Our Favourite Bulbs for Autumn Planting

Crocus bulb flowers

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

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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.
  

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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.
  

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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.
  

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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.

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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.
  

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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.