Bulbs for a large shady bank

[Needtosoundoffandbreathe]

We have a bank to the side of our drive which has been planted with laurels. The laurels were cut back earlier in the year and we're now looking to plant bulbs between the laurels for spring interest. I've ordered 100 wood anemone bulbs and 80 English bluebell bulbs from Naturescape. It can probably take more, but I don't want to waste money if they don't take, etc. Is there another bulb flower I could add do you think?

I plan to plant the bulbs in swathes, to stop DP from creating a hideously unnatural display along the lines of a 1970s public park with everything alternating in rows. A lot of our garden is woodland. TIA.

Just bumping this for the afternoon if anyone does have any suggestions.

Hellebores can be great for this (I know not bulbs) and you also could try winter aconites? They should spread if they’re happy and extend the flowering time as they’ll come out before the anemones and bluebells.

Thank you - I'm not sure it's damp enough for hellebores, but winter aconites are a great shout. I had a list...but I can't find it.

anemones do need a bit of damp, they might struggle if it's very dry. Cyclamen (hardy ones obviously) are lovely and if they are happy will spread; little daffodils too. Some species tulips might be happy as long as the drainage is good. But the laurels are going to grow back really quick and swamp everything unless you keep them very well cut back.

Thank you. Beautiful as they are, tulips rarely seem to come back after the first year.

Species tulips should perennialise if conditions are right - tulipa sylvestris might do well there. Anemone blanda might do well too.

Crocus tomassinianus (sp?) small but beautiful colour, will spread if happy.