My fellow gardeners, I know it’s that time of year when we should think about completing all the chores and preparing our gardens for sleep.
But don’t forget that this is also a perfect time to think about the layout of our spring and summer garden, and which plants to add next season.
I know that some of you have already chosen the spring bulbs that you’re planting this fall. What if I told you that you can take things to a whole new level and make your garden unique?
Yes, it’s possible with the help of a few unusual bulbs you should plant in the fall, and they’ll reward you with spectacular blossoms come spring!
Grab a pen and let’s nail down that list!
1. Spring Star Flower Will Steal The Show In Your Spring Garden
Our journey starts with a lovely, delicate bloomer, the Spring Star Flower. I have to admit that this nickname fits the plant perfectly!
Blue and periwinkle blossoms appear on 6-inch stems in late winter and through early spring. As an added bonus, these flowers emit a sweet fragrance, so your morning walks will be a true experience.
Spring Star Flower performs best in USDA zones 5 through 9 and is super easy to maintain. As long as the soil is quick-draining and the spot receives enough full sun, Spring Star Flower will produce an abundance of its dainty blooms.
This plant is best suited for rock gardens and you can propagate it through bulbs or from seeds. How remarkable, right?
2. Tulip La Belle Epoque For An Elegant Touch
Are you dreaming of a romantic garden filled with beautiful shades and earthy tones? It’s possible, but only if you add the stunning La Belle Epoque tulip.
When you take a look at its blooms, they look like peonies because they’re double-layered. But no, these are true tulips and will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood.
If you want to plant tulips, it’s best to do it in the fall, before November ends. La Belle Epoque is perfect for USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.
The apricot, peach, and pink blooms will also make an excellent addition to your cut flower garden!
3. Add Vertical Interest With Foxtail Lily
If we compare the foxtail lily with other plants on this list, it can definitely be said that it’s more popular. But in my humble opinion, it still doesn’t receive enough attention and it’s one of the most beautiful flowers out there.
Why not use the opportunity and let the foxtail lily adorn your spring garden?
The reason? Absolutely stunning clusters of blossoms in various shades of orange, pink, yellow, and white.
This variety can reach up to 8 feet, which makes it one of the tallest spring flowers and a perfect choice for vertical interest.
If you live in zones 5 through 8, don’t think twice about planting the foxtail lily. Make sure to put the bulbs in the ground as soon as you get them home. Choose a sunny site and ensure the soil is fast-draining and there’s enough space between each bulb.
4. Every Summer Garden Needs Gladiolus dalenii ‘Boone’
Thinking about the next summer seems too much, but you know what they say, the early bird catches the worm!
And if you truly want to make your summer garden stand out next year, you must plant the Boone gladiolus.
Its soft-colored blooms will add a wonderful touch to your outdoor space. If you live in zones 5 through 9, give this gladiolus a try and thank me later!
5. Long-Blooming Pink Camassia For A Delicate Touch
You may have heard of camassia plants or seen them in your neighbor’s garden. The ones you’ll find are most likely blue.
Well, that’s not everything camassia plants offer. The pink variety looks amazing and will definitely make your garden unique next year.
It’s not fussy over the growing conditions and it can thrive in locations where most other common plants can’t.
You don’t even need to lift the bulbs once your pink camassia finishes flowering. Yes, it’s that simple!
So, gardeners in zones 4-8, what are you waiting for? No time to waste – pink camassia should be front and center in your garden!
6. Wand Flower For Sunkissed Gardens
Now let’s add some magic to your garden! The lovely wand flower is an ideal choice for those who need to fill some gaps in their spring gardens.
This plant produces stunning star-shaped flowers that emerge from tall spikes and last from May through June.
You can leave the bulbs in the ground if you live in zones 8 through 10. For cooler zones, it would be best to lift the bulbs to protect them from freezing.
If you don’t have enough space in your garden, don’t worry, the wand flower does well in containers, too!
7. Spice Things Up With Allium Nigrum
I assume many of you will be surprised to learn that the best time to plant early-blooming Alliums is actually in the fall.
The nigrum variety may not be well-known but believe me when I tell you, it’s worth it!
It’s a sturdy plant, easy to propagate, and performs well in shady spots. Allium nigrum is perfect for zones 2-10.
Once mid-May arrives, the lovely blossoms will appear on 30-inch stems and turn your garden into a true masterpiece!
8. Don’t Forget To Add Fritillaria persica Ivory Bells
Fritillarias aren’t uncommon in gardens but there’s one variety you’ll rarely spot. The Ivory Bells is a spectacular cultivar with lime-green and creamy ivory, bell-shaped blossoms.
The plant typically reaches 3 feet and will pair perfectly with short spring bulbs.
You’ll need to ensure high-quality soil with plenty of air pockets to prevent waterlogging.
Gardens in zones 4 through 8 should definitely contain at least one Ivory Bells!
Want your garden to steal the show next season? These unusual bulbs are your golden ticket! Plant them this fall and enjoy the fruits of your labor!