Our Favourite Bulbs for Autumn Planting

by GardenAdvice · Published 06/08/2025 · Updated 06/08/2025

Crocus bulb flowers

Here’s how to create a succession of spring colours by choosing bulbs that flower from late winter through late spring.

Early Spring Colour (February – March)

Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Pure white nodding flowers, best planted ‘in the green’ in spring for reliable results. Ideal for naturalising in lawns or woodland-style borders. Can also be planted in the Green in the spring as well
Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)
Bright yellow cups that appear even before the snowdrops. Thrive in shade and bring a sunny lift to wintery corners.
Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus and vernus)
Available in shades of purple, white, and yellow—perfect for grassy areas or under deciduous trees. Great for naturalising.
Iris reticulata
Compact, intensely coloured blooms (deep purple and blue), great in containers or front-of-border planting.
Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)
Star-shaped blooms in soft blues and pinks. Early, reliable, and good for pollinators.

Mid-Spring Colour (March – April)

Dwarf Narcissi (e.g. ‘Tête-à-Tête’)
Neat, cheery, and dependable. Ideal for underplanting or pots. Fades fast, making room for emerging perennials.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Fragrant, upright clusters in blue, pink, and white. Great in containers or grouped in beds.
Scilla siberica
Deep blue, nodding flowers—excellent en masse in shady or woodland areas.
Puschkinia (Striped Squill)
Delicate pale blue with a darker central stripe. Looks beautiful planted in drifts.

Late Spring Colour (April – May)

Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
A kaleidoscope of forms and colours. For the best display, treat most as annuals and replant each year—unless using known perennial varieties.
Fritillaria meleagris (Snake’s Head Fritillary)
Unique checkered flowers that nod on slender stems. Prefers moist soils and dappled shade.
Camassia
Tall, graceful spires of blue stars. Great in damper soils and naturalistic schemes.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions)
Bold, spherical blooms—often purple or white. Pollinator-friendly and sculptural.

A Word of Caution: Muscari (Grape Hyacinths)

While undeniably charming in flower, Muscari can become invasive. Unless you want a full carpet or are planting into a container or controlled space, proceed with caution—they spread fast and are difficult to remove once established.

Planning & Planting Tips

When to Plant:
Most spring-flowering bulbs should be planted from September to November. Tulips are best left until November to reduce the risk of tulip fire (a fungal disease).
How Deep:
As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs at 2–3 times their height. If unsure, lay them sideways—most bulbs will right themselves!
Soil & Drainage:
Bulbs hate sitting in water. Add grit to heavy soil or choose raised beds and containers for improved drainage.
Naturalising:
If you want long-term displays that improve over time, focus on snowdrops, crocus, narcissi, and chionodoxa. These multiply over the years with minimal care.

Design Idea: A Layered Spring Display

Try planting bulbs in layers (also called the “lasagne method”) in pots or borders. For example:

Bottom layer: Tulips
Middle layer: Daffodils
Top layer: Crocus or Iris reticulata

This approach ensures a continuous show, with each layer blooming in turn as the season progresses.

Autumn is your chance to shape spring. Whether you’re planting into borders, lawns, woodland edges, or containers, spring-flowering bulbs offer one of the most rewarding returns for minimal effort.

Plan your combinations now, and by next spring, you’ll be stepping into a garden alive with colour and promise.