If they were planted at the right depth (15 inches or so), they will be fine. The depth protects the bulbs from freezing & keeps them cool in the hot summers. It also eliminates having to stake them. I've had them for several years. They need the cold winter in order to produce those huge flowers.

its an odd time of year to plant them unless you are moving from pots to the ground. they may well be ok but I think i'd put a mulch over them.

They were planted a couple weeks ago. This is the season for bulb planting so I think it's fine. Still, a mulch covering is an excellent idea. It's like a warm comfy blanket for those chilly nights.

in the uk they are not usually available for sale until the spring ready for summer flowering Paul, that's why I was surprised. I find mine die back about now and stay dormant until late spring. In fact today I have been knocking them out of their pots and checking for vine weevil grubs and lily beetle pupae. There are no roots so they have been cleaned and re-potted in fresh compost and put in the shed frost free.

Yes, but they must go through the full cycle before they bloom again. Just a green tip breaking the surface is normal. It wont actually bloom again until next year.

The pack of bulbs was sent out by T&M as a freebie. Advice was to plant straightaway. They are available to buy on the website. I will mulch over the area as we are expecting an artic blast this weekend.