Plant These Spring-Flowering Bulbs Now for a Stunning Display Next Year

As autumn sets in, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead to next spring! By planting spring-flowering bulbs now, you’ll set the stage for a vibrant display of colour that will brighten up your garden after the winter months. To help you get started, here are our top 10 favourite spring-flowering bulbs that will transform your outdoor space next year.

1. Daffodils (Narcissus)

A firm favourite in many gardens, daffodils are among the easiest spring bulbs to grow. With a wide variety of species and cultivars, there’s something for every garden. Daffodils can flower as early as late winter, such as the popular Narcissus ‘January Gold’, or as late as mid-spring with Narcissus pseudonarcissus, the iconic daffodil that famously inspired Wordsworth. These bulbs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, offering a burst of yellow, white, or orange to announce the arrival of spring.

2. Tulips

Tulips add an eye-catching splash of vibrant colour in spring, available in a range of sizes and shades. Whether you prefer the petite Tulip ‘Little Beauty’ or the strikingly dark and tall Tulip ‘Queen of Night’, there’s a tulip to suit every garden. Tulips are excellent for pots or garden beds and love a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant them in clusters for the most dramatic effect!

3. Crocuses

Crocuses are one of the first flowers to signal that spring is on its way. These cheerful, goblet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, white, and yellow are perfect for brightening up grey winter days. Crocuses thrive in the sun and well-drained soil and look stunning when planted in pots or naturalised across a lawn. They’re the perfect early bloomer to lift your spirits after a long winter.

4. Iris Reticulata

For an early splash of elegance, look no further than Iris reticulata. These small but striking irises bloom in late winter to early spring, often complementing early daffodils beautifully in pots or garden beds. Varieties like the deep blue Iris ‘Harmony’ or the rich purple Iris ‘Pauline’ are real standouts. These bulbs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a lovely addition to any spring garden.

5. Snake-Head Fritillaries (Fritillaria Meleagris)

With their unique marbled flowers, snake-head fritillaries bring something truly special to spring gardens. These bulbs are well-suited to damp soils and light shade, making them ideal for planting in lawns or woodland areas. The nodding blooms, available in shades of white or deep maroon, create an eye-catching display when planted en masse.

6. Camassia

For damp, poorly drained areas of your garden, Camassia is a fantastic choice. With their tall, spire-like flowers, these bulbs create a cloud-like effect of soft blue blooms in mid-spring. Camassias are perfect for planting in large groups, particularly in less sunny parts of the garden, where they will thrive and deliver a beautiful natural look.

7. English Bluebells (Hyacinthoides Non-Scripta)

English bluebells are a springtime classic, carpeting woodland areas in a sea of blue. If you have a shady garden with dappled light, these are the perfect bulbs for you. Plant them in large swathes for maximum impact, and watch as they bloom in mid-spring, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere under trees or shrubs.

8. Snowdrops (Galanthus Nivalis)

Flowering in late winter, snowdrops are among the earliest bloomers to herald the approach of spring. These delicate white flowers with green accents grow well in shaded areas, such as beneath deciduous trees or shrubs, where they can soak up the sunlight before the trees leaf out. Snowdrops create a charming and subtle display that reminds us warmer days are on the way.

9. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus Orientalis)

If you love fragrant flowers, hyacinths are a must-have for your spring garden. These bulbs are not only visually stunning, with their dense clusters of pink, blue, yellow, and white blooms, but they also fill the air with a delightful scent. Varieties like the bright pink Hyacinth ‘Jan Bos’ or the pale yellow Hyacinth ‘City of Haarlem’ look fantastic when planted in pots or along pathways, allowing you to enjoy their fragrance as you stroll through your garden.

10. Winter Aconites (Eranthis Hyemalis)

For a carpet of golden blooms in late winter, winter aconites are a perfect choice. Their cheery yellow buttercup-like flowers bring life to even the gloomiest corners of the garden. Winter aconites are ideal for planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where their bright colour will light up shady areas.

Get Ready for a Spectacular Spring Display

Now is the time to plant your spring-flowering bulbs and set the stage for a breathtaking garden display next year. Visit Polhill Garden Centre to explore our fantastic range of bulbs and find the perfect selections to suit your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, we have everything you need to create a stunning spring garden.

Head to Polhill Garden Centre today and start planting your spring bulbs this autumn, you’ll thank yourself when your garden comes to life in a riot of colour next spring!