How to make the most from aututumn bulbs planting for spring colour

At GardenAdvice, as with most gardening matters, autumn bulb planting is a personal affair. While some gardeners delight in the bold drama of large daffodils and towering tulips, we tend to take a more measured approach—favouring early-flowering dwarf varieties that do their thing and make way quickly for spring perennials.

Why We Prefer Dwarf Bulbs

Dwarf tulips and narcissi (or daffodils) tend to flower earlier and die back quicker, allowing your spring perennials to grow up over them seamlessly. The result? Borders that stay tidy and vibrant without the scruffy look of fading bulb foliage hanging around.

Our Top Picks for Autumn Planting

Here are our favourite spring bulbs to plant in autumn:

• Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus and others)
  Cheerful, low-growing, and perfect for naturalising under deciduous trees or in lawns.
  
• Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
  One of the earliest to flower—bright yellow cups that thrive in shady spots and signal the very start of spring.
  
• Iris reticulata
  Small but bold, these deep blue and purple flowers are early bloomers and make excellent additions to pots or the front of borders.
  
• Dwarf Narcissi (e.g. ‘Tête-à-Tête’)
  Compact, weather-resistant, and incredibly reliable. Great for layering in borders or containers.
  
• Dwarf Tulips (e.g. Tulipa ‘Red Riding Hood’, ‘Lilac Wonder’)
  Tidy, colourful, and early—perfect for underplanting and mixing with perennials.
  

What to Avoid: Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)

Although the flowers are undeniably attractive, grape hyacinths have become something of a menace in UK gardens. Once a popular freebie in 1970s newspaper promotions, they’ve now spread across much of England. They’re invasive and difficult to control—so unless you’re planting in a contained area or really love them, it’s best to steer clear.

Timing and Planning

August is the perfect time to plan your bulb planting. You’ve got about three to four weeks to make your selections. Come September, you can start planting, with October being ideal for most spring-flowering bulbs.

Autumn-Planted Bulbs for Spring Flowering

Early Spring (February – March)

• Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) Best planted in the green in early spring
  
  • Delicate white flowers, ideal for naturalising
    
• Winter Aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)
  
  • Bright yellow, good for woodland settings
    
• Crocus (Crocus vernus / tommasinianus)
  
  • Available in purple, white, yellow; good in lawns
    
• Iris reticulata
  
  • Dwarf iris with violet-blue blooms
    
• Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow)
  
  • Star-like blue or pink flowers
    

Mid Spring (March – April)

• Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
  
  • Wide range of shapes and sizes; yellow, white, pink
    
• Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis)
  
  • Intensely fragrant; blue, pink, white
    
• Scilla siberica
  
  • Bright blue nodding flowers, great in drifts
    
• Puschkinia (Striped Squill)
  
  • Pale blue flowers with a central stripe
    

Late Spring (April – May)

• Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
  
  • Huge variety of colours and forms; best treated as annuals unless specifically perennial types
    
• Fritillaria meleagris (Snake’s Head Fritillary)
  
  • Distinctive checkered petals; prefers damp soils
    
• Camassia
  
  • Tall spikes of starry blue flowers; good in damp areas
    
• Alliums (ornamental onions)
  
  • Globes of purple or white flowers; loved by pollinators
    
• Muscari (Grape Hyacinths) best avoided unless used to naturalise and area
  
  • Clusters of tiny blue, white, or purple flowers
    

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🌱 Tips for Planting Autumn Bulbs

• Timing: Plant most bulbs between September and November; tulips do best in November to avoid disease.
  
• Depth: General rule is plant 2–3 times the height of the bulb deep. If you are not sure, plant them on the side to cover your bets !!
  
• Drainage: Ensure well-draining soil or add grit to avoid rot.
  

Naturalising: Choose crocus, daffodils, or snowdrops for spreading over time