tulipa tarda

While definately not as showy as the more commonly known hybrid tulips, these species tulips have the benefits of multiplying over time, and not leaving giant ugly yellowing leaves in the garden once they're finished blooming.  I inherited these in a weed-infested rock garden when I moved into my current house, and they were one of the few things that had survived in a garden that had obviously been neglected for many years. 

These, as well as other spring-blooming bulbs, should be planted in the fall.