25 Spectacular Spring Bulbs to Plant in Fall

Kasey Spencer
Spectacular Spring Bulbs to Plant in Fall

Fall is the perfect time to plan for a stunning spring garden. We can create a beautiful display of colorful blooms by planting bulbs before winter sets in. These hardy plants will sleep through the cold months and burst forth with vibrant flowers when warmer weather arrives.

Planting spring-flowering bulbs in fall gives them time to develop strong roots before the ground freezes. This head start allows the bulbs to produce bigger, brighter flowers once spring comes. With so many options to choose from, we can select bulbs that will thrive in our specific growing conditions and create the perfect spring garden we envision.

1. Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’

Queen of Night Tulip

Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’ is a stunning dark tulip that adds drama to spring gardens. Its deep purple petals appear almost black, creating a striking contrast against other flowers. This tulip grows up to 24-26 inches tall on sturdy stems that resist wind and rain. It blooms in late spring, typically from late April to early May.

We recommend planting ‘Queen of Night’ bulbs in the fall, about 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. For best results, add compost and bulb fertilizer when planting. These tulips work well in beds, borders, and cut flower arrangements.

2. Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’

Narcissus ‘Tête-à-Tête’ is a charming miniature daffodil that brings early spring cheer to gardens. We love its small size and big impact. This popular variety grows only 6-8 inches tall, making it perfect for rock gardens or border edges. Each stem produces 1-3 fragrant yellow flowers.

The blooms feature pale yellow petals surrounding a brighter yellow trumpet. They appear in early to mid-spring, often before other daffodils.

‘Tête-à-Tête’ is easy to grow and naturalizes well. We recommend planting bulbs in the fall for best results. It’s also great for forcing indoors.

3. Allium ‘Purple Sensation’

Allium ‘Purple Sensation’ is a stunning ornamental onion that adds a pop of color to spring gardens. Its large, globe-shaped flower heads measure about 3 inches wide and are packed with small, star-shaped blooms in a rich violet-purple hue.

We love how these eye-catching flowers appear just as spring transitions into summer. They grow on sturdy stems that reach 20 to 30 inches tall, making them perfect for the middle or back of flower beds.

‘Purple Sensation’ is easy to grow and prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. It’s also deer-resistant, which is a big plus for many gardeners. We recommend planting the bulbs in the fall when soil temperatures cool down to around 55°F.

4. Crocus ‘Flower Record’

Crocus
Image: Envato Elements

Crocus ‘Flower Record’ is a stunning spring bulb that brings early color to gardens. We love its large, cup-shaped flowers in a rich violet-mauve hue. The blooms feature eye-catching orange stamens that add a pop of contrast.

This variety grows 3-5 inches tall, making it perfect for borders or naturalizing in lawns. ‘Flower Record’ is known for its vigor and ability to spread easily over time.

We recommend planting these corms in fall, about 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. For the best display, plant in groups of 20 or more.

5. Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’

Muscari ‘Valerie Finnis’ is a stunning grape hyacinth that brings a touch of elegance to spring gardens. We love its pale lavender-blue flowers that form tight, conical clusters.

This variety was named after the famous British plantswoman Valerie Finnis. It grows 6-8 inches tall and blooms in mid to late spring.

We recommend planting ‘Valerie Finnis’ bulbs in the fall, about 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart. They thrive in full sun to partial shade.

These grape hyacinths naturalize well, creating beautiful drifts over time. Their soft color pairs beautifully with other spring flowers, making them a versatile choice for any garden.

6. Fritillaria meleagris

Fritillaria meleagris, commonly known as snake’s head fritillary, is a charming spring-blooming bulb. It produces unique, bell-shaped flowers with a distinctive checkered pattern.

We love planting these bulbs in fall for a beautiful spring display. They thrive in dappled sunlight and prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

When planting, we place the bulbs about 5 inches deep and 5 inches apart. It’s best to plant them on their sides to prevent water from collecting in the hollow crowns.

These delicate flowers bloom for about 3 weeks in spring. They’re deer-resistant, making them a great choice for gardens in areas with wildlife.

