Tulipa ‘Red Impression’ (PBR) (Darwin tulip bulbs) was £3.99 now £2.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: April to May Flower colour: red Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 11/12 At the base of each bright red petal is a golden halo surrounding a near-black blotch. This becoems more noticeable as the petals open and the flowers change from a classic tulip shape to open bowls. This colourful tulip is a must for hot-themed planting schemes. Garden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.

Allium nigrum (ornamental onion bulbs) was £5.99 now £3.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: June Flower colour: white Other features: grey-green leaves Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 10/12 The grey-green leaves of this ornamental onion generally have started to die back when the flowers emerge in early summer. These sit on tall, sturdy stems forming flattish clusters that create a striking silhouette. Each creamy-white to pale lavender flower has a pronounced ovary at its heart, which looks a little like a green pearl, nestled in the centre. Very pretty – and in big demand after its appearance in Cleve Wests garden at Chelsea in 2012. Garden care: Plant bulbs 15cm deep and 15cm apart to enjoy the full effect of the flowers. Avoid excessive mositure from late summer when they become dormant. Over-large clumps can be lifted and divided in autumn or spring.

Muscari armeniacum (grape hyacinth bulbs) was £4.99 now £3.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: moderately fertile, well-drained soil (for container-grown bulbs use two parts John Innes No2 compost to one part sharp grit) Rate of growth: fast-growing Flowering period: April and May Flower colour: blue Other features: strap-like, mid-green leaves Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 7/8 Charming, cone-shaped spikes of tiny, mid-blue flowers appear in April and May above the grass-like, mid-green leaves. Grape hyacinths look gorgeous peeping out of a large container, planted with yellow, spring-flowering pansies. Quickly forming small colonies, they’re also valuable for naturalising at the front of a sunny mixed or shrub border. Garden care: Plant 10cm (4in) deep in naturalistic groups in autumn. During summer when the bulbs are dormant lift and divide groups that are becoming congested.

Tulipa ‘Yonina’ (lily flowered tulip bulbs) was £4.99 now £3.99
Position: full sun Soil: fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: May Flower colour: pink with a little purple and white Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 11/12 The pointed pink petals look like they have been dipped in bluish purple ink, while their colour fades to near white around the outer edges creating a very pretty effect. Plant it with other pinks, purples or white, ideally with a more traditionally shaped tulip for best effect. Garden care: In September to December plant bulbs 15-20cm deep and 10-15cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Alternatively, allow 7-9 bulbs per 30cm sq. After flowering dead-head and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser each week for the first month. Once the foliage has died down naturally lift the bulbs and store in a cool greenhouse.

Phyllostachys aurea (fishpole bamboo) was £19.99 now £12.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Leaves: golden-green Canes: grooved, brown-yellow Hardiness: fully hardy The grooved canes of this tall, upright bamboo are initially bright green, but they mature over a year or two to brownish yellow. These stems are clothed throughout the year with golden-green foliage, which not only looks good, but will rustle pleasantly in the breeze. A great specimen plant, it will form a dense clump at first, but eventually becomes spreading and will cover a large area. Garden care: Plant it in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier that restricts the plant’s spread if space is limited.

Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. spectabilis (showy yellow-groove bamboo) was £19.99 now £12.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Leaves: narrow, mid-green Canes: green-grooved, golden-yellow turning bright red in sunlight Hardiness: fully hardy Tall bamboo with green-grooved, golden-yellow canes, which can flash with shades of red in the sun, fading to darker yellow with age. This colourful variety looks great alongside the ebony-black canes of the black bamboo, Phyllostachys nigra. This aptly named coloured-stemmed bamboo is one of our ‘highly recommended plants’. Garden care: Plant in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier that restricts the plant’s spread.

Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis (yellow-groove bamboo) was £19.99 now £12.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Leaves: mid-green Canes: rich yellow Hardiness: fully hardy A tall, coloured-stemmed bamboo with rich yellow canes with a few green stripes at the base. This green leaved bamboo looks spectacular grown as a specimen. One of our ‘highly recommended plants’, it should be planted next to a building or path where the near-luminous, yellow to burnt orange coloured canes can be enjoyed all year. Garden care: Plant in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier that restricts the plant’s spread.

Phyllostachys bissetii (bamboo) was £19.99 now £12.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: fast growing Leaves: mid-green Canes: dark green, sometimes stained with purple Hardiness: fully hardy Vigorous and hardy, this decorative bamboo is one of the first to produce new canes each year. These canes appear in late spring or early summer and have a mainly upright habit, but do arch slightly. Their colour is green, but will sometimes have a purple flush, but over a period of several years, will fade to a yellow-green. They have a glossy finish and are clothed in rich green leaves, which cope well with adverse weather conditions. Initially forming really dense clumps, this bamboo is ideal for screening, but will spread with age. Garden care: Plant in a large container or surround the roots with a non-perishable barrier that restricts the plant’s spread.

Fargesia Red Panda (‘Jiu’) (umbrella bamboo) was £19.99 now £14.99
Position: full sun or partial shade Soil: humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average to fast growing Hardiness: fully hardy The upright canes of this beautiful, clump-forming bamboo emerge green, but turn golden orange, then rich reddish brown in their second or third year. This effect is more pronounced when grown in a sunnier spot. These colourful canes form a dense clump and are clothed in slender green leaves, which are retained throughout the year. The dense, upright growth makes this particularly good for hedging or narrow borders. Garden care: Do not allow to dry out while the plant is getting established.