Sale
Sold out
Spring-flowering bulb mix
Liliaceae; Amaryllidaceae; Iridaceae
Ornamental bulbs
Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix
Tulip; Narcissus; Crocus
Product code : MELANGE-FEED-THE-POLLINATORS-RUBY-SLIPPERS
Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix combines 28 fall-planted bulbs for a soft, luminous display from early to mid-spring. ‘Slawa’ Triumph tulips, ‘Canaliculatus’ miniature narcissi, and ‘Lady Killer’ snow crocuses provide burgundy, deep purple, dark pink, white, and soft orange flowers at different heights. Plant this pollinator-friendly assortment in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It suits garden beds, mixed borders, containers, and modest cut-flower arrangements. Hardy to Zone 5, the mix brings useful early pollen and nectar to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while adding gentle colour near paths, patios, and entrances. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
- Quantity
- 28 bulbs
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Life cycle
- Bulbous perennial
- Hardiness
- Zone 5
Discover the plant
Common nameFeed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix
FamilyLiliaceae; Amaryllidaceae; Iridaceae
GenusTulip; Narcissus; Crocus
CultivarRuby Slippers
TypeSpring-flowering bulb mix
Botanical nameTulip; Narcissus; Crocus
Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix contains 28 fall-planted bulbs selected to create a bright display from early to mid-spring. The assortment combines ‘Slawa’ Triumph tulips, ‘Canaliculatus’ miniature narcissi, and ‘Lady Killer’ snow crocuses. Their burgundy, deep purple, dark pink, white, and soft orange flowers bring a gentle glow to the garden while supplying pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects as they become active early each spring. Plant the bulbs in full sun to partial shade, choosing loose, well-drained soil where rainwater does not remain around the planting area.
With blooms ranging from approximately 10 to 46 cm tall, this mix creates a layered composition suited to garden beds, mixed borders, and containers. Plant the bulbs in fall at the depth and spacing shown on the package, then water once to settle the soil around them. Grouping the bulbs produces a fuller display and makes the flowers easier for visiting pollinators to locate. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain, since persistently wet soil can cause bulbs to rot. In containers, use drainage holes and protect the pot according to local winter conditions.
In spring, allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings without letting new growth become severely dry. Once flowering ends, remove faded blooms for a tidy appearance, but leave the foliage in place until it yellows naturally so the bulbs can rebuild their reserves. Hardy to Zone 5, ‘Ruby Slippers’ works especially well near a patio, entrance, or path where its flowers can be enjoyed at close range. It also provides attractive cut flowers; harvest sparingly and leave enough stems and foliage in the garden to support the bulbs for the following season.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Spacing / density
Space bulbs 10 to 15 cm apart.
Best planting time
Fall
Propagation
Division of offsets after dormancy
Growing method
Plant Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix in fall, before the ground freezes, in a location receiving full sun to partial shade. Choose soil that drains freely after rain; loosen compacted ground and blend in a modest amount of mature compost if needed. Arrange the 28 bulbs in informal groups for a natural effect, while keeping the crocuses toward the front and allowing room for the taller narcissi and tulips behind them. Follow the planting depth and spacing printed on the package, since the assortment contains bulbs of different sizes. Set each bulb in its natural upright position, cover it with prepared soil, and water once to settle the planting. Mark the area so it is not disturbed before shoots appear. In spring, water only when rainfall is insufficient and avoid keeping the soil constantly wet. Remove weeds by hand around emerging growth. After bloom, faded flowers may be removed, but the green foliage should remain until it yellows naturally. This period allows the bulbs to rebuild their reserves. Avoid tying, braiding, or cutting green leaves prematurely, and keep the resting area reasonably dry during summer. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
pH 6.0 to 7.5
Care level
Low
Watering
Water thoroughly after fall planting to settle the soil around the bulbs. In spring, resume watering only when new growth is active and rainfall does not provide enough moisture. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings, but do not allow young shoots to become severely dry. Direct water toward the soil rather than the flowers, and reduce watering as the foliage yellows and the bulbs enter dormancy.
Soil type
This mix prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil. Water should move away from the bulbs promptly after rain or snowmelt, especially during cool weather and dormancy. Improve heavy clay across the planting area with suitable organic matter, and avoid creating a small amended pocket that can trap water. In containers, use a quality potting mix and unobstructed drainage holes. A loose structure and reliable drainage help roots develop evenly through the growing season.
Fertilization
A modest layer of mature compost incorporated before planting is usually sufficient in reasonably fertile soil. If the site is nutrient-poor, apply a fertilizer formulated for flowering bulbs according to its label, avoiding excessive nitrogen that can promote soft leaves at the expense of balanced flowering. Do not continue feeding once the foliage has yellowed and the bulbs have entered their summer rest period.