7. Hyacinthus ‘Delft Blue’

Hyacinths
Image: Envato Elements

Hyacinthus ‘Delft Blue’ is a stunning spring bulb that brings soft porcelain blue flowers to the garden. We love its densely packed flower spikes that rise above glossy green leaves.

This hyacinth variety is prized for its strong, sweet fragrance. It blooms for 2-3 weeks in mid-spring, filling the air with its delightful scent.

‘Delft Blue’ works well in pots and borders. We find it looks especially beautiful when planted in groups or drifts. It’s also great for indoor forcing, letting us enjoy its beauty indoors.

This hyacinth is easy to grow in well-drained soil. We plant the bulbs 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart in fall for spring blooms.

8. Scilla siberica

Scilla siberica, also known as Siberian squill, is a charming spring-blooming bulb. We love its bright blue flowers that appear early in the season.

These small bulbs are easy to grow and naturalize well. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil.

Scilla siberica grows to about 4-6 inches tall. We recommend planting the bulbs in large groups for the best visual impact.

These hardy bulbs can withstand cold temperatures, making them suitable for zones 3-8. Plant them in fall before the ground freezes.

Scilla siberica looks great in rock gardens, under trees, or mixed with other spring bulbs. They’re also perfect for naturalizing in lawns.

9. Iris reticulata ‘Harmony’

Iris reticulata ‘Harmony’ is a stunning early spring bulb that brings a burst of color to gardens. This dwarf iris produces vibrant royal blue flowers with a distinctive white-rimmed gold crest on each fall.

We love how these compact plants only grow 4-6 inches tall, making them perfect for rock gardens or border edges. The slender, grass-like leaves appear with the blooms but fade away by late spring as the plant goes dormant.

‘Harmony’ is easy to grow and thrives in well-drained soil. We find it’s deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established. Plant the bulbs in fall for a beautiful display in late winter to early spring.

10. Eranthis hyemalis

Winter Aconite

Eranthis hyemalis, also known as winter aconite, is a charming early spring bloomer. We love how its cheery yellow flowers peek through the snow, often as early as February.

This low-growing plant forms a carpet of golden blooms surrounded by green, collar-like leaves. It’s perfect for naturalizing in lawns or under deciduous trees.

We plant winter aconite tubers in late summer or early fall, about 2-3 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. They prefer well-draining soil and do well in full sun to partial shade.

For best results, we soak the tubers overnight before planting. This helps jumpstart their growth. With proper care, these little beauties will spread and come back year after year.

11. Chionodoxa forbesii

Chionodoxa forbesii, also known as glory-of-the-snow, is a beautiful spring-blooming bulb. We love how it bursts into flower early in the season, often while snow is still on the ground.

This perennial produces lovely star-shaped blue flowers with white centers. The blooms appear on short stalks, creating a carpet of color in the garden.

We plant Chionodoxa forbesii bulbs in fall, about 3 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart. They grow best in well-draining soil with full sun to partial shade.

These tough little plants are easy to grow and naturalize readily. We find they look stunning when planted in drifts under deciduous trees or in rock gardens.

12. Camassia leichtlinii

Camassia leichtlinii is a stunning spring bulb that brings tall spikes of star-shaped flowers to gardens. We love its elegant blue blooms that appear in late spring. This native North American plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil. We plant the bulbs 4-6 inches deep and 6 inches apart in the fall.

For the best impact, we group at least 10-15 bulbs. Camassia pairs beautifully with pink or white delphiniums, peonies, and irises. After flowering, we let the foliage die back naturally. This feeds the bulbs for next year’s blooms. We can divide clumps in late summer to propagate more plants.

13. Leucojum aestivum

Snowflake
Image: Envato Elements

Leucojum aestivum, also known as summer snowflake, is a charming spring-blooming bulb. We love its delicate white bell-shaped flowers with green tips that appear in mid-spring. These bulbs are easy to grow and require minimal care. We plant them 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart in fall before the ground freezes.

Summer snowflakes thrive in well-drained soil and look best when planted in groups. We recommend planting at least 6 bulbs together for a stunning display.

