Summer may be coming to an end and the autumnal weather is getting underway, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t think ahead to spring.
Gardens often require careful planning that can be put into action months ahead of time, and spring-flowering bulbs are certainly something to turn your attention to in September.
So, what spring bulbs can be planted this month, ready for bright and cheerful flower displays in spring? We’ve got the answers from an RHS award-winning horticulturalist to help you out…
What to Read NextDaffodils
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These spring-flowering perennial plants bring a feeling of joy and warmth to any spring garden – and September is a fantastic time to plant them.
RHS Award-winning horticulturalist Simon Wilkinson explains: “You always know when spring has arrived when you see daffodils dancing in the breeze and popping up in cheerful clumps. They’re a British classic that signals the garden is about to get busy. There’s something nostalgic and hopeful about their golden trumpets.
“I always recommend planting them in generous groupings along driveways and borders; they look best when it looks as if they’ve grown there naturally. For best results, plant them 10–15cm deep in clumps of 10 or more, and stagger the layout for a natural, flowing look.”
Bluebells
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Bluebells create a stunning, vibrant display of blooms wherever they are planted – and September is an excellent month to begin thinking about where to plant your bulbs.
Simon tells Country Living, “I often see wasted space in shaded areas, like under tree canopies and along the bottom of hedges, that bluebells would absolutely thrive in. They love dappled light and bring a soft, romantic feel to those forgotten corners.
“They give a nice colourful dash in an area that doesn’t get much sun. It’s like discovering a secret woodland path when they bloom. They can take a couple of years to reach their full potential, but the payoff to enjoy a breathtaking blue carpet of colour is well worth the wait!”
Crocuses
Plant crocus bulbs in September for a bold and striking display of colour in the garden come springtime.
Simon explains: “Crocuses are like little bursts of joy that pop up when you least expect them. They’re often the first sign that winter is loosening its grip. They’re perfect for lawns, rockeries, or the front of borders. I always plant them in clusters of 10 or more, just 5–8cm deep.
“To ensure a cheerful patchwork of colour, mix purple, white, and yellow varieties. They’re also a magnet for early bees, which makes them a win for wildlife as well as colour. If you’re keen to invite bees into your garden, this is the variety to do it.”
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Alliums
Last but certainly not least are alliums. Simon tells Country Living: “Alliums are the unsung heroes of the spring garden. Their tall, globe-like blooms add height, structure and a real sense of drama to borders. They rise above other plants like fireworks frozen in time.”
When planting alliums, Simon explains: “Plant them at a depth of about three times the size of the bulb in well-drained soil. They’re fantastic for attracting bees and butterflies, and can be picked and dried to bring into your home for a country feel indoors as well as out. They’re one of those plants that look just as good in a vase as they do in the border.”
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10L Bulb Planting & Potting Mix CompostCredit: Amazon.co.uk
Flower Pot – 31cmCredit: Homebase
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Becky is a freelance journalist based in Somerset, UK, specialising in all things home, gardens, lifestyle, and entertainment. With a love of classic rom-coms and a penchant for romanticising her own everyday life, she enjoys embracing cosy, slow living with her family and their crazy Welsh collie, Cookie. Becky has been published in publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Independent, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, Collider, Happiful Magazine, OK! And many more.
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