Autumn is here, bringing crisper air and trees adorned in warm hues. As the landscape shifts into its winter slumber, we begin to dream of spring’s awakening. Planting bulbs in autumn is like making a promise to the future – buried beneath the soil, these dormant beauties start their slow journey towards spring’s floral spectacle. Choosing the right bulbs for your space will ensure a breath-taking display when they finally bloom.
Read on for our top suggestions for the best spring flowering bulbs to plant this autumn in the UK.
Top Tip
To aid drainage, add grit or coarse sand to the planting hole when planting bulbs in heavy soil.
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Top Spring Flowering Bulbs for the UK
Below are some of the best bulbs for bringing spectacular spring displays to your UK garden:
- Daffodils (Narcissus)
- Tulips (Tulipa)
- Crocuses (Crocus)
- Snowdrops (Galanthus)
- Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
- Fritillaries (Fritillaria)
- Alliums (Allium)
1. Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils, also known as narcissus, feature trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant hues of yellow, white, peach, pink, and orange. Over 50 species exist, ranging from miniatures under 10cm to large doubles over 20cm wide. Daffodils thrive in free-draining soil and light shade, making them perfect to naturalise in lawns and meadows. Underplant them with Forget-Me-Nots or Crocuses for added spring delight.
2. Tulips (Tulipa)
A garden classic, tulips bring a burst of colour to spring beds and borders. Early flowering types open their brightly coloured, cup-shaped blooms in late winter for an energising show. Midseason tulips extend the display into early spring. Late tulips bloom in April and May, with frilly doubles and elegant lily-flowering types. Combine different tulip types in your garden for a continuous kaleidoscope of colour.
3. Crocuses (Crocus)
Charming crocuses bear cup-shaped blooms in white, purple, yellow and striped colourways. They appear early in spring, sometimes pushing bravely through snow. Underplanting crocuses throughout your lawn creates a cheerful spring carpet. They also thrive in rock gardens and can naturalise easily around trees and shrubs. Plant different crocus varieties together for a lively patchwork effect.
4. Snowdrops (Galanthus)
Delicate snowdrops flower from late winter through early spring, bringing hope after the dormancy of winter. Both the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and giant snowdrop (G. elwesii) flourish in UK gardens. They prefer partial shade and moist, rich soil. Establishing snowdrop ‘drifts’ under trees creates a fresh woodland feel. Snowdrops combine beautifully with winter aconites or cyclamen.
5. Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
The native English bluebell delights with its deep blue, bell-shaped flowers dangling from arching stems. They carpet woodlands and form the quintessential English spring scene. Bluebells thrive in partial to full shade and prefer moist, rich soil. Replicate woodland conditions by planting drifts of bluebell bulbs and allowing their foliage to die back naturally after flowering.
6. Fritillaries (Fritillaria)
Snakes Head Fritillaries offer elegantly nodding blooms with checkered patterns. Plant the purple and white Fritillaria meleagris in damp soil for an otherworldly effect.
Fritillaria imperialis sports sculptural bell-shaped flowers in orange, yellow, pink or red on 1 metre stems. Underplant with forget-me-nots or primroses for a charming spring vignette. Site in full sun or partial shade.
7. Alliums (Allium)
Dramatic, globe-shaped allium flowers really make a statement in spring displays. varieties range from drumstick alliums under 30cm to 1.5m flowering onions. Go for Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ for deep violet globes on 50cm stems. Alliums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Use them as focal points within borders or grow amongst garden perennials.
Final thoughts
As winter approaches, look forward to spring by planting bulbs suited to the UK climate. Choosing a diverse selection will ensure continuous colour, fragrance, and visual impact in your garden from late winter through May. With some planning and preparation now, you can easily create a show-stopping spring bulb display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I plant spring bulbs in autumn?
Yes, autumn is the optimal time for planting spring flowering bulbs in the UK. Planting in fall allows bulbs to establish roots before winter. The chill of winter then encourages the bulb to produce flowers in spring.
Q. Which bulbs to plant in autumn UK?
Great spring flowering bulbs to plant in the UK during autumn include: daffodils, tulips, crocuses, snowdrops, hyacinths, bluebells, fritillaries, grape hyacinths, alliums and anemones.
Q. Can I plant spring bulbs in November?
November is still a suitable time for planting spring bulbs in most parts of the UK. Growth may be slightly reduced compared to earlier autumn planting. Prioritize earlier flowering bulbs like snowdrops, crocuses and winter aconites when planting later in November.