After blooming, we leave the foliage in place. This allows the plant to gather energy for next year’s flowers. Once the leaves turn yellow, we remove them.

14. Anemone Blanda ‘Blue Shades’

Anemone blanda ‘Blue Shades’ is a charming spring bulb that brings a burst of color to gardens. These Grecian windflowers bloom in mid-spring with daisy-like flowers in shades of blue and purple. Growing only 3-4 inches tall, they’re perfect for planting under trees or shrubs. The flowers have pale yellow centers that contrast beautifully with their blue petals.

We love how these bulbs naturalize and spread over time, creating a carpet of color. They’re deer-resistant and easy to grow, making them a great choice for many gardens.

Plant these bulbs in the fall for a stunning display the following spring. They pair well with daffodils and tulips, adding variety to spring flower beds.

15. Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’

Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’, also known as the double snowdrop, is a charming spring bulb that blooms in late winter to early spring. This variety features lovely double white flowers with green markings at the petal tips.

We love how these dainty blooms nod gracefully on stems up to 6 inches tall. The narrow, grass-like leaves provide an attractive backdrop for the flowers.

‘Flore Pleno’ snowdrops are easy to grow and make excellent naturalizers. We recommend planting the bulbs 4 inches deep and 2 to 4 inches apart in fall or early winter.

These hardy flowers thrive in zones 3-8 and can spread to form beautiful carpets of white in woodland gardens or shady borders. Their early blooms are a welcome sight after a long winter.

16. Eremurus robustus

Eremurus robustus, also known as the foxtail lily, is a stunning addition to any garden. This tall perennial boasts impressive flower spikes that can reach up to 10 feet in height.

The blooms of Eremurus robustus are a soft peachy-pink color that fades to white over time. Each spike can hold up to 800 tiny flowers, creating a truly spectacular display.

We recommend planting Eremurus robustus bulbs in fall, about 4-6 inches deep in well-drained soil. These plants prefer full sun and need space to grow, so plant them about 2 feet apart.

Eremurus robustus is hardy in zones 6-11 and will thrive in dry, sandy soils. With proper care, these majestic plants will return year after year, adding drama and beauty to your garden.

17. Puschkinia scilloides

Puschkinia scilloides, also known as striped squill, is a charming spring bulb that adds a delicate touch to gardens. We love its star-shaped flowers in pale blue or white, each petal adorned with a distinctive blue stripe.

These little beauties grow to about 4-6 inches tall, making them perfect for rock gardens or as border edging. We plant the bulbs in fall, spacing them 2-3 inches apart and 5 inches deep.

Striped squills thrive in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil but can adapt to various conditions. We find they naturalize easily, forming lovely drifts over time.

For the best display, we plant Puschkinia in groups. Their early spring blooms pair nicely with other small bulbs like crocuses and grape hyacinths.

18. Corydalis solida ‘Beth Evans’

Corydalis solida ‘Beth Evans’ is a stunning spring bloomer that adds a pop of color to gardens. This tuberous perennial produces clusters of pale to deep pink tubular flowers in mid to late spring.

The plant’s delicate fern-like foliage provides an attractive blue-green backdrop for the blooms. It typically grows 4-5 inches tall, making it perfect for borders or rock gardens.

‘Beth Evans’ thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil. We recommend planting the tubers 4 inches deep and 4 inches apart in fall for spring flowers.

This easy-to-grow variety is deer-resistant and attracts bees. It pairs nicely with other spring bulbs and can naturalize in suitable conditions.

19. Colchicum ‘Waterlily’

Water lilies on a pond
Image: Envato Elements

Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ is a stunning fall-blooming bulb that adds a burst of color to gardens. It’s often called autumn crocus, though it’s not related to true crocuses. This variety produces large, double flowers in a soft lilac-pink shade. The blooms resemble water lilies, hence the name. Each flower can reach up to 3 inches across.

We love ‘Waterlily’ for its unique appearance and easy care. It thrives in well-drained soil and partial shade. Plant the corms in late summer or early fall for a beautiful autumn display.

