As winter’s chill begins to thaw, the arrival of vibrant blooms is a welcome harbinger of spring. The explosion of color and fragrance that follows is nothing short of breathtaking, as nature awakens from its slumber. Yet, to ensure a showstopping display of springtime beauty, some plants require a little extra planning. Specifically, 20 species listed below demand fall planting, allowing their root systems to establish themselves over the colder months.
Come spring’s thaw, they’ll burst forth with stunning displays of color and vitality, transforming your garden or patio containers into veritable masterpieces.
Crocuses (Crocus spp.): Zones 3-8
As the last wisps of winter’s chill dissipate, few sights evoke the same sense of hope and renewal as crocuses bursting forth from beneath the snow’s mantle. For those seeking to incorporate versatile plants into their garden or homestead, Crocus sativus – the saffron crocus – is an exceptional choice. Not only do its delicate, fragrant stigmas make a delicious culinary spice, but they also add a pop of color to an otherwise drab winter landscape.
When planting your corms in September or October, be sure to select well-draining soil that’s been enriched with compost. A depth of four inches and spacing of four inches apart will provide the perfect conditions for these early risers to thrive. For a vibrant display of spring color, opt for purple, pink, blue, or yellow crocuses over mixed bags containing white blooms, which may blend in with the surrounding snow rather than providing a striking contrast.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.): Zones 3-9
Daylilies are often cherished for their stunning spring displays of vibrant colors, but they also hold another exciting secret – they’re edible! This dual-purpose characteristic makes them perfect for multi-functional gardens where plants can serve as a source of sustenance and medicine in addition to providing visual appeal. To reap these benefits, daylilies thrive in well-draining soil with ample moisture and full sun exposure.
For optimal growth, plant the roots about a month prior to the first frost date in early autumn.
Hellebores (Helleborus niger, H. orientalis): Zones 3-9
Renowned for blooming amidst winter’s chill, lenten roses – also known as Christmas roses – are a breathtaking sight. These hardy flowers thrive in moist, well-draining soil with partial to full shade. The soil should be loamy, allowing the plants to absorb necessary nutrients. A kaleidoscope of colors emerges from these blooms, ranging from soft pink and cream hues to deeper reds and even dark blacks.
To coax their vibrant color into being, sow seeds before the last frost and allow them to undergo natural stratification over the cold months. As winter’s grip loosens, the lenten roses will burst forth in a stunning display of springtime beauty.
Siberian Squills (Scilla siberica): Zones 2-8
When cultivating in colder climates or areas with significant shade, blue Siberian squill is an excellent choice. These flowers boast a stunning blue hue and are remarkably resilient, thriving even in the harsh conditions found in Siberia, where they’re not native. Their adaptability allows them to flourish in a wide range of soil types and light levels, but they truly thrive in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with partial sun.
As such, squills are perfect for woodland gardens or when planted around the bases of trees and smaller shrubs.
Winter Irises (Iris histrioides): Zones 5-8
Turkish pale blue irises are remarkable for their ability to bloom in temperatures as low as 28°F (-2°C), making them a hardy and resilient variety. In contrast to the Siberian blue irises that require more extreme conditions, these irises thrive in a temperate environment. We successfully grew them in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where they bloomed alongside hellebores and winter jasmine in January.
To cultivate these bulbs, plant them three inches deep and five inches apart in very well-draining soil with moderate leanness, providing full sun exposure and thoroughly watering to ensure optimal growth.
English Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): Zones 4-9
The allure of a bluebell woodland is unparalleled, evoking a sense of quintessential English springtime charm. The majestic purple-blue blooms thrive in dappled sunlight or partial shade, making them an ideal choice for shaded lawns and treed borders. Moreover, they are surprisingly adaptable to various soil types, so long as it drains well.
For optimal growth, mix aged compost into the planting site and bury bulbs four inches deep with at least six inches of space between each, at least six weeks prior to the first frost.
Daffodils (Narcissus sp.): Zones 4-8
The vibrant yellow of daffodils is a welcome sight as winter’s chill begins to thaw, signaling the arrival of spring. These cheerful blooms are often chosen for Imbolc or Easter arrangements, their sunny disposition a perfect match for the festive atmosphere. While they adore full sun, they can still thrive in partial shade. To ensure optimal growing conditions, daffodils require rich, moist soil that drains well.
