Flowering Bulbs in December
December is the last realistic month for getting bulbs and rhizomes in the ground before winter fully takes hold. The selection is more focused than earlier in autumn, but for several genera December is actually within their ideal planting window. Lilies in particular can go in throughout autumn and into winter while dormant, and snowdrops planted now as dry bulbs will still establish and flower in late winter. Hellebores and peonies are also well suited to winter planting in mild spells when the ground is workable.
The honest position: if you still have tulips, daffodils, crocus, or hyacinths that were not planted in October or November, get them in now.
Quick wins in December:
- Good window for lilies, which are dormant now and establish well in cool soil
- Snowdrops can go in now as dry bulbs for February and March flowers
- Hellebores and peonies are suited to winter planting in workable ground
- Any unplanted tulips, daffodils, or crocus should go in immediately rather than be stored further
- Containers are a practical alternative if the garden soil is frozen or waterlogged
What Bulbs Can You Plant in December?
December suits a more selective range than the main autumn planting months. The varieties in this collection are those that either have a naturally long planting window extending into winter or that specifically benefit from cool, dormant conditions when planted.
In December, look out for bulbs that:
- Are classified as autumn or winter-planting (check each product page)
- Are firm and free from soft spots or mould before planting
- Can go into containers if the ground is too hard or wet to dig
- Suit the cooler, lower-light conditions of a winter garden
Top 5 Bulbs for December Planting
Lilium (Lilies): December is a perfectly viable time to plant lily bulbs while they’re fully dormant. Martagon lilies in particular are well suited to partial shade and perform reliably in UK gardens once established. Plant at around three times the bulb's depth in well-drained soil with good organic matter worked in. Avoid waterlogged ground, which is the most common cause of lily bulb failure.
Galanthus (Snowdrops): They establish better than many gardeners expect when planted in December, particularly if they go into moist, humus-rich soil in a partially shaded spot. Plant at around 7 to 10cm depth and leave undisturbed to naturalise.
Helleborus (Hellebores): Hellebores are among the most rewarding winter and early spring flowering plants you can add to a garden, and December planting in mild spells gives them time to establish before their late winter flowering period. They suit shaded and partially shaded spots with moist, well-drained soil. Plant rhizomes at the correct depth as specified on each product page, and mulch lightly after planting to protect from hard frosts.
Paeonia (Peonies): Peonies are planted as bare root rhizomes in autumn and winter, making December a suitable window in most UK gardens when the ground is still workable. They offer large, showy flowers in late spring and early summer and are long-lived garden plants that improve year on year. Plant with the crown buds no more than 2 to 5cm below the soil surface: planting too deeply is the most common reason peonies fail to flower. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil.
Leucojum vernum (Spring Snowflake): Spring snowflakes are closely related to snowdrops but produce slightly larger, bell-shaped flowers in late winter and early spring. They suit moist, partially shaded spots and naturalise steadily once established. Plant at around 10cm depth in humus-rich soil and leave undisturbed to spread. A good companion planting alongside snowdrops to extend the late winter flowering season.
Planting Tips for December Bulbs
Only plant into workable ground: Do not force bulbs into frozen or waterlogged soil. If conditions are poor, plant into containers with free-draining compost and keep in a sheltered spot until the ground improves.
Plant any remaining spring bulbs now: Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths that have not yet been planted should go in during December rather than being stored further. Check each bulb carefully before planting and discard any that are soft, mouldy, or hollow. Firm, healthy bulbs planted now will still give a reasonable spring display.
Depth matters for peonies: Plant peony rhizomes with the crown buds no more than 2 to 5cm below the soil surface.
Protect containers from hard frosts: Bulbs and rhizomes planted in containers in December are more exposed than those in the ground. Move pots to a sheltered spot against a wall and wrap with fleece during prolonged cold spells to prevent the compost freezing solid.
Work organic matter into the soil: December planting benefits from adding compost or well-rotted organic matter to the planting hole, particularly for lilies, hellebores, and peonies, which all benefit from a rich, moisture-retentive growing medium.
Aftercare Made Simple
December-planted bulbs and rhizomes need very little attention over winter beyond protection from hard frosts in exposed positions. Avoid overwatering, particularly in containers, as cold, wet compost is the most common cause of rot at this time of year.
For lilies, snowdrops, and snowflakes, allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering. Do not cut back green leaves, as this reduces the energy stored in the bulb for the following season.
For hellebores, remove any old or damaged leaves in late winter before flowering begins to improve air circulation and show off the flowers as they emerge. Top-dress with well-rotted compost or leaf mould each autumn to maintain soil quality.
For peonies, expect slow establishment in the first season. They often produce little or no flower in their first year, particularly if planted in December. By the second or third season, well-planted peonies with correct depth should begin to produce flowers reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December too late to plant spring bulbs?
For most spring bulbs, December is late but not impossible. Any tulips, daffodils, crocus, or hyacinths still in your possession should be planted now rather than discarded. Firm, healthy bulbs planted in December will still produce flowers, though they may be slightly later or less vigorous than bulbs planted in September or October. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged ground.
What can I plant in December that is not too late?
Lilies, snowdrops, hellebores, peonies, and spring snowflakes are all well within their planting window in December. These aren’t emergency late plantings: they genuinely perform well when planted in cool, dormant winter conditions.
Why are my peonies not flowering after planting?
The most common reason is planting depth. Peony rhizomes planted too deeply, more than 5cm below the soil surface, often fail to flower or take many years to do so. Check the planting depth first before assuming another cause. Peonies also frequently skip flowering in their first full season after planting, particularly when planted late in the year.
Can I plant bulbs in containers in December?
Yes, and containers are often the most practical option in December when garden soil may be frozen or waterlogged. Use free-draining compost mixed with a little grit, plant at the correct depth for each variety, and move pots to a sheltered spot. Wrap containers in fleece during hard frosts to prevent the compost freezing solid.