The flowers appear seemingly out of nowhere, with no leaves present. This magical emergence makes it a delightful surprise in the garden.

20. Sternbergia lutea

Sternbergia lutea, also known as Winter Daffodil, is a beautiful fall-flowering bulb. It produces bright yellow, goblet-shaped flowers that resemble large crocuses.

We love planting these bulbs in well-drained, sunny spots. They thrive in alkaline soil, so adding some lime can help in acidic areas.

Plant Sternbergia bulbs 3-5 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart. Water moderately in fall, then keep them fairly dry the rest of the year.

The glossy green leaves appear with or after the flowers in autumn. They persist through winter, making southern exposures ideal for protection.

These pest-resistant bulbs multiply over time, creating lovely golden patches in the garden. Their unique fall blooms add a cheerful splash of color as other plants wind down for winter.

21. Lilium martagon

Lilium martagon, also known as Martagon lily or Turk’s Cap lily, is a stunning spring bulb to plant in fall. This elegant perennial produces unique downward-facing blooms that resemble small turbans.

We love Martagon lilies for their eye-catching colors. The flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white, often with speckled patterns. Some varieties, like Guinea Gold, feature golden petals with pink and orange accents.

Planting Martagon lily bulbs is easy. We recommend placing them in groups of three to five, spaced about 12 inches apart. Dig holes 4 to 6 inches deep and place the bulbs with their pointed ends facing up.

These lilies grow slower than other varieties, so they can be planted a bit closer together. They prefer partial shade and soil with good drainage. Adding some lime to the soil can help them thrive.

22. Sparaxis tricolor

Sparaxis tricolor, also known as Harlequin Flower, is a beautiful spring-blooming bulb. We love its star-shaped flowers that come in bright shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple.

These South African natives are perfect for adding color to borders or containers. We plant the corms in fall, about 2-3 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart.

Sparaxis prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They bloom in late spring or early summer for several weeks. In colder areas, we dig up the corms after flowering and store them indoors for winter.

These cheerful flowers are easy to grow and make great cut flowers too. We think they’re a spectacular addition to any spring garden.

23. Eranthis cilicica

Yellow Buttercup
Image: Envato Elements

Eranthis cilicica, also known as winter buttercup, is a charming spring bulb that brings early color to gardens. We love how these bright yellow flowers pop up through the snow, often blooming as early as February.

These small bulbs are easy to grow and thrive in moist, well-draining soil. They prefer full sun to partial shade, making them perfect for planting under deciduous trees or in woodland gardens.

We recommend planting Eranthis cilicica bulbs in the fall, about 2-3 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. They naturalize readily, spreading by both offsets and seeds over time.

These cheerful flowers look great in rock gardens, along walkways, or in the front of borders. Plant them near a window to enjoy their sunny blooms from indoors during late winter.

24. Ixias ‘Venus’

Ixias ‘Venus’ is a stunning spring-blooming bulb that brings a splash of color to gardens. These graceful flowers feature star-shaped blooms in shades of pink with dark centers.

We recommend planting Ixias ‘Venus’ bulbs in the fall for spring flowers. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil for best results. Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart.

In colder areas, Ixias need frost protection. We suggest growing them in pots or a cool greenhouse in zones below 7. Water the bulbs after planting and moderately in spring.

Ixias ‘Venus’ works well in beds, borders, and containers. They also make lovely cut flowers for bouquets. With proper care, these charming bulbs will add beauty to your spring garden year after year.

25. Narcissus ‘Actaea’

Daffodils
Image: Envato Elements

Narcissus ‘Actaea’ is a cherished heirloom daffodil that’s been around for over 100 years. It’s a great choice for spring gardens and naturalizing.

This poeticus daffodil has large, pure white petals surrounding a small yellow cup with a scarlet-red rim. The flowers are fragrant and measure about 3.5 inches across.

We love ‘Actaea’ for its reliable blooming and long-lasting flowers. It typically blooms in mid to late spring, adding beauty to the garden when many other spring bulbs are finished.

Plant ‘Actaea’ bulbs in fall, about 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. Space them 3-6 inches apart for a natural look. They grow best in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

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