Top 10 Bulbs To Plant In Spring

Flowering bulbs are a gardener’s delight, offering stunning seasonal displays in beds, borders, pots and containers.

Whether planted as a singular specimen, grouped en-masse or naturalised in woodland-style drifts, they look spectacular. 

While many people associate bulbs with spring-flowering varieties like daffodils, jonquils and tulips, there are a plethora of equally beautiful choices that flower in summer.

These are best planted from late winter into early spring, which means there’s still time to get bulbs in the ground for a fabulous display.

Here are some of the best bulbs to plant in spring.

Dahlias

With a variety of colours, sizes and bloom styles to choose from, dramatic dahlias are summer favourites. They love warmth and sun, and can be planted from spring into early summer.

Calla Lilies

Calla lilies have shapely, long-lasting blooms that make excellent cut flowers. They need lots of full sun and are best planted in late winter or early spring, as soon as the risk of frost has passed. 

Gladioli 

Gorgeous gladioli bloom in spring in warmer regions, and through summer in cooler/temperate zones. Planting can be staggered for continuous colour throughout the season. 

Hippeastrums (aka Amaryllis)

A Christmas favourite in beds, pots and as cut flowers. Plant late winter to early spring. You can also place bulbs in a fridge crisper in September, then plant five weeks before flowers are desired. 

Tuberous Begonias

Colourful begonias are cheerful summer favourites. Tubers sprout in spring and flower repeatedly over summer. Plant late winter to early spring. Note that not all begonias are tuberous. 

Arum Lilies

These stately, sculptural beauties love water, and are great at the edge of a pond or stream. Flowering from spring into early summer, they can be planted from late winter to early spring. 

Pineapple Lilies

Hardy and easy to grow, this summer flowering bulb has long lived blooms as well as striking foliage. It looks great planted en masse, in pots or naturalised in beds. Plant from winter into spring. 

Liliums

A summer must-have, liliums come in a vast array of colours, bloom styles and sizes. They’re ideal for pots and containers and love sunny positions. Plant from winter into spring.

Amorphophallus Konjac

Looking to spark interest in your garden? Try something a little different, such as the intriguing Konjac. Plant in spring for a large, striking and unusual flower in late spring/early summer. 

Plan your summer bulbs now

Garden Express has a huge range of summer-flowering bulbs to plant in September and October, along with spring vegetables, fruiting plants and more. Happy gardening!