Three charming bulbous late winter bloomers add much-needed color to the garden at a time when most other plants are dormant.

Reticulated iris (Iris reticulata), called dwarf iris by many, is native to parts of Russia, Iran, and central Asia. This small vibrant Iris awakens in many gardens towards the end of winter. Its pre-spring blooms grow in many garden locations, and are wonderful additions to rock gardens, borders, or grow them beneath deciduous trees.

Iris reticulata have narrow, grass-like leaves. Iris flowers are usually purple or blue. Tubers are planted in late summer or early fall 3 inches deep and spaced 3 inches apart. Plants reach 4 – 6 inches tall and spread about 2 – 3 inches wide.

Reticulated Iris require only minimal care. Water moderately during blooming if nature is not supplying liquid precipitation in the form of rain or snow. This iris goes dormant later in spring in dry soil. Allow the soil to dry out once the plant becomes dormant. No fertilizer is needed. Bulbs are generally pest-free, it may be susceptible to bulb rot if planted in waterlogged soil. Parts of the Reticulated Iris may be toxic and harmful if consumed.

Snowdrop (Galanthus spp.) are grown in both cold and moderate winters. In the U.S. snowdrops thrive where winters are cool (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). There are about 19 species of Galanthus – in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae). They’re native to the cool woodland and mountainous regions of southern Europe and Asia Minor. They tend to struggle in warm climes in the U.S. like south Texas and southern California.

Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) returns with floral beauty less than 3-4 months after fall planting. Tubers poke through the ground, grow and flower 3 – 6 inches high and wide. Bright yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in mid- to late winter. Green leaves emerge as the flowers begin to fade. All evidence of their presence disappears by late spring when bulbs go dormant.

Grow these early blooming gems in a loose, well-drained soil with lots of compost added. They don’t thrive in heavy clay soil. Once blooming is over, allow the foliage to yellow and wither away. All three bulbous plants naturalize easily. Every few years lift and divide crowded beds. They’re best divided immediately after flowering and replanted. Sow these bulbous gems in containers and gift some to garden friends. They are disease, insect and deer resistant, and critter-proof. All three are toxic to animals and humans; keep pets and children away.

Most local garden centers do not sell these tiny beauties. Purchase them from bulb emporiums like Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA or Longfeld Gardens in Lakewood, NJ.