12 Beautiful Bulbs Deer and Rabbits Don't Eat

Daffodil

One of the most recognizable bulbs, daffodil is also among the easiest to grow. Most gardeners know the cheery golden-flowering types, but keep an eye out for extra-special varieties that offer blooms in shades of white, orange, pink, and red.

Name: Narcissus selections

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil

Size: To 16 inches tall

Zones: 3-8

Native to North America: No







Crown Imperial

Spring's most dramatic blooming bulb, crown imperial looks a bit like a pineapple wearing a Hawaiian shirt: The colorful red, yellow, or orange flowers are topped by a crown of leaves.

Name: Fritillaria imperialis

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 3 feet tall

Zones: 5-9

Native to North America: No




Siberian Squill

Siberian squill offers some of the best colors of the spring: Its true-blue flowers are truly first rate. This adaptable bulb spreads quickly and is great for planting in your lawn for a carpet of no-maintenance blue color in early spring.

Name: Scilla siberica

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil

Size: To 8 inches tall

Zones: 4-8

Native to North America: No





Allium

It's tough to have a favorite allium -- there are so many wonderful choices. Most offer globe-shape blooms in shades of white, pink, yellow, and purple.

Name: Allium selections

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 4 feet tall

Zones: 4-9

Native to North America: No



Fritillaria

This uncommon gem looks like a confection; the chocolate-brown flowers have a candy-yellow tip. Happily, they're not the least bit appetizing to hungry critters.

Name: Fritillaria michailovskyi

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 6 inches tall

Zones: 5-8

Native to North America: No



Grape Hyacinth

This little charmer resembles a cluster of grapes in bloom -- the blue, purple, white, or yellow flowers appear in tight clusters. This is one of our favorite spring bulbs.

Name: Muscari armeniacum

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil

Size: To 8 inches tall

Zones: 4-8

Native to North America: No




Bluebells

Perfect for romping through a woodland garden, bluebells produce hanging clusters of blue blooms. Look around and you can find pink- or white-flowering types, as well.

Name: Hyacinthoides hispanica

Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 20 inches tall

Zones: 4-9

Native to North America: No




Dog-Tooth Violet

A charming woodland plant, dog-tooth violet bears lily-shaped flowers in shades of white, cream, yellow, and pink. Many selections also offer speckled foliage.

Name: Erythronium grandiflorum

Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 1 foot tall

Zones: 4-9

Native to North America: Yes




Checkered Lily

We love the charming, intricate flowers of this uncommon bulb. As the name suggests, the purple flowers bear a distinct checkerboard-pattern overlay. The pure-white selections are just as beautiful.

Name: Fritillaria meleagris

Growing Conditions: Shade and moist well-drained soil

Size: To 1 foot tall

Zones: 3-8

Native to North America: No



Glory-of-the-Snow

A charming little bulb that deserves to be a lot better known, glory-of-the-snow blooms early and bears cheery pink, blue, or white star-shape flowers. It's great for letting pop up throughout your yard.

Name: Chionodoxa luciliae

Growing Conditions: Sun or shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 6 inches tall

Zones: 3-9

Native to North America: No



Winter Aconite

One of spring's first bloomers (often before the snow melts) winter aconite bears cup-shape sunny yellow flowers.

Name: Eranthis hyemalis

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 3 inches tall

Zones: 4-9

Native to North America: No



Snowdrop

Snowdrops often greet spring before the snow has gone. These beautiful little bulbs offer butterfly-shape white flowers and are great for growing in the lawn or garden.

Name: Galanthus nivalis

Growing Conditions: Sun or shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 4 inches tall

Zones: 3-8

Native to North America: No