Plant bulbs four inches deep, spaced 10-12 inches apart, between mid-August and early October to set your spring display in motion.
Tulips (Tulipa): Zones 3-8
With over 3,000 tulip varieties to select from, spanning a diverse range of hues and textures, these delicate flowers are an excellent choice for maximizing spring color. When planting bulbs in the fall, aim for a depth of four to six inches, spaced three to four inches apart in well-drained, acidic soil that receives full sun. To ensure optimal results, plant more bulbs than you initially anticipate needing – as some will inevitably succumb to winter rot or predation by insects or squirrels.
Paperwhites (Narcissus papyraceus): Zones 8-11
Paperwhite narcissus flowers may not boast the most vibrant hues, but their alluring fragrance makes them a worthwhile addition to any garden. The key is finding the right conditions for these bulbs to thrive. While they naturally flourish outdoors in warm climates, they can also be coaxed into bloom in cooler zones through potting and container forcing.
To get started, plant your bulbs in September, burying them four inches deep and spacing them six inches apart in rich, well-draining soil that’s both moist and full of sunlight.
Windflower Anemones (Anemone nemorosa): Zones 4-9
These enchanting flowers thrive in woodland environments, showcasing a palette of whites, blues, pinks, and mauves. To flourish, they require moist, well-draining soils with a rich substrate, as well as dappled sunlight that avoids direct rays, which can cause them to wilt. In October, plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in clusters of 20, then cover thoroughly with compost. As the soil warms in early spring, the rhizomes should begin to sprout.
Peonies (Paeonia spp.): Zones 4-9
Peonies are a staple in traditional cottage gardens, offering a burst of color and fragrance during the spring season. Their ruffled petals and sweet aroma make them a popular choice for mixed bouquets. While they can thrive in various shades, their beauty is truly enhanced when planted in well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH and full sun exposure. This environment will maximize their blooming potential.
When planting bare-root peonies, it’s essential to soak the roots for a couple of hours beforehand. Then, plant them at an angle, ensuring the ‘eyes’ are positioned one inch below the soil surface. If you’re planting multiple peonies simultaneously, be sure to space them two feet apart to allow for their eventual spread.
Crown Imperials (Fritillaria imperialis): Zones 5-9
If you’re passionate about texture and bold colors, consider adding crown imperials to your spring color garden. Their unique appearance, with vibrant orange blossoms and prickly crowns that resemble a fusion of Tillandsias and pineapples, is sure to captivate. To ensure the best results, it’s essential to prepare the soil correctly. Mix in a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer before planting your bulbs in full sunlight, and then cover them with a layer of mulch for added protection.
For optimal growth, plant your bulbs in early to mid-fall, spacing them six inches deep and 12 inches apart in clusters of six to ten.
Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis): Zones 3-9
Shady gardens can be just as beautiful as sunny ones! For a charming addition to your woodland or cottage garden, consider planting bleeding heart flowers. These delicate, pink, heart-shaped blooms love shady spots and make excellent understory plants. If you’re looking for the perfect conditions for them to thrive, provide loamy, moist soil with plenty of humus content.
To get started, sow seeds in September or October, cover them with compost, water them well, and let them rest through the winter. Then, just like crocuses and daffodils, they’ll burst forth in early springtime, adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis): Zones 4-8
Hyacinths’ heavenly aroma makes them a springtime essential for any garden seeking a pop of color and texture. Their delicate petals come in a kaleidoscope of hues including pink, white, blue, and purple.
To coax these lovelies into bloom, they demand well-draining soil that’s loose and fairly moist, as well as at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Before planting, amend the soil with leaf mold and perlite if necessary, allowing for a comfortable six to eight weeks before the first anticipated frost date.
When planting, position the bulbs four to six inches deep, with the widest part facing downwards, spaced evenly apart at four to six inches. Water the bulbs thoroughly, yet avoid over-saturation lest they succumb to winter rot.
Grape Hyacinths (Muscari spp.)
For those who adore the rich indigo hue of traditional garden hyacinths but are limited by space constraints or prefer a lower-maintenance groundcover, Muscari is an excellent alternative. Nicknamed ‘grape hyacinths,’ these charming flowers feature dainty raceme spikes adorned with delicate, bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue. They typically reach four to six inches in height and flourish in partial sunlight, where they can spread their roots in slightly acidic, well-draining soil.
