Brighten Your Garden with Spring Colour
Bulbs are a cost-effective and easy way to add a splash of colour to the garden during late Winter and Spring, whether planted in containers or flower borders.
Choose Wisely When Buying Bulbs
When purchasing bulbs, check the packaging for details on height and flowering times. Free-draining soil is essential, as bulbs will rot in water-logged areas.
Planting Tips for a Natural Look
Plant in sun or partial shade and arrange bulbs in swathes based on height for a natural, relaxed effect. A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth of 2–3 times their size.
Bulbs That Keep on Giving
Once established, many bulbs will return year after year. You can dig them up and store after flowering, or leave them in the soil to bloom again next season.
Try a Bulb 'Lasagne' for Layers of Colour
For a creative and long-lasting container display, try a ‘bulb lasagne’—a layered planting method. Use a deep container with proper drainage, starting with late-flowering bulbs like Tulips at the base, followed by mid-size bulbs, then early-flowering ones on top. Water well and feed until green shoots emerge. Cut back foliage after each layer flowers to let the next shine.
Top Bulb Picks for South African Gardens
Popular indigenous spring bulbs include:
Ixia
Sparaxis
Tritonia
Watsonia
Also widely available and ideal for Spring blooms:
Daffodils
Tulips
Ranunculus
Anemones
Freesias
Hyacinths
Dutch Iris
Muscari
