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Autumn-flowering bulbs
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Tuesday, 19 July 2022 at 11:13 am
We list our favourite autumn-flowering bulbs to grow.
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Autumn-flowering bulbs provide a splash of colour in the garden when other plants are starting to fade. From autumn crocus to crocosmia and nerines, they increase the season of interest while providing nectar and pollen for late-flying insects.
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When to plant autumn-flowering bulbs
Plant autumn-flowering bulbs from late spring to summer, typically planting them two to three times deeper than the size of the bulb itself. Water well in dry conditions. Treat them as you would other bulbs, deadheading spent blooms, allowing the foliage to die down naturally and applying a liquid feed before the bulb goes into dormancy, to ensure the best possible display the following year.
We list our pick of the best autumn-flowering bulbs below.
Autumn crocus
Colchicum 'Waterlily'
Autumn crocus, including cultivars like 'Lilac Wonder' and 'Waterlily', are autumn stalwarts. While unrelated to spring-flowering crocus, they look similar and are grown in the same way. You can plant autumn crocus in pots, at the front of a sunny border, under hedges or naturalise them in lawns. You can even use colchicums as a temporary house plant, simply place the bulbs – there's no need to add compost or water – in a vase and leave on a windowsill where they will develop leaves and bloom.
Sternbergia
Sternbergia lutea var. angustifolia
Commonly known as the autumn daffodil, Sternbergia lutea is an ideal autumn-flowering bulb for September. It's a Mediterranean native, so it does best in full sun and a well-drained soil. Like daffodils, it can be grown in pots, at the front of a border or naturalised in grass.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia 'Buttercup'
There are hundreds of crocosmia varieties to choose from, flowering in red, orange or yellow from summer into autumn. They make an excellent cut flower. Grow crocosmia in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Divide congested clumps every three to five years to rejuvenate them and encourage better flowering.
Nerines
Pink nerine flowers
Nerines are the perfect antidote to a waning garden – at the end of summer they burst into flower, with some species, such as Nerine undulata, lasting into November.
Plant nerine bulbs in spring in a sheltered, sunny spot in free-draining soil. Cut back after flowering and cover with a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots from frost.
Hesperantha
Crimson Hesperantha flowers
Hesperantha is an impressive South African native bulbous perennial, which has been known to flower up until Christmas, in southern parts of the UK. Plant hesperantha bulbs from late spring in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade.
Alstroemerias
Brown-speckled golden and dusky pink/crimson alstroemerias
Most alstroemerias flower until the first frosts. They come in all sorts of colours, from rich reds to 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, which you can move indoors to overwinter.
Cyclamen hederifolium
Pink cyclamen growing amongst brown fallen leaves
Autumn-flowering Cyclamen hederifolium is perfect for livening up a shady spot. Plant the corms en masse beneath shrubs or at the front of a border. Unlike other autumn-flowering bulbs, leave cyclamen to self-seed. Hardy and unfussy, they'll gradually spread to form a rich carpet of colour.
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Advice on buying autumn-flowering bulbs
- There's a range of autumn-flowering bulbs to choose from. Most need well-drained soil and a sunny, sheltered spot – make sure you can provide these conditions
- Autumn-flowering bulbs are available from garden centres but you'll find a greater range from specialist online retailers
- Always check bulbs for signs of damage or decay before planting
Where to buy autumn-flowering bulbs
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