Iris, muscari, crocus bulbs - best arrangment in a long flowerbed?

Pink678 · November 2023

It's my first time planting bulbs, and I am wondering the best arrangment for these bulbs in a long flowerbed?

Is it best to scatter each variety equally along the bed, would that work in this set up? The flowerbed is about 9 metres long.

This is what I've got:

- muscari 35 bulbs, 5cm deep, 10cm apart, height 6-7cm
- crocus 15 corms, 5cm deep, 5cm apart, flowering feb-march, height 8cm
- iris 30 bulbs, 8cm deep, 5cm apart, height 5cm

Any opinions much appreciated!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/9i/jh8frz7nrip8.jpg

clematisdorset · November 2023

I think iris and crocus would need more sun than muscari. Does that help? What sort of conditions does your garden have?

JennyJ · November 2023

I generally prefer to see clumps of each variety rather than a row of alternating single bulbs, or different varieties randomly mixed up, but you can plant them however you like.

Are you planning to squeeze them in under the hedge or plant into the grass, or remove the grass to make a border?

Pink678 · November 2023

Thank you very much @clematisdorset . It's a border that is out in the open, facing east, so it gets good bright light but maybe not a lot of direct sun.

I don't necessarily need to plant them all in that border as well, I could put some in other locations.

Pink678 · November 2023

That's a very good idea @JennyJ , now you say it, clumps of each could look better.

I was planning to put them all in that strip of soil under the hedge, just because it's very plain and there's nothing growing there (except weeds if I let them).

The grass will be left as-is not removed, and nothing planted in it.

clematisdorset · November 2023

In that case, I would allocate space for the sun-lovers first in the best spaces, well -draining and open to the sun early in the year. I think a natural 'random' look works well in terms of spacing.

Pink678 · November 2023

OK, thank you @clematisdorset , so the sunniest spot is for iris or crocus (I guess they need sun equally I don't know), then muscari in the shadier bit.

I like the idea of each type together, and within in each type a natural scattered look not neat rows.

clematisdorset · November 2023

That sounds good@pink678. It should be lovely.

JennyJ · November 2023

The crocuses and muscari will probably be fine in the base of the hedge and come back each year. Iris (I'm assuming the early-spring flowering reticulata or histrioides types) tend not to repeat very well. Planting very deeply helps, but that might be difficult in the root zone of the hedge so maybe they'd be better somewhere else, or give it a try but don't be too disappointed if they dwindle after the first year.

Crocus do fine for me in semi-shaded places for me, although the flowers don't open up wide when the sun isn't on them, but they're still colourful. Muscari don't seem to be fussy about location - some people say that they're invasive but they aren't for me on well-drained dry soil.

Lizzie27 · November 2023

Just be aware that most muscari is highly invasive and once you've got them it's almost impossible to get rid of them!

Pink678 · November 2023

Thank you @JennyJ I think I might plant the muscari at the end which is shadier, and then the crocus, and last the iris, planting the iris a bit deeper if I can. I'll be aware the iris might not keep going back.

@Lizzie27 I will watch out! The soil is quite well drained as JennyJ mentioned so we'll see. Luckily there isn't anywhere much for them to invade into from that area.

Iris, muscari, crocus bulbs - best arrangment in a long flowerbed?

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