with dappled shade.
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Galanthus elwesii Giant Snowdrop 4-6˝ This vigorous plant with broad glaucous foliage is topped with enormous white flowers accented by lovely green inner segments. G. ikariae 5-8˝ Plant large clumps of these delicate white flowers that have a touch of green at the base of the inner petal. These harbingers of spring that sparkle even through a late- winter snow are always a welcome sight. G. nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’ 4-6˝ The beautiful double, bell-shaped, fragrant flower is white, tipped with spots of green. Excellent for naturalizing in woodlands.
Hyacinthoides Bluebells One of the most adaptable bulbs. Charming bell-shaped flowers in May–June hover over low-growing foliage that quickly disappears. Very attractive when mixed with late-spring tulips, hosta, and ferns. Will colonize and spread, so give them room. Hyacinthoides hispanica ‘Dainty Maid’ Spanish Bluebells 12-15˝ This award-winning selection produces abundant violet-pink flowers on strong stems. H. h. ‘Excelsior’ 8-12˝ This beautiful plant is likely the best of the species. It has the largest blossoms and most vigorous habit of all. The rich, deep blue, bell-shaped flowers flare at the edge.
F. m. ‘Alba’ 6-8˝ This variety has solitary bell-shaped flowers. White, with a barely discernible grey-green checkering.
H. non-scripta English Bluebells 8-12˝ Z The smaller and more pendant blue-violet flowers of this variety open with a heavenly fragrance on spikes about a week earlier than their Spanish relatives. This graceful English wildflower carpets the woodland floor with soft blue as it colonizes under deciduous trees across the landscape. A 1597 heirloom and a great companion to camassia, late daffodils, and species tulips.
Galanthus Snowdrop
Hyacinthus orientalis Hyacinth
One of the first to bloom in the spring, usually in February– March, these extremely hardy plants naturalize well. Plant in a mulched bed. Distasteful to deer and other wildlife. Performs best in rich, moist soils. Plant 4˝deep.
These large, fragrant, vividly colored flower spikes are a springtime favorite. Plant in rich, well-drained soil or force indoors. Flowers in mid- to late May. 8-10˝.