During summer, you can see what spaces you have and better imagine how bulbs will look in a bed. Think about when they bloom and if they might block other small perennials. It’s often a good idea to plant bulbs in the back of a bed. They come up before other perennials, then the perennials grow to cover the leaves of bulbs as they start to die back.
When I Googled “flower bulbs”, these are the businesses that appeared on the first page:
https://www.hollandbulbfarms.com
https://www.brecks.com
https://www.americanmeadows.com
https://www.springhillnursery.com
https://www.edenbrothers.com
https://www.flowerbulbs.com
https://www.dutchbulbs.com
https://www.dutchgrown.com
However, the businesses that I find to be the most knowledgeable and informative are John Scheepers and McClure and Zimmerman. Scheepers also has a wholesale or bulk division, Van Engelen.
Oddly, it seems more difficult to find information on the websites. For instance, in the Scheepers mailed catalog, the characteristics of each tulip category is clearly printed at the top of the page. On the website, it’s hiding in the information for each variety.
With specific information on when the variety blooms and how tall it is, it’s easier to plan a big splash or a sequential show of color with blooms from late winter through early fall. It’s also easier to decide on which perennial neighbors will partner best. Here’s an example from John Scheepers:
Giant Darwin Hybrid Tulips
Sometimes referred to as perennial tulips by others, Giant Darwin Hybrid Tulips were introduced to the United States by John Scheepers, our great uncle, in 1951. Their huge, vibrant flowers on strong stems are known to return for multiple years when planted in a nice sunny spot with good drainage, fertilized regularly and not cut for bouquets. Flowering from mid-April into May, these stately tulips are excellent for spectacular garden displays and lovely cut flower arrangements. Top size bulbs: at least 12 cm. Bloom time: Mid-April into May. Plant 6″ to 8″ deep and 6″ apart. Horticultural zones 3-7. Height: 18″ to 26″ depending on the variety.
Just look at the number of types of bulbs in McClure & Zimmerman’s drop-down menu. It’s a huge selection that includes extraordinary species that most gardeners have never even heard of. Another reason it’s good to start thinking early about ordering bulbs? This overwhelming candy store experience takes time to explore.
Just as when you buy onions at the store, bulb quality varies. Bulbs from bargain sellers may be smaller or include more damage or disease. Also, when you pay a bit more with a reputable seller, the customer service is usually excellent. Price comparison is also a bit more challenging since bulbs are often priced per quantity pack and not individually.
If your interest is native plants, many natives are bulbs, corms, rhizomes or tubers that can be ordered from these sellers. Fall planting will give you a head start with established plants for spring. Look up your area list to identify natives.
Consider that non-natives like species crocuses bloom earlier to feed wildlife when nothing else is available.