Planting bulbs in the autumn creates an optimism and air of anticipation for spring, when everything bursts into life Here are just a few of the best bulbs for planting this autumn:
Narcissus ‘William Park’ – This giant single-flowered daffodil produces super-sized, 15cm blooms.
Allium ‘Carlito’ – This beautiful addition to the popular ornamental onion family produces densely packed heads of starry flowers in a subtle lilac hue. It will grow to around 75cm and is ideal for dried flower arrangements when the colour has gone and just the seedheads remain.
Camassia leichtlinii ‘Pale Pink’ – While most camassias are deep blue, these are a subtle shade of pale pink and are just as hardy and tough as other leichtlinii.
Anemone ‘Jerusalem Mixed’ – Originating from Israel, these colourful, poppy-like blooms are produced on long stems from each corm. They are easy to grow and ideal for creating a stunning spring or early summer display.
Crocus ‘Vanguard’ – This pretty lilac specimen bridges the gap between smaller-flowered, earlier crocuses and the March-flowering giants derived from C vernus. It needs good drainage and an open, sunny position to flower.
Hyacinth ‘Prince of Love’ – Double-flowered hyacinths are a rarity, but this dramatic and fragrant variety with its densely-packed flower spikes looks great in beds, borders or patio pots.
Allium ‘Silver Spring’ – The white lollipop flowers on 75cm stems are unique, with each floret sporting a distinctive deep-pink centre. It flowers in May and June and is widely available.
Narcissus ‘Tall Bonair’ – This impressive double daffodil grows to 35cm and has pale cream petals with a ruffled lemon-yellow centre, flowering in April. It’s also an excellent cut flower.
Tulipa clusiana ‘Peppermint Stick’ – Not new, but worth a try. This pint-sized tulip, which grows to just 25cm, produces dainty flowers in April with deep rosy-red outer petals just edged silvery white. The inner petals show a deep steel-blue base when open in the sun. They originate from the Mediterranean and the Far East, and are popular in rockeries and wild gardens, or can be naturalised.
Hyacinth ‘Garden Masquerade‘ – This richly-scented variety produces deep-purple flowers which make a real statement in patio containers in spring, especially if they are close to the door, where you can enjoy their delicious odour as you venture into the garden.
By Hannah Stephenson