Joanna Radford
Home, Farm, & Garden
There’s a certain thrill in the air when fall arrives—the crisp mornings, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and, for flower lovers, the irresistible call of the garden whispering, “Plant bulbs now for spring magic later!”
November through December is prime time for planting spring-blooming bulbs in our region. Best of all, it’s simple, rewarding, and almost guarantees a breathtaking burst of color when the world wakes from winter’s slumber.
But not all bulbs are created equal. Choosing the right varieties will ensure beauty that lasts well beyond a single season.
The Reliable Rockstars
Daffodils are the tried-and-true performers of the spring garden. Sunny and cheerful, they return year after year and often multiply on their own. For classic large yellow blooms, look to ‘Carlton’ or ‘St. Keverne.’ For earlier color, plant ‘February Gold’ or the petite but hardy ‘Jack Snipe,’ which may appear as early as February.
Fragrant jonquil-types are another excellent choice. Their clusters of small, sweet-smelling blossoms bring both charm and consistency. Wonderful varieties include ‘Sweetness,’ ‘Quail,’ ‘Minnow,’ ‘Geranium,’ ‘Baby Moon,’ and ‘Avalanche.’ Be sure to plant daffodils early—ideally in October—for the best results.
Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica) are another garden hero. Blooming in step with azaleas, their spikes of white, pink, or blue flowers return faithfully each year—and deer and rabbits usually leave them alone.
Two more reliable favorites are summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum), which thrives even in heavy, damp soil, and starflower (Ipheion uniflorum), a delicate, low-growing beauty with icy blue, star-shaped petals.
The Occasional Comebacks
Some bulbs will return for three to four years before fading, though with the right conditions they may last even longer. These include ornamental onions (Allium species), Dutch and grape hyacinths, anemones, Dutch iris, and Persian buttercups (Ranunculus). While not lifelong bloomers, they add several memorable seasons of color to the garden.
The One-Hit Wonders
A few bulbs dazzle for a single season, then disappear. Tulips, crocus, snowdrops (Galanthus), dwarf iris (Iris reticulata), and squills (including Scilla, Chionodoxa, and Puschkinia) fall into this category. Treat them as annuals, and if they return for another year or two, consider it an unexpected gift.
Planting for Impact
To create real drama, plant bulbs in clusters or bold swaths rather than scattering them here and there. Mass plantings deliver a true “wow” factor.
Tuck bulbs among perennials or around deciduous shrubs to brighten otherwise bare spots in early spring. Most bulbs thrive in well-drained soil and sunny locations, especially under trees that shed leaves in winter. An exception is summer snowflake, which actually prefers heavier, moist soil.
When planting, remember this simple rule of thumb: plant bulbs two to three times as deep as their size. Smaller bulbs should be planted 3–4 inches deep, while larger bulbs such as daffodils need about 8 inches. A slow-release or organic fertilizer can be mixed into the soil at planting time or applied in early spring when shoots begin to emerge. (Avoid bloodmeal if you have seen signs of voles—it may attract them.)
Finish by adding a layer of mulch to insulate the soil, discourage weeds, and protect your soon-to-be blooms.
Spring Starts Now
The joy of bulb planting lies in its promise. When you press bulbs into the earth on a cool fall day, you’re planting not just flowers, but hope, joy, and a touch of magic.
So grab your gloves, a trowel, and a bag of your favorite bulbs. Let the anticipation grow as you imagine the explosion of color to come. Your future spring self will thank you.
Happy planting!
