Spring is the season when the garden comes back to life. And what is a better way to create a beautiful display than with spring flowering bulbs? Planting spring bulbs in your garden is an easy way to add a splash of colour. We will introduce you to the 10 spring flowering bulbs for the UK.
10 Flower Bulbs To Plant In Spring
Planting flower bulbs for the spring is easy and fun. Many different types of spring bulbs are perfect for your garden. We’ve collected the most popular ones for autumn planting below.
1. Daffodil (Narcissus)
Daffodils, or Narcissus, are very easy to look after. The bulbs return every year and will naturalise once they find a happy spot. Daffodils come in a surprising range of colours, including yellow, white, peach, apricot and even pink. You can plant them in the ground, pots, or containers for your patio.
2. Tulip
Tulips come in countless colours and varieties. They are one of the most versatile spring bulbs. You can choose from deep reds, pastel pinks and even multicoloured Tulips. Many gardeners treat Tulips as annuals, but if you prefer bulbs that come back, consider planting Darwin Tulip bulbs.
3. Crocus
The Crocus is an early-spring, low-growing flower that welcomes the warmer seasons. They come in various colours, including purple, blue, yellow, orange, and white. Crocuses are easy to grow and naturalise easily in lawns.
4. Hyacinth
Since the 17th century, Hyacinths have fascinated gardeners and horticulturists. Not only for the variety of colours, but also for the sweet fragrance. They are the perfect plant for indoors and outdoors, and are the ideal companion for other spring flowers. Hyacinths love a spot with full sun and good drainage.
5. Snowdrop (Galanthus)
One of the earliest spring flowers is the Snowdrop (Galanthus). These beauties tell you that winter's dark and cold days will not last forever. Their pure white flowers with green accents are perfect for grass, at the front of spring borders, and in rock gardens.
6. Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides Hispanica)
The open bell-shaped flowers of the Spanish Bluebell are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, as well as to gardeners. Spanish Bluebells are very easy to grow and multiply themselves. They look stunning in a woodland garden, at the front of a border, in rockeries, and in wild or naturalised areas of the garden.
7. Grape Hyacinths (Muscari)
Another very popular spring flowering bulb is the Muscari. The other name, Grape Hyacinth, refers to the flower's shape: it looks like an upside-down bunch of grapes. Muscari require very little attention, are easy to naturalise and will return year after year.
8. Ornamental Onion (Allium)
Do you want a spectacular display in your garden? Alliums are an excellent choice. They are famous for their elegant, slender stems and large globe-shaped blooms comprised of hundreds of densely packed florets. Alliums are also a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
9. Windflowers (Anemones)
Anemones are a good choice for a striking splash of colour in your garden. They come in a wide variety of colours, including blue, purple, red, white, and hot pink. Windflowers are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They often produce up to 20 flowers per bulb in the spring.
10. Iris
Finally, Iris is a beautiful spring flower. The Iris flower is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The flowers come in blue, violet, purple, yellow, white, bronze, brown, and pink. The shape and colours are suitable for any landscape setting or theme, and can grow in most garden soils (well-draining soil). Choose a sunny or partial-shade spot for them.
When To Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs In The UK?
You plant spring flowering bulbs in the autumn, usually from September to November, depending on the climate you live in. Ensure the soil temperature is below 15°C (60ºF) or colder, but the first frost hasn't arrived yet. This allows spring bulbs to establish over the winter and be ready to flower in early, mid, or late spring.
Learn more: What Is The Bloom Time Of Autumn Planted Bulbs?
Planting Spring Flowering Bulbs: How To Do It?
Planting spring bulbs is quite easy. Follow these steps to ensure successful planting:
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Wait until the soil is 15°C (60ºF) or colder. Choose a sunny or partial spot with good drainage.
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Dig a hole about 8-10 cm deep (3-4 inches). When planting bulbs, follow the general rule of thumb and give them at least 2 times the height of the soil above them.
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Drop the bulb in the hole and cover it with soil. Make sure you place the bulb the right way up. So plant with the pointed end / spike facing up.
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Leave approximately 8 cm (3 inches) between each bulb.
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After planting, water well so the soil above the bulbs settles.
What To Do With Spring Bulbs After Flowering?
Once spring bulbs have finished flowering, it's important to look after them properly to encourage healthy flowering next year (depending on which bulbs you've planted). Deadhead the spent flowers to prevent the bulbs from putting energy into seed production. Don’t cut the leaves yet, but wait until they are yellow, as the nutrients will go back into the bulbs for the next flowering season. The bulb will be dormant and won’t need watering until the next flowering season.
Choose The Best Spring Flowering Bulbs At DutchGrown
If you’re planning to add spring flowering bulbs to your garden, the autumn is the perfect time to start. At DutchGrown, you can find a wide range of high-quality and top-sized autumn planting bulbs. Whether you choose different varieties of Tulips or want to plant beautiful Snowdrops. Are you looking for summer flowering bulbs? We’ve also got a collection of spring planting bulbs. Discover our collection now and select your favourite flower bulbs. We ship from the Netherlands to all over the UK.
