Issue 263 Moisture Loving Bulbs

If you have a garden with moist soil, as most of us do after this summer’s rainfall, never fear, you can still get that pop of spring bulb colour. There are many which thrive in moist conditions, and here are our top 3 suggestions.
Snake’s head fritillary, Fritillaria meleagrisKnown for its unique, dusky checkered pattern, this nodding, bell-shaped flower, is a favourite for a damp spot, flowering from April onwards.
Reaching just 30cm (12”) in height, the bulb will thrive in damp, moist soils, especially in woodland or meadow-like conditions and naturalises well in borders or lawns.
1
CamassiaCamassia produce striking spikes of star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white from a long-lived bulb.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate heavier, wetter soils, even growing in heavy clay soil.
2
Summer snowflake, Leucojum aestivumThis bulb produces white, bell-shaped flowers that dangle from slender stems which can measure up to 50cm (1’8”) tall.
It prefers moist, humus-rich soil and is ideal for areas that remain damp for a period. It multiplies freely provided the soil is moist enough.
3
Text in Box with Lists
Other bulbs like bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), dog’s tooth violets (Erythronium), and snowdrops (Galanthus) can often flower well in moist soil too.
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