Nothing compares to the sight of spring bulbs blooming after a long winter. You’re laying the groundwork for a spectacular display from February to May by planting bulbs in the autumn and early winter. To help you plan a garden that blooms beautifully throughout the season, we’ll walk you through our flowering timeline and a list of the essential bulbs to this autumn and winter.
When to Plant Spring Bulbs
The best time to plant spring bulbs is in the autumn, usually between September and December, before the ground freezes. Bulbs require a cold period in order to establish a strong root system and ensure a vigorous display when temperatures rise.
Early Spring Flowering Bulbs (February – March)
Kick off the season with hardy varieties that brave the chill and bring the first splashes of colour to your garden.
Recommended Bulbs:
- Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis): Among the earliest to flower, often appearing while frost still lingers.
- Crocus: Compact and colourful; plant varieties like Crocus tommasinianus for naturalising in lawns or borders.
- Dwarf Iris (Iris reticulata): Deep blue and purple tones that bloom in late February.
- Mini Daffodils (Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’): A cheerful choice for pots and borders, flowering from early March.
Planting Tip: Plant these smaller bulbs near the surface (around 5–8cm deep) for quicker sprouting and better drainage.
Mid Spring Flowering Bulbs (March – April)
As temperatures rise, larger blooms begin to take centre stage. This is when your garden really comes to life.
Recommended Bulbs:
- Classic Daffodils (Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’, ‘Carlton’): Traditional yellow blooms for mid-spring impact.
- Hyacinths: Highly fragrant and ideal for beds, containers, or near entrances. Varieties such as ‘Delft Blue’ or ‘Pink Pearl’ are customer favourites.
- Early Tulips (Single Early and Triumph varieties): Examples include ‘Princeps’ or ‘Red Emperor’, offering vibrant reds and yellows in late March to early April.
- Scilla and Chionodoxa: Smaller starry blooms perfect for underplanting trees or shrubs.
Planting Tip: Mix early and mid-season varieties together to create continuous flowering from March through April.
Late Spring Flowering Bulbs (April – May)
Round off the season with statement blooms and lasting colour that bridges spring to early summer.
Recommended Bulbs:
- Late Tulips (Darwin Hybrid and Parrot types): ‘Queen of Night’, ‘Apricot Beauty’, and ‘Black Parrot’ are striking choices that flower into May.
- Alliums: Tall, architectural blooms like Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ or ‘Globemaster’ add drama and structure.
- Camassia: Elegant spires of blue flowers ideal for naturalised areas or mixed borders.
- Fritillaria imperialis (Crown Imperial): Exotic and eye-catching, blooming in April to early May.
Planting Tip: Layer bulbs of different flowering times (“lasagne planting”) in deep pots or borders — early bulbs at the top, later ones beneath — for months of non-stop colour.
Perennial Bulbs vs. Annual Replanting – Whats the difference?
Not all bulbs behave the same way from year to year.
Perennial bulbs — like daffodils, crocus, alliums, and camassia — return each spring, naturalising and multiplying over time for bigger displays each season. Once planted, they need minimal care beyond feeding after flowering and allowing foliage to die back naturally.
In contrast, some bulbs such as tulips and hyacinths are best treated as annuals in many UK gardens. While they can rebloom, performance often declines over the years. Many gardeners choose to lift and replace these bulbs each autumn for a consistently impressive show.
Tip: For a mix of reliability and wow factor, combine long-lasting perennials with vibrant annual bulbs for guaranteed impact every spring.
Time to Get Planting
Planting a mix of bulbs this autumn is the secret to a garden that evolves beautifully throughout spring. Whether you prefer a traditional daffodil display or a curated look with tulips and alliums, our downloadable Planting Calendar will help you plan your spring garden.
Start planting now, and by spring, you’ll have a garden full of life, colour, and fragrance that rewards you year after year.
