19 Bulbs to Plant in Drifts for Impressive Color
If you've ever admired a swath of tulips running through a gorgeous spring garden, you might need a drift of your own! Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss for some ideas on the best bulbs to choose for your own colorful drift.
Contents
Spring bulbs are ideal plants for making a drift in your garden. A drift is a large swath of the same flower. When planted en masse, a large group of the same flower evokes how they would grow and colonize in the wild. It’s a stunning sight!
I’ve got some simply beautiful bulbs to share with you. Each of these colonizes wonderfully, making them excellent for our purpose. Before we get to those, let’s just take a moment to talk about how to plant your bulbs to achieve the desired effect.
Here are some things to keep in mind when building this garden feature:
- A drift should flow in a meandering fashion and form to the landscape organically. Plant your bulbs irregularly so that they curve to fit the natural landscape.
- Plant your bulbs so that the mature plants will almost touch. They will increase in number over successive years, filling in open spaces and drifting farther into the landscape.
- Start with an odd number. Because of this aesthetic’s irregularity, this will create a more harmonious grouping. It should look natural.
- Thin out your bulbs in the fall every few years to prevent crowding and maintain air circulation between them.
Let’s take a look at some beautiful spring-blooming bulbs that you can use to create an excellent drift.
Crocus ‘Orange Monarch’
|
common name Crocus ‘Orange Monarch’ |
|---|---|
|
botanical name Crocus chrysanthus ‘Orange Monarch’ |
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
height 3”-4” |
|
hardiness zones 3-9 |
This is my flower of choice as I prepare to add this feature to my own yard. Crocuses are wonderful for this purpose because they naturalize beautifully. They also come up before the grass grows, so you can intersperse them in your lawn. Their bloom will be over by the time you need to mow, and they will begin to enter dormancy.
These small flowers can greatly impact when you plant them in a large grouping. Particularly because they pop up so early, long before most spring flowers are perking up.
I chose the ‘Orange Monarch’ variety for its unique and vivid color. Crocuses are more often shades of purple, blue, and white, but this variety’s bold orange stands out vibrantly against an awakening landscape.
Winter Aconite
|
|
common name Winter Aconite |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Eranthis hyemalis |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 3”-6” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-7 |
Winter aconite is another small plant that makes a gorgeous drift when you plant a large number together. They bloom early in spring, before most of their neighbors, and in a cheerful shade of sunshine yellow.
If these flowers remind you of buttercups, there’s a good reason for that! Winter aconite is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The petite yellow blooms are low to the ground and are great for planting anywhere. They will simply form a beautiful ground cover and finish blooming before the grass begins to grow.
Snowdrop ‘Hippolyta’
|
|
common name Snowdrop ‘Hippolyta’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Galanthus ‘Hippolyta’ |
|
|
sun requirements Partial to full shade |
|
|
height 5”-8” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-9 |
Snowdrops are charming, little early bloomers that often pop up while snow’s still on the ground. Their adorable white flowers hang down toward the ground from amongst grasslike foliage. They prefer partial shade, with protection in the afternoon.
‘Hippolyta’ is a fancy, double-flowered variety with layers of green-tipped petals in the center. Introduced in the 1940s, it is named after the Amazon queen of Greek mythology. Rich, moist soil will help your snowdrops colonize, forming a sea of pretty white blooms.
Fox’s Grape Fritillary
|
|
common name Fox’s Grape Fritillary |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Fritillaria uva-vulpis |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 6”-12” |
|
|
hardiness zones 4-9 |
Fritillaries are lovely spring bloomers that are native to Europe and the Middle East. They pop up early in spring and bloom mid-season. You can plant them throughout the lawn as long as you can avoid mowing until they finish blooming. They prefer fertile, well-drained, moist soil.
Fox’s grape is a small species that produces purple, grape-shaped flowers that hang toward the ground. The edges of the petals are bright yellow. While the blooms are small, there are plenty of them. These naturalize exceptionally well, bringing back more and more plants each year.
Grape Hyacinth ‘Ocean Magic’
|
|
common name Grape Hyacinth ‘Ocean Magic’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Muscari aucheri ‘Ocean Magic’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 4”-8” |
|
|
hardiness zones 5-9 |
If you want a no-fuss drift that you can rely on year after year, grape hyacinth is perfect. They are not picky about soil and location, though they perform best with some afternoon sun. Hyacinths are wonderful to mix with a taller plant for an impressive bi-color drift. They are small and delicate but surprisingly sturdy.
‘Ocean Magic’ is not your average grape hyacinth. Many cultivars are shades of blue, but this one combines many shades on the same spike. Deeper shades begin at the bottom, fading to sky blue and finally white at the top. You’ll see these flowers appear in mid to late spring. They also have a sweet fragrance.
