Fall is here, and you know what that means? Time to plant bulbs now for a gorgeous spring garden!
Hardy bulbs like tulips and hyacinths actually need the cold to bloom their best. If you wait until spring, you might get a few sad flowers, but planting in fall guarantees an abundant flower display.
Not sure which bulbs to plant?
Don’t worry because there are plenty of cold-hardy options like tulips, daffodils, alliums, and many more!
Keep reading to find out which bulbs you can plant now to ensure beautiful blooms as soon as spring arrives!
1. Hyacinth ‘Pink Pearl’ Has The Prettiest Bubblegum Flowers
Hyacinths have always been my ultimate spring fragrance. They were my absolute favorite growing up because their sweet scent just filled the air and lasted forever!
They also make the best cut flowers, bringing that fresh scent right into the house.
One variety I absolutely love is the ‘Pink Pearl’ hyacinth (it even won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit!).
The flowers look like bubblegum with a cotton-candy border, dark inside with soft pink edges (yum!). You can plant these beauties along a path or near a door, and you’ll get to enjoy their amazing fragrance every time you pass by!
Related: 6 Simple Tips To Enhance Your Hyacinth Patch After The Blooms Fade Away
2. Daffodil ‘British Gamble’ Is Known For Its Snow-White Petals And Peach Cups
Daffodils have a charm all their own, don’t they?
I love how they start off shy, with their heads turned toward the ground, and then gradually lift as they bloom (it’s like you are watching them come to life).
Their unique petals in yellow, white, orange, and even pink are simply mesmerizing.
They’ve always held a special place in my heart because my grandma used to grow them in her garden, so they bring back sweet memories for me.
One of my favorites is ‘British Gamble’. This isn’t your average daffodil – its six snow-white petals glow in the sunlight, and the cup is in the prettiest shade of peach you’ll ever see.
Related: Here’s What You Should Do With Daffodils After Flowering To Keep Them Happy And Healthy
3. Pollinators Love Prairie Blazing Star
If you’re all about feeding pollinators, you’ve got to plant prairie blazing star bulbs this fall.
These tall, elegant wildflowers are like candy for butterflies – they absolutely love the tiny, fringed flowers!
Prairie blazing stars are perfect for wildflower meadows or a pleasant cottage garden.
The stems can grow up to four feet tall, with clusters of fuzzy purple petals that resemble a bottle brush on top. And it’s not just butterflies that adore them – hummingbirds can’t resist the prairie blazing stars either!
Related: Grow These 20 Nectar-Rich Native Plants If You Want To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Yard
4. Foxtail Lily ‘Cleopatra’ Is Not As Tough, But It’s Definitely Worth Growing
Foxtail lilies may not be as tough as some of the other bulbs on this list, but wow, are they splendid!
Pollinators love these tall beauties. They thrive in colder climates, but only down to zone 5, so keep that in mind.
The ‘Cleopatra’ variety features delicate spikes of apricot blooms. They’re perfect for adding height to the mid-ground of your flower beds.
Please note that their foliage doesn’t last long, so it’s best to plant them among other perennials. If you live in a colder area, you can grow them as annuals, but only if you plant them in the spring!
5. Allium ‘Miami’ Is A Great Addition To Any Garden
Alliums may belong to the onion and garlic family, but you’d never guess it from their magnificent looks!
These tall, graceful plants produce decorative, round flower heads that come in lovely white and purple. They also have a scent that helps keep annoying garden pests away!
The ‘Miami’ variety features clusters of purple, star-like blooms that can reach up to three and a half feet high!
Alliums are a great addition to your garden, especially when paired with other cold-hardy perennial bulbs like tulips and daffodils.
6. Lily Of The Valley ‘Rosea’ Is The Charm You Need
Lily of the Valley is like something straight out of a fairytale!
This perennial creates a stunning contrast with its delicate flowers and strap-like leaves. The stems have a gentle droop, which makes those tiny blooms look like they’re bowing toward the ground.
The ‘Rosea’ variety might not look drastically different from the standard ones, but it has a soft rosy hue that makes it even more charming. They thrive in partial to full shade and can spread quite easily (in some areas, they might get invasive so be careful!).
Pick one or more of these perennial bulbs and enjoy a wonderful, blooming garden next spring. Plant them now and wait to be completely mesmerized by their flowers as soon as the weather gets warmer.
Also read: Plant These 8 Unusual Bulbs This Fall And Enjoy A Spectacular Bloom Display Next Season