Early bloomers will begin blooming in early March depending on location and the fickle Colorado weather. Tulips come in the largest variety of sizes and colors, as well as blooming periods. There are early, mid season and late tulips and tulips from 6 inches tall to over 2 feet. Earliest bloomers are Crocus, Grape Hyacinth and Snowdrops. Latest bloomers are Dutch Iris and Giant Allium.
Bulbs are usually most impressive when planted in clusters for color impact.
This may be a large bed or just a small cluster for a splash of spring. Many varieties can be grown in containers, although this requires more work than just planting in the ground. In addition some varieties can be used to perk up your home in the middle of winter-for example, Paperwhites can be planted in a tray of rocks and will grow and bloom in about 8 weeks. The fragrant hyacinth can be forced to bloom suspended in a hyacinth glass-it is interesting to watch the white roots develop and then enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the flower. One odd variety of bulb is Colchicum or Autumn Crocus.