Moisture
Moist to moderately dry, always well-drained soil
Seasonal care
In fall, choose a sunny to partly shaded site and confirm that water drains freely after rain. Loosen the soil, plant each bulb at the depth and spacing printed on the package, and water once to settle the ground. A discreet marker helps protect the area from accidental digging over winter. In regions where freeze-thaw cycles are severe, a light mulch can moderate soil temperatures, but it should not form a wet, compact layer over the bulbs. In early spring, remove heavy debris gradually as shoots appear. Keep the planting weed-free and check moisture before watering; cool soil generally dries more slowly than summer soil. Protect emerging growth from trampling, and avoid spraying insecticides while flowers are open so bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects can visit safely. During bloom, remove damaged stems as needed and cut flowers sparingly so enough foliage remains to support the bulbs. After flowering, spent blooms may be removed for a tidier appearance. Leave all healthy green leaves in place until they yellow naturally, because they continue producing energy for the next growth cycle. Once the foliage is completely dry, it can be removed gently. Keep the dormant planting area on the dry side through summer and avoid repeatedly disturbing it. In containers, monitor drainage after heavy rain and provide winter protection suited to Zone 5 conditions and the exposure of the pot.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
Container at least 25 to 30 cm deep with drainage
Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix can be grown in a wide, stable container with several unobstructed drainage holes. Choose a pot deep enough for the largest bulbs in the assortment and use a quality, free-draining potting mix. Arrange the bulbs in layers only if the container provides adequate depth; otherwise, plant them at the individual depths shown on the package. Keep bulbs from touching one another or the pot wall, cover them gently, and water once so the mix settles around them. Place the container in full sun to partial shade. Through winter, protect the pot from repeated freeze-thaw cycles and standing water according to local Zone 5 conditions. An unheated sheltered location may provide more stable temperatures than an exposed deck. In spring, move the container into view as shoots emerge and water when the upper layer begins to dry. Turn the pot occasionally for even light. After flowering, remove faded blooms but retain the leaves until they yellow naturally. Continue moderate watering while foliage remains green, then reduce moisture as dormancy begins. Do not leave the pot sitting in a water-filled saucer, and avoid storing dormant bulbs in a hot, saturated container.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
10 to 46 cm (4 to 18 in)
Width / spread
10 to 20 cm
Flower color
Burgundy, deep purple, dark pink, white, and soft orange
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Deciduous foliage that becomes dormant after flowering
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Upright, clumping
Fragrance
Light fragrance
Bloom period
The assortment flowers from early to mid-spring, beginning with low snow crocuses and continuing through narcissi and double tulips. Its staggered heights and bloom times create a fuller display than a single-variety planting. Good light, free drainage, and adequate spring moisture support consistent flowering. Leave the foliage intact after bloom so each bulb can replenish its reserves before dormancy. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pair this mix with early plants that prefer sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Blue muscari, violas, hellebores, and low spring perennials can complement its burgundy, deep purple, dark pink, white, and soft orange flowers. Later-emerging perennials may help disguise yellowing bulb foliage without covering it too early. Avoid vigorous groundcovers that crowd the bulbs, trap moisture, or prevent the leaves from receiving enough light after flowering. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When should Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix be planted?
Plant the bulbs in fall, before the ground freezes and while the soil is still workable. Choose a location in full sun to partial shade where rainwater drains away promptly. Because the package contains crocuses, narcissi, and tulips of different sizes, follow the planting depth and spacing shown on the package for each bulb. Water once after planting to settle the soil, then avoid keeping the area constantly wet. A light mulch can moderate freeze-thaw cycles, but it should remain loose and should not trap moisture over the bulbs. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
How much light does ‘Ruby Slippers’ need?
Feed the Pollinators ‘Ruby Slippers’ Mix grows best in full sun to partial shade. A site with several hours of direct spring light supports sturdy stems and dependable flowering, while light afternoon shade can be suitable where spring weather becomes warm quickly. Remember that deciduous trees may provide plenty of sun before their leaves open. Whatever the exposure, prioritize drainage: the bulbs should not sit in water after rain or snowmelt. In containers, rotate the pot occasionally if light reaches it mainly from one direction. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
How should the bulbs be watered?
Water once after fall planting to settle the soil around the bulbs. During spring growth, check the soil before watering and provide moisture when rainfall is insufficient. The goal is evenly moist, well-drained soil, not constant saturation. Water at soil level and allow the surface to dry slightly between applications. Reduce watering as the foliage yellows naturally and dormancy begins. Containers usually dry faster than garden beds, so check them more often, but never leave the pot standing in a saucer filled with water. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
Can ‘Ruby Slippers’ be grown in a container?
Yes. Use a wide, stable pot that is deep enough for the largest bulbs and has several clear drainage holes. Fill it with a quality, free-draining potting mix and plant each bulb at the depth indicated on the package. Place the container in full sun to partial shade and water after planting. In Zone 5, protect the pot from extreme exposure, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, and standing winter water. After flowering, keep the foliage until it yellows naturally, then reduce watering as the bulbs enter dormancy. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
What care is needed after flowering?
After flowering, remove faded blooms if you prefer a tidier display, but leave all healthy green foliage in place. The leaves continue photosynthesizing and help the bulbs store energy for future growth. Water moderately while the foliage remains active, especially during a dry spring, then reduce moisture as the leaves turn yellow. Do not braid, tie, or cut green leaves early. Once they are completely yellow and dry, remove them gently. Mark the planting area so the dormant bulbs are not accidentally damaged during summer garden work. For best results, adapt routine care to local rainfall, soil drainage, and the plant’s visible growth.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Reported toxicity
Yes
Supporting wildlife
The early flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects as spring activity begins. Planting the 28 bulbs together creates a visible feeding area and extends interest through several flower forms. Avoid insecticides while blooms are open, and combine the mix with other early flowers to support a longer season of forage.