Spring-flowering bulbs you need to plant now

As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, it's time to prepare for spring's vibrant blooms. Plant bulbs now and enjoy a stunning show of colour when the seasons change.

Ten spring-flowering bulbs

1. Daffodils (Narcissus) are a beloved spring bulb known for their vibrant colors and ease of care. With a wide range of varieties, there's a daffodil to suit every preference. From the early-blooming 'January Gold' to the classic 'Narcissus pseudonarcissus'—the inspiration for Wordsworth's famous poem—daffodils can brighten your garden from late winter through spring. For optimal growth, plant them in full sun and well-drained soil.

2. Tulips are a stunning addition to any spring garden, offering a burst of vibrant colors. From the petite 'Little Beauty' to the towering 'Queen of Night,' there's a tulip to fit any space, including containers. These bulbs are incredibly easy to grow and thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.

3. Crocuses herald the arrival of spring, brightening chilly days with their cheerful, goblet-shaped flowers in a variety of vibrant colors. They're perfect for containers or naturalizing in lawns and thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.

4. Iris reticulata are the first irises to bloom, ushering in spring with their elegant flowers. These early irises pair beautifully with early daffodils in containers. Consider 'Harmony' for its deep blue blooms or 'Pauline' for a rich purple hue. Iris reticulata bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and full sun.

5. Snake-head fritillaries (Fritillaria meleagris) are a unique addition to damp areas, thriving in light shade. Their distinctive nodding flowers, marked with a striking snakeskin pattern, create a captivating display when planted in groups or naturalized lawns. These elegant spring bulbs add a touch of whimsy to the garden.

6. Camassia is a beautiful choice for damp areas. When planted in groups, their tall flower spikes create a stunning effect, resembling a sea of blue mist in spring.

7. English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) are native to woodlands and thrive in dappled shade. For a breathtaking display of blue flowers in mid-spring, plant them in large drifts.

8. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) are a harbinger of spring, blooming in late winter. Their delicate white flowers, marked with green, are a welcome sight. Snowdrops thrive in the dappled shade of deciduous trees and shrubs, where they receive sunlight before the leaves emerge.

9. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are cherished for their captivating fragrance and stunning array of colors, from the vibrant pink of 'Jan Bos' to the soft yellow of 'City of Haarlem.' These bulbs look fantastic in containers near your home or along garden paths, allowing you to enjoy their delightful scent as you stroll by.

10. Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) create a vibrant carpet of gold in late winter with their cheerful yellow buttercup flowers. These bulbs are perfect for planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, adding a splash of color to shaded areas.

Create a stunning spring garden with our diverse selection of spring-flowering bulbs. Visit our garden centre in St. Albans today to choose your favorite bulbs and start planting this fall for a vibrant display next season.