Iris
Colour in February, and again in June.
The petals of the small bulb iris carry stripes and dots that look drawn on, but they show insects the way to the nectar. It flowers in February and March and grows only 15 cm, so you have to bend down to see it. The Dutch iris does the opposite: 60 cm tall, and not in flower until May and June.
Flowering month
Hand-selected for quality and size.
Plant in September or October, in a sunny spot where water drains well. Set the bulbs up to 15 cm deep, at least 8 cm in heavy soil, and 5 to 7 cm apart. Planting slightly deeper actually helps them flower again next year.
The small early iris is made for a pot. Put one by the door and you'll see it up close in February without bending down.
After flowering, cut nothing away: the foliage dies back by itself. Put a small stick next to them, and in summer you'll still know where they are.