The Most Vibrant Spring Blooms Guaranteed.
Top Flower Bulbs for Fall Planting
Timely planting before the first frost is critical for optimal growth post-cold weather. Delaying planting after the frost hardens the ground causes challenges. Late planting in warmer spring may interfere with their necessary dormant phase and delay blooming.
Chionodoxa,Glory of the Snow !
These tiny pink, white, or blue flowers appear when snow still may be on the ground, which gives them their charming common name.
They’re deer resistant and need full sun.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
SHOP GLORY OF SNOW
Discover the Magic of Spring and Summer Blooms with Fall-Planted Bulbs.
Allium
These ornamental onions have beautiful rounded blooms that stand out on tall stems.
Some varieties bloom later in the summer, so check the plant tag or description to ensure your purchase. Alliums are typically overlooked by bunnies and deer, but are adored by pollinators. Alliums need full sun.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Muscari
Identified as Grape Hyacinth for its grape aroma and hyacinth-like appearance, muscari bulbs must be planted in the fall in your garden, according to Christina Matthews, urban flower farmer-florist and owner of The Flower Lady; they will showcase lovely blooms in the spring.
- Well-draining soil
- Full sun
- Grow in zones 4 to 9
Crocus
You'll know that spring is near when you start to see crocus flowers popping up in your garden. "These dainty and very easy-to-grow flowers are one of the first to bloom each spring and come in an array of beautiful color combinations," explains Matthews, noting to get their bulbs in the ground when autumn hits. "Crocus need well-draining soil, they do well in full sun or shade, and should grow well in zones 3 to 8." Additionally, these spring beauties will bring pollinators to your garden.
- Well-draining soil
- Full sun or shade
- Grow in zones 3 to 8
Tulips
Tulips are an excellent addition to your spring garden due to their ease of growth and ability to thrive when cut and brought indoors. They prefer well-draining soil and thrive when planted in zones 3 to 8."But don't fret if in warm area, VIEW OUR ARTICLE ON GROWING FLOWERING BULBS IN WARM CLIMATE so they will bloom in your warm zones, too."
To plant, We advises digging a 6-8-inch-deep hole and placing three to five bulbs at the bottom before covering with soil. A new 1-2 inch layer of compost is added on top.
- Well-draining soil
- Grow in zones 3 to 8 (but can grow in warmer climates if chilled)
- Add compost to freshly-planted bulbs
Hyacinth
Visualize spring with the sweet scent of hyacinth in the air. This highly fragrant, compact flower attracts early pollinators to your garden. Hyacinths grow best in well-draining soil and planted in zones 3 to 8—they enjoy the cold winter period.
Well-draining soil
- Zones 3 to 8
- Water if dry
Daffodil
These cheery lemony yellow or white flowers are a sure sign that spring has arrived!
Based on the variety, they bloom early, mid or late season from February to May. They vary in size, from a few inches to over a foot, with diverse scented types available. Daffodils thrive in full sun.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 7
Leucojum
These plants, also known as spring snowflake, bloom profusely, creating a delicate, wispy effect among surrounding plants. They have a tendency to naturalize effectively and are resistant to pests, thriving in various soil types and light conditions from full sun to part shade.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
These bright yellow low-growing flowers with frilly foliage are some of the very earliest to bloom in spring.
They usually emerge when snow still blankets the ground. They look stunning in clusters and thrive in deciduous tree environments. Pollinators are attracted to them early, while they are unbothered by bunnies and deer. Winter aconite requires full sunlight.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Anemone
Star-like flowers, known as windflowers, emerge in mid-spring in blue, white, or pink hues. Anemones naturalize under taller bulbs or in rock gardens. They’re resistant to deer and rodents.
They prefer full sun to part shade.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
SHOP ANEMONE
SHOP Fritillaria
These fun and funky spring bloomers are charming in any garden.
The unique blooms in solid or checkered hues droop from lengthy stems. Deer and rodents usually avoid them.
Fritillaria take full sun to part shade.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
SHOP Crocus
These are among the earliest flowers to emerge in spring, even in areas with lingering snow. Regrettably, chipmunks and other burrowing creatures find these bulbs appealing.
Look for Crocus tommasinianus, a crocus species that is less popular with squirrels. All types of crocuses look best when planted in masses. They need full sun.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Bluebell
These elegant bell-shaped flowers create a striking visual effect when planted in extensive clusters, particularly in a semi-woodland environment like beneath towering deciduous trees.
They’re usually not munched on by deer or rabbits. They need part sun.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Grape Hyacinth
Tiny flowers appear in early to mid-spring in shades of purple, pink and white. They naturalize readily, so they’re a good choice for planting in a spot where you want them to spread. Deer and rabbits tend to ignore them. They need full sun but will tolerate part shade.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Dwarf Iris
There are many different types of irises, but these tiny gems appear in very early to mid-spring, along with their pretty, grassy foliage. Plant them in masses along borders. They need full sun.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9