bulbs with other plants can really enhance their beauty

 What to Plant with Spring Bulbs

Planting bulbs with other plants can really enhance their beauty. Check out our favorite planting combinations. Growing spring bulbs is one of the easiest ways to give your garden a boost of color after a long winter. No matter how big your space is – or how crowded it is – there’s always room for a few bulbs, whether squeezed in between other plants or in a pot. We’ve put together some stylish combinations of bulbs with complementary plants to give you a stunning display next spring and beyond. If you can’t find the exact varieties we used, look for similar colors and let your imagination run wild.

1. Snowdrop and Aconite

Bulbs of snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, and winter aconite, Erastus hyemalis, are planted in drifts under deciduous shrubs and trees. Enrich the soil with compost before planting.

2. Cyclamen and Hellebore

Cyclamen persicum 'Miracle Deep Rose' creates a pink undertone under the dark-colored Helleborus atrorubens. This combination is perfect in the shade under deciduous trees or near a wall.

3. Tulip and Primula

The creamy white flowers of the early Tulipa 'Purissima' stand out above the scarlet of the less expensive winter bedding Primula. A good combination for a container but also works in the ground.

4. Grape Hyacinth and Ipeion

In this combination, the deep blue of the Muscari armeniaca complements the sky blue of the Ipeion 'Rolf Fiedler'. Both bulbs are like a shelter from the sun in the summer.

5. Eremurus and Thapsis

An unusual but striking combination of majestic spikes and starburst flower heads that will brighten up the back of a border. Give these plants a sunny, well-drained spot. Wear gloves when planting Thapsis, as the roots are poisonous and can irritate skin.

6. Trillium and Dogtooth Violet

The wine-red Trillium sessile and the pale pink Dogtooth Violet, Erythronium revolutum, are offset by their scaly, marbled leaves. Both plants prefer rich, moist soil, so avoid the bases of thirsty trees and shrubs.

7. Anemone and Euphorbia

The red stems of Euphorbia amygdaloides 'Ephanthia' and the lime green flowers of Anemone planta create starry blooms. Unobtrusively, the anemones will spread out to form a white carpet.

8. Camassia and Euphorbia

The yellow of Euphorbia amygdaloids var. raphia contrasts with the lavender blue of the Camassia leichtlini caerulea group. Both plants prefer heavy, moist soil.

9. Tulips and daffodils

The combination of flower shapes and pale yellows works beautifully in this composition. Narcissus will start blooming in March, while tulips will continue the show until May. Let the leaves die back naturally.

10. Bronze fennel and tulips

This simple, contemporary combination of ruby-red tulip bowls and feathery bronze clouds is perfect for a sunny spot. Tulips bloom throughout April, replaced by the acid-yellow flowers of fennel in midsummer.

11. Hyacinths, Muscari and Violas

This attractive mix of indigo, purple and blue creates an attractive spring display for the front of a sunny border. Violas will continue to bloom if you deadhead them regularly.