When the fall season approaches, it’s a time when plants begin to lose their chlorophyll and settle slowly into dormancy, with winter on the horizon. While there are a variety of plants that thrive in the fall you can incorporate into your garden, there are also ones you can plant in preparation for the spring. If you’re looking to prepare beautiful blooms in the spring season before it arrives, Creech Landscape has several choices to recommend for flower bulbs to plant in fall.
Why Plant Bulbs in the Fall?
The autumn season provides a great environment for certain plants that need plenty of time before they can bloom. Fall bulbs, also known as spring blooming bulbs, thrive when they are planted during the fall season. The cooler temperatures and moist soil encourage early root growth, making them stronger and healthier when they start to bloom. It’s important to plant fall bulbs when the soil is chilled, but before the ground freezes. The colder soil will provide them with time to awaken before their blooming season arrives. Here are a few bulbs that can be planted in the fall:
1.Tulip
Tulips are a popular choice for the garden, and a beautiful one, too. These iconic bulbs are colorful and distinct, coming in a variety of gorgeous colors that can create an eye-catching display. Tulip bulbs require full sun, and need to be planted in rich, well-draining soil to prevent rot. They can be planted late into the autumn season, and even into winter, and should be placed 4 to 8 inches deep into the soil in order for them to bloom well in April or May.
- Scientific Name: Tulipa spp.
- Height: 9-24 inches
- Bloom Time: April-May
- Soil Requirements: Neutral/acidic, rich, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full
- Color Variations: Red, orange, pink, yellow, purple, white
2. Spring Crocus
Crocuses are a unique type of bulb flower, as they are not true bulbs, but corms. These small flowers are perennials and often bloom early in spring when they’re planted in autumn. It’s common to begin seeing these colorful blossoms peeking out before the frost melts. They grow best in full or partial sunlight and neutral soil and make a wonderful display when planted in groups in flower beds.
- Scientific Name: Crocus spp.
- Height: 6 inches
- Bloom Time: January-March
- Soil Requirements: Neutral, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full, partial
- Color Variations: Purple, blue, orange, pink, yellow, white
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
3. Daffodil
Daffodils are another popular choice when it comes to fall bulbs. Their sunny colors are eye-catching in the garden in the springtime, and they’re often planted in clusters along pathways and in beds. These bulbs should be planted in mid to late autumn in moist, well-draining soil and a fair amount of sunlight. They typically bloom in early spring.
- Scientific Name: Narcissus spp.
- Height: 6-30 inches
- Bloom Time: March-May
- Soil Requirements: Neutral/acidic, moist, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full, partial
- Color Variations: Yellow, orange, white, pink
- Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
4. English Bluebells
True to their name, English Bluebells have gorgeous blue flowers that stand out in the springtime. They enjoy shadier spots around the garden, and quickly grow to cover the ground. As perennials, these flowers will go dormant in the early summer but return once again in mid to late spring. They grow well in woodland gardens and need moist but well-draining soil.
- Scientific Name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Height: 12 inches
- Bloom Time: March-May
- Soil Requirements: Neutral/acidic/alkaline, moist, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Partial
- Color Variations: Blue
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
5. Glory of the Snow
This bulb perennial blooms early in the springtime and enjoys plenty of sunlight. Planting them in the fall allows the bulbs to establish themselves and produce stunning blue, pink, or white blooms when spring arrives. They can grow in patches, making them excellent ground cover that is pleasing to the eye.
- Scientific Name: Chionodoxa luciliae
- Height: 4-6 inches
- Bloom Time: February-April
- Soil Requirements: Moist, acidic/neutral, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full, partial
- Color Variations: Blue, white, pink
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8 (USDA)
6. Hyacinth
Hyacinths are a stunning addition to a garden, with vivid blooms and an intense fragrance. They grow moderately when they are planted in the fall, and they return every year in the spring, between March and April, for several seasons. If you want to prepare your garden for a vibrant display, these are an ideal choice.
- Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Bloom Time: March-April
- Soil Requirements: Moist, neutral/acidic, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full, partial
- Color Variations: White, purple, blue, pink, red
- Hardiness Zones: 4-8 (USDA)
7. Jonquils
Similar to daffodils, jonquils are part of the Narcissus family. Their bulbs can be planted in the fall, and they grow back every year in the springtime. With their vibrant blooms and deer-resistant qualities, they make for a wonderful addition to your spring garden without attracting hungry deer to your yard.
- Scientific Name: Narcissus jonquilla
- Height: 6-12 inches
- Bloom Time: April-May
- Soil Requirements: Rich, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full, partial
- Color Variations: Yellow, white
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
8. Bearded Iris
If you are looking for showy blooms, bearded irises are a great option to pick. Their frilled petals create a vibrant, bearded look that is sure to impress, and they can be strongly aromatic in a garden. They grow best when planted in sandy, well-draining soil in the fall, and bloom between April and May.
- Scientific Name: Iris germanica
- Height: 12-40 inches
- Bloom Time: April-May
- Soil Requirements: Average, well-draining
- Sunlight Exposure: Full
- Color Variations: Red, orange, yellow, white, pink, blue, purple, bicolor
- Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (USDA)
Plan Your Fall Plantings with Creech
Your landscaping is important, and getting ahead of the blooming seasons during the fall can save you time and provide healthy plants. Whether it’s fall plantings or any other season, Creech Landscape offers seasonal planting services to bring your outdoor space to life with attractive flowers and ornamental plants. Contact our team today for a quote, or to schedule a service with us. We look forward to serving you!
