Spring-flowering bulbs will grow well under or near large deciduous trees. This is because trees are not leafed out when bulbs are blooming. Bulbs planted in full sun will bloom earlier than those in partial shade. Planting in full sun may result in earlier blooming and frost damage to the flowers. Slightly increasing the planting depth will negate this tendency toward blooming too early.
Bulbs are adaptable to rock gardens and woodland plantings.
Random, nonformal placement of bulbs is called naturalizing. Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted in lawns for a naturalized look. However, the need to mow conflicts with the requirement to keep the bulbs' foliage intact. Some gardeners plant massed areas of spring-flowering bulbs, then dig and move them after flowering. This allows beds to be replanted with other plants.