Guide to Beautiful Bulbs
There’s nothing quite like the vibrant burst of colour that spring bulbs bring to our gardens after winter’s long, grey days. These early risers are a true delight, from cheerful daffodils to elegant tulips. If you want to create your own springtime display, here’s a handy guide to some of the UK’s most beloved spring bulbs, including when to plant them and enjoy their glorious blooms.
Spring Bulbs: when to plant for a dazzling display
Spring bulbs when to plant, and the answer for most is autumn! Planting your bulbs in the cooler months allows them to establish roots and store energy for their spectacular show come spring.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
When to plant: September to November.
When they flower: Typically from March to April.
A little bit about them: These sunny yellow (and sometimes white or orange) beauties are synonymous with spring. They’re incredibly reliable and naturalise well, meaning they’ll come back year after year, often spreading to create larger drifts of colour.
Tulips
When to plant: October to November (a little later than daffodils, as cooler soil helps prevent fungal diseases).
When they flower: April to May.
A little bit about them: With their incredible array of colours, shapes, and sizes, tulips offer endless possibilities for your garden. From classic cup-shaped blooms to fringed and parrot varieties, there’s a tulip for every taste.
Tête-à-tête Daffodils
When to plant: September to November.
When they flower: Often as early as February, right through to April.
A little bit about them: A miniature marvel! ‘Tête-à-tête’ is a dwarf daffodil that produces multiple small, bright yellow flowers per stem. Perfect for pots, rockeries, or the front of a border, they bring early cheer.
CrocusWhen to plant: September to November.
When they flower: February to March.
A little bit about them: One of the earliest spring flowers, crocuses often push through the last vestiges of winter snow. They come in shades of purple, white, and yellow and are fantastic for naturalising in lawns or under deciduous trees.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)
When to plant: September to November.
When they flower: March to April.
A little bit about them: Famous for their intensely fragrant, tightly packed flower spikes, hyacinths are a sensory delight. Plant them near paths or by your front door to fully appreciate their sweet perfume. They also look stunning in pots.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
When to plant: September to November.
When they flower: April to May.
A little bit about them: The quintessential British woodland flower, creating breathtaking carpets of blue. If you have a shady spot, bluebells are perfect for naturalising, bringing a touch of enchanting woodland magic to your garden. Remember to plant the native British bluebell for ecological benefits.
Get Ready for Spring with ACW Garden Centre!
Thinking of creating your own spring paradise? ACW Garden Centre has everything you need to get started. We boast a large choice of garden pots to showcase your bulbs, essential bulb fibre for healthy growth, handy bulb planting tools to make the job easy, and of course, years of expert advice from our friendly team. Pop in and let us help you plan your most colourful spring yet!
We look forward to seeing you at ACW Garden Centre!
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