As the seasons transition into spring, expect a vibrant display of blue and purple hues as these flowers establish themselves and spread throughout the area.
Alliums (Allium spp.)
The Allium family boasts a diverse range of edibles, including onions, chives, leeks, and ramps, but also features some stunning decorative species. A prime example is Allium giganteum, which can reach towering heights of up to four feet (1.5 meters) and be crowned with vibrant purple blooms. These ornamental alliums come in a kaleidoscope of colors, including blue, purple, pink, and white, making them an excellent choice for adding height, texture, and visual interest to the garden.
As an added benefit, they can also serve as a natural deterrent against herbivores when used as perimeter borders.
Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum): Zones 9-11
For those who reside in warmer climates and have a penchant for pink, peach, red, and purple blooms, cyclamen are an excellent addition to your springtime color palette. To optimize their growth, ensure they’re planted in loamy soil with good moisture levels and indirect sunlight. The ideal time to plant corms is mid-autumn, when you’ve added compost to the soil.
Position the corms so that the tops are about half an inch beneath the surface, then cover them with a layer of compost and water thoroughly. Allow the cyclamen to establish themselves over winter, before they burst forth with vibrant blooms come spring.
Snowdrops (Galanthus): Zones 3-8
As winter’s monotony sets in, it’s easy to overlook the beauty that can still be found outside. However, by planting snowdrops, you can bring a splash of cheerfulness to your outdoor space even in the midst of February’s chill. These tiny bulbs produce bright white blooms and vibrant green foliage, providing a much-needed pick-me-up for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder.
Snowdrops thrive in loose, well-draining soil that’s rich in nutrients and partial shade, although they can adapt to a variety of conditions. For optimal results, prepare the soil in late summer or early fall by loosening it up, planting the bulbs three to four inches deep and four to five inches apart, then let nature take its course.
Pasqueflowers (Pulsatilla vulgaris): Zones 4-8
If you’re blessed with soil that’s a perfect blend of light, sandy texture and well-draining properties, with a slightly alkaline pH to boot, pasqueflowers should be top of mind for your spring color scheme. The name ‘pasqueflower’ itself is a nod to the plant’s unique habit of blooming around Easter time, injecting a splash of vibrant purple hue into an otherwise dull gray-brown landscape. As the seasons transition from spring to summer, it’s time to get seed-starting!
In mid-to-late August, prepare your seeds for planting by lightly scratching them with sandpaper or files and then soaking them in water for 24 hours. Once they’re suitably hydrated, plant them one-eighth inch deep in a bed of light sand and vermiculite, followed by a gentle watering. Let nature take its course from there, as the seeds germinate and grow into stunning displays of purple blooms.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): Zones 6-10
Winter jasmine may not possess the intoxicating aroma of its relatives, but it more than makes up for this with its vibrant yellow blooms that burst forth in the spring, bringing a welcome splash of color after the winter’s stark branches. This cultivar thrives in well-draining soil with a sandy loam texture, and while it can tolerate infertile conditions, it does require at least six hours of direct sunshine each day to flourish.
To propagate this variety, take cuttings from mature plants in August, treating them with rooting hormone before allowing them to root in coconut coir potting soil for six to eight weeks. As the time passes, gradually acclimate the pots to outdoor temperatures before transplanting them into the ground before the first frost date arrives.
Notes on Autumn Planting
When selecting flowers for fall planting with the goal of achieving spring color, it’s crucial to consider the ideal growing zone and soil conditions of each variety. Failure to do so may result in disappointment when spring arrives and your garden lacks the vibrant colors you envisioned.
Some bulbs or rootlets require moist soil, while others thrive in well-draining conditions.
It’s essential to choose fall-blooming flowers that are adapted to your local climate and soil type to ensure they receive the right amount of moisture during their dormant period.
When selecting bulbs or corms for planting, opt for those that appear firm and healthy, with no signs of decay or rot. The papery coverings on certain species, such as daffodils, should be dry and crisp rather than damp or slimy.
Timing is also critical.
Plant your fall bulbs or corms as soon as possible to minimize their exposure to humidity and potential pathogens.
When planting toxic varieties like narcissus, hyacinths, daffodils, hellebores, and others, take extra precautions. These plants can be deadly if ingested by pets or small children, so it’s essential to conduct thorough research on their toxicity before planting and ensure they’re safely contained in areas inaccessible to curious critters.
