How to choose the best autumn bulbs
Autumn-flowering bulbs like alstroemeria bring fresh vigour and vibrant energy to the autumn garden. Some autumn-flowering bulbs flower right up until the first frosts and are well worth planting in early summer to give your outdoor space a pre-winter boost. Read our FAQs to help you pick the right autumn flowers for your garden.
Which autumn-flowering bulbs do best in pots?
If you have a small outdoor space or rent a patio garden, there are plenty of autumn-flowering bulbs you can grow in pots. Small pots are ideal for cyclamen, colchium bulbs and tuberous begonias. Place a pot filled with one of these beauties on an outdoor table or next to the balcony door for a compact powerhouse of colour. Large containers are a good place to grow big showy dahlia tubers in electric colours.
Which autumn-flowering bulbs are scented?
Gladiolus murielae flowers have a delicate, sweet perfume. More delicate than summer blooming gladioli, gladiolus murielae produces tall stems that hold two and sometimes three white, star-shaped blooms with deep purple centres. Enjoy these beauties as they bloom, or cut and bring inside for a cracking indoor display.
Which autumn-flowering bulbs are best for shade?
Cyclamen hederifolium is a real shade lover. This little autumn-flowering bulb is at home on the shady floor of woodland gardens and positively thrives when planted at the base of deciduous trees. The deep green leaves stay above ground through winter, providing a soft carpet of green.
Are autumn-flowering bulbs perennials?
Most autumn-flowering bulbs are perennials. They have varying degrees of hardiness and some, like dahlias, need protection from frost to come back again the following year. Others, like alstroemeria, are hardy and will die back in the garden to resprout again in spring, happily staying put over winter.
