There might be a nip in the air, but there are still blooming bulbs to enjoy indoors and out, in November.

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Indoor bulbs that don't require chilling when forcing, such as amaryllis and paperwhite narcissi, are ideal. For outdoor colour, try combining alstroemerias, nerines and hesperantha.

Discover five of the best autumn-flowering bulbs for November, below.

Nerines

The vibrant blooms of nerines are instantly recognisable, so they're perfect for lighting up beds and borders in November. Here's how to propagate nerines in spring by lifting and dividing.

Nerine flowers
Striking red nerines

Amaryllis

Amaryllis (hippeastrum) don't need a period of cold to flower, so you can simply buy the varieties you like and wait for the magnificent blooms to emerge. Here are 16 of the best amaryllis to grow.

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Pink and white blooms of amaryllis 'Apple Blossom'

Paperwhite narcissi

Unlike bulbs from cooler climates, paperwhite narcissi don't require a chilling period when forcing. As well as forcing, you should also be able to buy paperwhites in garden centres in November.

Paperwhite narcissi
Clusters of paperwhite narcissi flowers

Hesperantha

These impressive South African natives have been known to flower up until Christmas, so they're well worth growing for November flowers. Grow hesperantha in a moist, well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade.

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Red hesperantha
Crimson hesperantha flowers

Alstroemerias

Most alstroemerias flower until the first frosts. They come in all sorts of colours, too, from rich reds, burnt oranges. They're not fully hardy, so are best provided with a generous mulch over winter if grown in the ground. Alternatively, grow in containers.

Alstroemerias
Brown-speckled golden and dusky pink/crimson alstroemerias

Forcing in November

It's not too late to force other bulbs for flowers in spring. For scent try hyacinths and more paperwhite narcissi, and for colour, go for tulips and crocuses. For more inspiration, take a look at nine spring bulbs to force in autumn

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