Our Guide To The Best Bulbs To Plant For Spring 2021

With tens of thousands of bulbs to choose from, what should you order? Val Bourne selects the finest, chosen for looks, performance and reliability

- Val Bourne

Narcissus Golden Echo

Why? This subtle, lemon-yellow and cream, April-flowering Highgrove favourite is highly scented, due to its Jonquil blood. The name Echo reflects a succession of two or three weather-resistant flowers per stem. Best of all, this robust variety returns year on year, in border or container. 15in

Partner with Scilla siberica, Muscari aucheri Blue Magic or Chionodoxa luciliae

Other scented narcissi to try Elka, Lancaster, Lieke and Sweet Love

Narcissus Cheerfulness AGM

Why? This classic, April-flowering florist’s favourite is a double Tazetta, so it needs a warm, well-drained position. The creamy flowers, touched with egg-yolk yellow and a touch of green, are richly scented, so it’s an ideal cutting-garden bulb and good in containers. It dwindles, so re-plant regularly. 16in

Partner with Tulipa Havran, Narcissus Starlight Sensation and Hyacinth multiflora Blue Pearl

Other double narcissi to try Yellow Cheerfulness, Sir Winston Churchill and Acropolis

Narcissus Sailboat AGM (1980)