Impressive flower bulb mixes

Planting flower bulbs means having flowers even earlier in the season. But what exactly are flower bulb mixes? These are collections of various kinds of flower bulbs selected by professionals who know that these bulbs will thrive together and create an impressive display. But why not try making your very own mixes? This would give your garden a truly personal touch.

Making your mix

When making your flower bulb mix, you should consider the visual effect of their flowers’ colours, shapes and heights. You might want to create a harmonious blend. Or maybe you’ll go for a contrast in colours or heights. Another factor is the flowering period. Consider this in advance. Will you choose flower bulbs that bloom all at the same time or a mix that provides consecutive flowering?

Kinds of flower bulbs

The most commonly used flower bulbs in these mixes are the ones that we are all familiar with: tulips. They make a good choice for mixtures because they come in so many different colours, shapes and heights. Besides tulips, these mixes can also benefit from the addition of daffodils (Narcissus), grape hyacinths (Muscari), Indian hyacinths (Camassia), crocuses (Crocus) and hyacinths (Hyacinthus).

Biodiversity

Certain flower bulb mixes will also enhance biodiversity because their flowers produce a lot of pollen which is easily accessible to insects. Although the long tongues of butterflies can easily get to the pollen in deep flowers, bees would have to expend too much energy to reach this food source. Crocuses, Grecian windflowers, hyacinths, Sicilian honey garlic and ornamental onions are real treats for insects.

Interesting little facts

• Flowers also serve as shelters. The calyces of tulips are a great place for bumblebees to spend the night.
• Have you ever thought of planting mixtures composed of perennial flower bulbs? These are made up of flower bulbs that produce flowers year after year.