Glory of the Snow ‘Gigantea’
|
|
common name Glory of the Snow ‘Gigantea’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Chionodoxa luciliae (Gigantea Group) |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 6”-8” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-8 |
You can probably tell by the name that these are early-season bloomers. Glory of the snow pops up often when there is still snow on the ground, along with snowdrops and crocuses. The species’ name is in honor of the wife of Swiss botanist Pierre Edmond Boissier. They like moist soil in spring but are tolerant of dry summers.
The Gigantea group is full of plants with oversized flowers. Pretty blue blooms with white eyes work well in rock gardens. They also self-seed and colonize wonderfully. Plant these in a drift and watch them spread like a carpet over the years. Despite their excellent ability to spread, they are not invasive.
Hyacinth ‘Blue Jacket’
|
|
common name Hyacinth ‘Blue Jacket’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 8”-12” |
|
|
hardiness zones 4-9 |
Hyacinths are impressive with their large, colorful inflorescences. They are some of the most fragrant members of the garden during any season. these hyacinths are wonderful for cuttings and make a truly spectacular drift. They are mid-spring bloomers that like lots of light and bloom for an extended period as long as the weather remains cool.
‘Blue Jacket’ is one of the stunning spring bulbs we carry at Epic this year. It’s a gorgeous cultivar with rich, blue-violet blossoms. Plant them in a group for maximum effect. They will reproduce over time, though not as prolifically as some other bulbs.
Daffodil ‘Golden Dawn’
|
|
common name Daffodil ‘Golden Dawn’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Narcissus ‘Golden Dawn’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 12”-14” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-9 |
Daffodils are the cheerleaders of the spring garden. Their happy golden flowers can brighten up any cloudy day. Versatile and sturdy, these will colonize well, creating an impressive drift quickly. Plant them six to 12 inches apart and thin them every few years to keep them from becoming crowded. These are substantial plants.
‘Golden Dawn’ is another Epic favorite we are excited to share with you this season. The clusters of medium-sized blooms are bright yellow with a lovely orange cup. They have a sweet fragrance and are wonderful for cutting as well. You can rely on these to return with friends in the future!
Camas Lily ‘Blue Melody’
|
|
common name Camas Lily ‘Blue Melody’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Camassia quamash ‘Blue Melody’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 1-2′ |
|
|
hardiness zones 4-8 |
Camas lilies are wonderful for a late-season drift of striking blue and violet. They are less common than some of the more well-known flowers on our list, but they make a wonderful drift. Dense foliage and masses of large flower racemes create a sea of star-shaped blooms.
‘Blue Melody’ has blue-violet blooms with showy yellow margins. The racemes open from the bottom up, exploding with color in late spring. These are native to the Pacific Northwest, so they are a great addition to the native garden in that region.
Sweet Iris ‘Dallmatica’
|
|
common name Sweet Iris ‘Dallmatica’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Iris pallida ‘Dalmatica’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 36”-40” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-9 |
The Iris genus is another that gets its name from Greek mythology. Iris is the goddess of rainbows, and irises certainly do live up to that name. Bearded irises, in particular, come in various colors and color combinations. They spread in clumps, creating an impressive drift when planted en masse.
‘Dalmatica’ gets its name from its native range in Croatia. Its soft, lavender flowers have yellow beards and a sweet fragrance. This heirloom is on record for the first time in 1597. We trace its long and extensive cultivation to the production of orris in its roots. This substance is used as a preservative in fragrances, spirits, and breath fresheners.
Spanish Bluebells ‘Campanulata Blue’
|
|
common name Spanish Bluebells ‘Campanulata Blue’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Scilla hyacinthoides ‘Campanulata Blue’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 12”-18” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-8 |
Sometimes called wood hyacinths, Spanish bluebells are delightful spring-blooming bulbs that look wonderful in a cottage garden. Their wildflower appearance gives them vintage appeal. They are easy to care for, colonize well, and will form an impressive drift.
This blue variety is a cool, soothing addition to the garden. Plant many of these bulbs close together and thin them every two years to prevent your drift from becoming overcrowded.
Balkan Anemone ‘Blue Shades’
|
|
common name Balkan Anemone ‘Blue Shades’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Anemone blanda ‘Blue Shades’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 3”-6” |
|
|
hardiness zones 5-9 |
Anemone blanda is a low-growing plant that colonizes easily, forming a carpet of flowers in mid to late spring. At only three to four inches tall, these are great for underplanting daffodils or tulips for a more dynamic drift. They will naturalize in the lawn as well if you can hold off long enough on mowing to let them bloom.
‘Blue Shades’ is more purple than blue, but it’s a cool violet. The mass of daisy-shaped flowers nearly obscures the foliage for a major color explosion. These will continue to spread every year, forming a larger and larger drift.
