Spring-flowering combinations: colour from the first rays of sunshine

The garden awakens

February. The days are noticeably longer. And then, suddenly, the first crocus pokes its head above the ground. Snowdrops follow shortly after, then daffodils, and before you know it the entire garden is in bloom. But the difference between a garden that "has some spring colour" and one that takes your breath away? It is all in the combination.

Clever pairing means you have colour for weeks, from February to May. Layer upon layer. Bulb after bulb. Here are the combinations that make it happen.

Combination 1: Crocuses, grape hyacinths and early tulips

The perfect start to the season. In October, plant a mix of Crocus tommasinianus (lilac), Muscari armeniacum (grape hyacinth, deep blue) and early tulips such as 'Red Riding Hood' (red with striped foliage). The crocuses appear in February, the grape hyacinths follow in late February and the tulips take over in March.

The trick is to scatter them through each other, not in neat rows. Toss the bulbs loosely into the border or lawn and plant them where they land. This creates a natural look, as if they grew there on their own.

Combination 2: Daffodils, forget-me-nots and tulips

This is the cottage garden classic. Plant 'Thalia' daffodils (pure white, fragrant) among a sea of Myosotis sylvatica (forget-me-nots, sky blue). Add triumph tulips 'Gavota' (deep red with yellow) and you have a combination that stops visitors in their tracks.

Plant the daffodils and tulips in autumn. Sow the forget-me-nots in June the previous year, or buy them as bedding plants in spring from the garden centre. They self-seed, so after the first year they look after themselves.

Combination 3: Ornamental cherry with underplanting

A flowering Prunus 'Kanzan' or 'Okame' is the showpiece of any spring garden. But the real magic lies in what grows beneath it. Fill the space under the tree with Anemone blanda (Grecian windflower), Scilla siberica (Siberian squill) and some early Geranium macrorrhizum that takes over later with its leafy canopy.

In March you get a pink cloud above a blue carpet — an image you will not forget quickly. After flowering, the Geranium forms a dense cover that suppresses weeds. Double benefit.

Combination 4: Hellebores, snowdrops and winter aconite

For the truly early spring enthusiast. Helleborus orientalis (Lenten rose) flowers from January in mild winters. Combine with Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) and Eranthis hyemalis (winter aconite, bright yellow). This trio brings colour when the rest of the garden is still dormant.

Plant them in a sheltered spot, for example under a deciduous tree or shrub. They get winter sun but summer shade there — exactly what they want. The Helleborus is a slow grower but becomes more beautiful every year.

Combination 5: Wisteria and late tulips

Wisteria sinensis draped over a pergola or along a house wall, with a border of late tulips in purple and white beneath. The wisteria blooms in late April and the fragrance is heavenly. Pair with Tulipa 'Queen of Night' (near-black purple) and 'White Triumphator' (lily-flowered, white) for a dramatic colour play.

A word of caution: wisteria needs a sturdy frame and can grow aggressively. Prune twice a year — in July cut the long shoots back to five leaves, and in February prune to two buds. That gives the richest flowering.

Timing is everything

The secret of a successful spring border is layered planting. Set bulbs at different depths: crocuses shallow (8 centimetres), tulips deep (15 centimetres), daffodils in between (12 centimetres). They emerge one after another naturally. And do not forget perennials — Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' with its silver-veined foliage and blue flowers is the perfect partner for any spring combination.

Design your spring paradise

Curious how these combinations would look in your garden? Upload a photo at gardenworld.app and be surprised. See instantly where an ornamental cherry fits, how a bulb meadow would look and which colours combine best in your specific setting.