Plant bulbs shallowly in well-drained soil, leaving the neck just above the surface, spacing 10-15cm (4-6in) apart. Choose a sunny, sheltered position where they won’t be shaded or crowded. They perform best in dense clumps, so avoid disturbing the roots once planted, and only lift and divide when the clump becomes overcrowded.
Mulch lightly to conserve moisture but keep the necks clear, and water sparingly during the growing season—overwatering can rot the bulbs. After flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year’s blooms.
Protect the crown from hard frosts with a generous layer of dry mulch after flowering, or overwinter potted plants in an unheated greenhouse in colder regions.