The Flower bulb mix Shade garden is a mix of spring-flowering bulbs put together for the less sunny parts of the garden. The flowers come in varied colours, and at around 15 to 40 centimetres the plants stay fairly compact. Under trees and shrubs it naturalises after a few years into a natural carpet.

The bulbs are size 10/12. They suit a shady border, planters on a north-facing balcony or the ground between shrubs and trees. With 50 bulbs you fill a few planters or a spot under a shrub. With 100 bulbs you create a generous group, and with 200 or 400 bulbs you plant a whole strip along the hedge or the ground under a tree; allow 50 to 70 bulbs per square metre. Looking for colour for the sunny side of the garden too? Take a look at our other flower bulb mixes. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Flower bulb mix Shade garden?

The best time to plant the Flower bulb mix Shade garden is from mid-October to the end of November. The soil has then cooled to below 10 °C, so the bulbs form roots but do not sprout yet. If the ground is not frozen, you can keep planting into December. Skip spring: without winter cold, flowering will not get going.

When do the Flower bulb mix Shade garden flower?

The Flower bulb mix Shade garden flowers from March into May. Because the species open one after another, the display lasts about two months, while a single flower lasts one to three weeks. In a sheltered spot against a wall flowering starts a little earlier, after a long, cold winter later. As the bulbs naturalise, the group gets fuller every spring.

Care and tips Flower bulb mix Shade garden

Place the bulbs pointed end up in the planting hole, at a depth of two to three times the bulb height; for this size that is about 10 to 12 centimetres. Leave 8 to 10 centimetres between the bulbs. Under trees the soil is often dry and full of roots; work some compost or leaf mould into the top layer there. In a planter, holes in the bottom and a layer of clay pebbles provide drainage; among our outdoor pots and baskets you will find planters that are suitable. Let the foliage yellow after flowering before removing it. Fallen leaves can stay in autumn as natural fertiliser.

Water needs of the Flower bulb mix Shade garden

Under deciduous trees the soil can be drier in spring than you think, because the tree roots take up a lot of moisture. In a dry March or April, feel whether the soil is still moist and water if necessary. In planters, water about once a week from the moment the leaves appear. Avoid wet, compacted soil, because the bulbs will rot in it.

Light needs of the Flower bulb mix Shade garden

This mix is made for partial shade. A spot with a few hours of morning or evening sun, or with dappled light under trees, is ideal. Under deciduous trees the bulbs still get plenty of light in early spring, before the canopy closes. They also grow in full sun, but there the flowering is shorter.

Are the Flower bulb mix Shade garden toxic?

The Flower bulb mix Shade garden is mildly toxic if ingested, especially the bulbs. Make sure pets and young children cannot get to them. Wear garden gloves when planting, because the sap of some bulbs can irritate sensitive skin.

How will my Flower bulb mix Shade garden be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.