As winter merges into early spring, flowering bulbs are a fantastic way to bring renewed vibrancy and life into your garden just when it is most needed. But many Spring blooms are fleeting. A great way to get a succession of blooms all through spring is to plant a bulb lasagne.
With layers resembling those of the Italian dish, a bulb lasagne involves planting two or more layers of bulbs that flower at different times, at different depths, in a single, large container. For a spring-flowering display, plant the bulbs in autumn.
The bulb layers are placed according to their bloom time and size, with the largest and latest blooming bulbs at the bottom and the smallest and earliest blooming on top. The result is a sequence of flowers from late winter to spring, as each layer comes into its own, giving you a spring full of flowers. It’s a great way of maximising flower power and making the most of limited planting space, especially on a balcony or in a small garden.
A spring container display of layered bulb planting with early flowering Iris reticulata and the emerging foliage of tulips that will flower later.
Top Tips for a Successful Bulb Lasagne
To get the longest flowering period, choose bulbs that have distinct flowering times.
For a stunning display, make sure to plant generous numbers of each bulb. It may seem overcrowded, but each plant will find its space.
To ensure aesthetically pleasing displays, complimentary or contrasting colours across the selection will result in harmonious effects, regardless of what blooms when.
Animals such as squirrels will dig up and eat spring bulbs. After planting, protect each pot by covering it with fine chicken wire mesh, or a dense layer of holly or other sharp foliage.
Niall’s Favourite Spring Bulbs
Iris ‘Katharine Hodgkin’: irises provide a beautiful display of form and colour in late winter. The blooms of this cultivar feature an incredible blend of icy blue and pale yellow.
Narcissus ‘Tête-à-tête’: this stalwart, miniature daffodil performs well in most situations and is particularly valuable because its small size works well in containers.
Tulipa ‘Doll’s Minuet’: I plant these every autumn because their long-lived, whirligig magenta flowers, tinged with green at the base, make the perfect accent to so many other tulips
This Bulb Lasange techniques article was brought to you in association with Bord Bia.
Niall McCauley creates gardening content from his home in Co. Meath. You can find him on YouTube and Instagram @niallgardens. For lots more tips from Niall don’t miss his column in our Winter Issue, or subscribe now.
