Bulbs and their tuber, corm, and rhizome relatives are a fascinating group of plants.

In the Chicago area they can start blooming as early as February (winter aconite, snowdrop), really make an impact en masse in spring (narcissus, tulip, crocus), produce stunning specimens in summer (ornamental onion, fritillary, lily) and keep on enlivening gardens well into autumn (dahlia, autumn crocus). What other type of flowering plant can match that sequence? Whether cropping up through grass, appearing in rock gardens or taking center stage among the annuals and perennials, bulbs offer a versatility and a smashing swath of color in all gardens.

In addition to the true kings and queens of the bulb garden, there is a very interesting group of smaller bulbs, perhaps not as well-known, but containing many quite worthy little bulbs.

Some have an extended bloom time (windflower), some will tolerate shaded conditions (dogtooth violet, checkered lily, spring beauty) and most will naturalize over the years as long as the foliage is allowed to yellow and wither naturally, thus providing food for the blossoms to come.

Winter aconite (Eranthishyemalis)

White trout lily (Erythroniumalbidum)

Colchicum 'The Giant' (Autumn Crocus)

All of the bulbs highlighted below are planted in the fall in well-drained soil. They should be planted at a depth of 4 inches to the tip of the bulb and watered well after planting. Since root development is crucial in the fall, sprinkle bulb booster or bone meal over the top player of soil. These contain phosphorus, an ingredient needed for good root growth. Bulbs can be fertilized again when their foliage appears—but this time with a balanced granular fertilizer spread over the soil surface and then watered in. Since bulbs generally like an even supply of moisture during their active growing stage, supplemental irrigation may be necessary during dry periods.

The bulbs listed below in the order of their appearance in the garden require very little care, are easy to plant and can mix and match beautifully with ground covers, annuals, perennials and their big-brother bulbs. And they are perfect in seasonal containers!

Little bulbs may produce little blossoms, but their delicacy, fragrance and charming ability to naturalize in a relatively carefree fashion should earn them a special place in your garden.