Spring Flowering Bulbs
Spring bulbs bring colour and life to your garden while supporting UK wildlife. Early-flowering bulbs like snowdrops, crocus, and daffodils provide vital nectar for bees and butterflies when other food is scarce. Bulbs such as bluebells, grape hyacinths, and alliums attract insects and hoverflies, which in turn support birds and help control pests naturally. Planting a mix of spring-flowering bulbs in grass, borders, or under trees extends bloom periods and creates beautiful, wildlife-friendly habitats for months.
Spring Bulbs UK
Spring bulbs are a wonderful way to brighten your garden while supporting local wildlife. Planting spring-flowering bulbs provides early nectar and shelter for pollinators, insects, and birds during the first months of the year when resources are scarce. Hardy, perennial bulbs can be planted in autumn, giving them time to establish roots and prepare for a stunning spring display.
By selecting a wide range of bulbs, gardeners can extend flowering times, creating continuous blooms from February through May. Naturalising bulbs in lawns, woodland areas, or under deciduous trees adds texture, layers, and diversity to your garden while offering habitat for insects and small creatures. For example, alliums attract hoverflies that naturally control aphids, while grape hyacinths and bluebells provide cover for ground-dwelling insects.
Whether planted in borders, pots, baskets, or grassy drifts, spring bulbs are versatile, hardy, and long-lasting. Combining early bloomers with mid- and late-season bulbs ensures a rich, layered display and prolonged support for pollinators.
Our Range of Spring Flowering Bulbs
Our spring bulbs collection features a mix of classic favourites and new varieties, perfect for adding colour and life to your garden each season. Hardy, perennial, and easy to grow, these spring-flowering bulbs are ideal for autumn planting, creating vibrant blooms that return year after year. Whether in borders, beds or pots, they provide beautiful flowers and support for pollinators and wildlife.
Key Spring Bulbs We Offer:
- Tulip bulbs: iconic spring flowers available in a wide range of colours, shapes, and heights.
- Daffodils / Narcissus bulbs: hardy, versatile bulbs that naturalise well and bring early-season cheer.
- Crocus bulbs: delicate, early bloomers that provide vital nectar for bees in late winter/early spring.
- Snowdrops (Galanthus): perfect for naturalising in lawns or woodland, flowering first in the season.
- Alliums: striking, tall blooms that attract beneficial insects like hoverflies.
- Bluebells and Muscari (Grape Hyacinths): ideal for drifts under trees, pots, or borders, offering lasting colour.
All our bulbs are supplied from trusted growers, ensuring quality, robust plants that are disease-resistant and reliable. With the right planting tips and care, these spring flowering bulbs will brighten your garden from the first bloom in February through to May, turning your garden into a beautiful sanctuary for local wildlife habitats.
How to Care for Spring Bulbs: 5 Helpful Tips
Caring for your spring bulbs ensures vibrant blooms and healthy plants year after year. Follow these simple tips to get the best display and help your garden thrive:
- Choose the Right Time for Planting: Plant spring flowering bulbs in autumn, typically between September and November, so they can establish roots before winter.
- Prepare the Soil Properly: Use well-drained soil and loosen the ground to allow roots to grow easily. Adding a little compost can help bulbs thrive and retain moisture.
- Plant at the Correct Depth: As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs two to three times their height below the surface. This helps protect them during winter and encourages strong spring growth.
- Leave Foliage to Die Back Naturally: Allow leaves to yellow and die back naturally - they feed the bulbs and store energy for future blooms.
- Protect Bulbs from Pests: If needed, cover bulbs with netting or fencing to prevent squirrels or other animals from digging them up before they bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for autumn planting of spring bulbs?
The ideal time to plant spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus, and snowdrops is from September to November. Planting during this period allows bulbs to establish roots before winter and ensures a healthy, vibrant bloom in early spring, with stunning green foliage and flower colours ranging from purple and blue to bright yellows and whites.
How long do spring bulbs take to flower?
Most spring bulbs planted in autumn start to flower between February and May, depending on the type. Early bloomers like snowdrops and crocus appear first, while tulips and daffodils follow later in spring, creating a sequential display of colour.
Can I plant different types of spring bulbs together?
Yes! Mixing different bulbs such as tulips, daffodils, and muscari adds something extra in terms of colour and texture to your garden. Planting in clusters or drifts creates a natural, layered effect, letting you get a longer flowering season and a richer display for both you and pollinators.
Do I need to remove foliage after flowering?
Yes, but allow leaves to die back naturally rather than cutting them too early. Leaving the foliage lets the plant save energy, which the bulbs use to produce strong, vibrant flowers come next spring.
