Mixed planters with wallflowers?

Ok, this is going to sound strange, but I haven't grown wallflowers since I was about 12!

I have two wooden barrels 20" diameter, which I plan to plant up with tulips, daffs, crocuses, hyacinths etc for the spring. I also have some wallflower plants, some really sturdy, some more typical of lifted plants that I have seen (Persian Carpet).

Would these be suitable to interplant with the bulbs, or would they overwhelm them? Also, how many should I put in each barrel?

 

Ok, so maybe it was a silly question... :(

But it's at times like this that I miss my dad so much. We'd chat on the phone, I'd say that I was going to plant such-and-such together, and he'd say "that'll be lovely!", or "you need to be careful that the crocuses aren't swamped" or "I think those would do better out in the main garden". Not much, and not that he even did many planters himself, but just by that little response, he'd guide me.

My hubby loves what I do in the garden, but has no clue!

I'll plant up the planters and try not to let the crocuses be swamped. Although the wallflowers may bulk up a little, I think the positive shelter/support from the plants should offset the bulbs having to squeeze through the foliage?

 

If it was me, I would put 3 to 5 wallflowers towards the centre with the crocus around the outer edge, the other bulbs in flowering height in between.

But what do I know..... lol

Are you doing a 360 display or will you have a front and back?

 

Thanks for the input, Gdnam!

They will be on either side of the front door, so really about a 240 degree display, rather than a full 360.

 

Then I would consider planting up with a front and back formation, tallest plants at the 'back' coming down in height to the Crocus at the 'front'.

I am rubbish at design and arty stuff though, usually leave that to the OH, she likes the garden but would not dream of suggesting planting schemes, so I fumble my way along and keep fingers and toes crossed it looks ok.

 

Well, they are all planted up!

Each barrel has the following in
Narcissus actaea
Narcissus avalanche
Narcissus tete-a-tete
Tulipa van eijk
Tulipa playgirl
Fritillarie uva vulpis
Hyacinth pink pearl
Crocus king of striped
Crocus (large flowered mixed)
Iris reticulata Gordon
...and three wallflowers, plus two cyclamen part-buried

(Photos to follow when I can find the cable!)