Spring Snowflakes
|
|
common name Spring Snowflakes |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Leucojum vernum |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 8”-10” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-9 |
It’s easy to mistake spring snowflakes for snowdrops, but they are different. The grassy leaves are deep green and slightly glossy. Small, white, bell-shaped blooms hang toward the ground. Each petal tip has a small green dot at the tip. The flowers are sweetly fragrant.
Spring snowflakes are an Award of Garden Merit winner. The Royal Horticultural Society recognizes their value and beauty. Although they are small, don’t hesitate to start with a large planting to achieve the look of a bold drift.
Allium ‘Purple Sensation’
|
|
common name Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Allium hollandicum ‘Purple Sensation’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun |
|
|
height 2’-3’ |
|
|
hardiness zones 4-9 |
Alliums are one of the larger bulbs you can plant in a drift. These garlic relatives colonize slowly, but their size makes them stand out in the garden. They aren’t picky about soil and grow quite well in sandy soil types. They span a wide range of heights, from three inches to five feet tall.
Allium flowers span a wide range of sizes also. ‘Purple Sensation’ is a mid-sized variety with large, plum-colored flower heads. Many small flowers make up a large sphere that makes a bold statement in the landscape. Use these in an area that can support such a dramatic effect.
Saxifrage ‘Touran Pink’
|
|
common name Saxifrage ‘Touran Pink’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Saxifraga x arendsii ‘Touran Pink’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 4”-8” |
|
|
hardiness zones 4-7 |
Saxifrage is a low-growing plant that makes a stunning drift. The small plants are mat-forming and work well in rock gardens and other places with good drainage. At maturity, they only reach between four and eight inches tall, and they spread nicely, so they make an ideal drift or groundcover if you allow them to.
‘Touran Pink’ is a hybrid variety that produces a mass of small, shapely pink blossoms. A single plant can produce several shades of pink, from bubblegum to fuschia. Saxifrage prefers cool, dry climates.
Cyclamen ‘Tilebarn Elizabeth’
|
|
common name Cyclamen ‘Tilebarn Elizabeth’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Cyclamen coum ‘Tilebarn Elizabeth’ |
|
|
sun requirements Partial shade |
|
|
height 2”-3” |
|
|
hardiness zones 4-8 |
Cyclamen are late winter bloomers. They have attractive foliage that often has silvery markings. Some varieties have heavy markings, while others are lighter or solid green. You’ll often see these sold as houseplants, as they make nice winter-blooming windowsill decorations.
Cyclamens are used as houseplants and make stunning drifts. Their attractive foliage is an added bonus to their pretty blooms, which stand just over the low-growing foliage. ‘Tilebarn Elizabeth’ is a prolific bloomer with pink and white flowers that nearly obscure the foliage for several weeks.
Tulip ‘Ile De France’
|
|
common name Tulip ‘Ile De France’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Tulipa ‘Ile De France’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 16”-20” |
|
|
hardiness zones 3-9 |
When I think of the most spectacular drifts, the tulips of Holland most often come to mind. Large, brilliantly colorful swaths of these garden gems are the subject of many a postcard and tourism brochure. With good reason—they are amazing!
There are so many beautiful varieties of tulips it’s hard to choose one. ‘Ile de France’ is a classic, stunning lipstick red cultivar with a golden glow from the inside. It is elegant and sophisticated and will be the focal point in any landscape. Planted in a drift, these are breathtaking.
English Bluebells
|
|
common name English Bluebells |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Hyacinthoides non-scripta |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 12-18” |
|
|
hardiness zones 5-8 |
Similar to Spanish bluebells, English bluebells are positively charming with their mass of small, fragrant blue flowers. They are great naturalizers, creating a carpet of grassy foliage and a four to five-week blooming season in late fall. They die back in summer, to return with many offspring in the next year.
These are woodland plants that prefer dappled light. Plant them beneath a tree, and they will flourish. They are easy to care for, requiring little maintenance after planting. You may thin them out every few years to give them more space.
Amaryllis ‘Red Lion’
|
|
common name Amaryllis ‘Red Lion’ |
|---|---|
|
|
botanical name Hippeastrum ‘Red Lion’ |
|
|
sun requirements Full sun to partial shade |
|
|
height 20”-30” |
|
|
hardiness zones 8-11 |
This one is for my warm-climate gardeners who want to plant a truly spectacular drift. Amaryllis are large and commanding in the landscape, with big, bold flowers and dramatic, straplike leaves. A mass planting of these will cost you a pretty penny, but it will be well worth the splurge.
Amaryllis will multiply over time, so leave some space between bulbs. ‘Red Lion’ is the red amaryllis to compare all others to. Their blooms are the biggest, boldest, and reddest flowers around. This is a winner of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, a prestigious award reserved for only the most excellent plants.
