Fall is a transformative season in the garden, with leaves turning brilliant shades and the last of the summer blooms fading away. Yet, the gardening show doesn’t have to end. Many bulbs bloom between October and December, with some flowering as early as September and others continuing until the first frosts.
These bulbs or tuber plants create a beautiful transition between autumn and winter. Easy to grow in well-drained soils, these plants can even naturalize and come back on their own each year.
Here’s a guide to nine fantastic late fall flowering bulbs to keep your garden vibrant at a time when falling leaves are usually the main attraction.
1. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Autumn Crocus, also known as Meadow Saffron, is a must-have for late-season color. These bulbs produce bright, cup-shaped flowers in colors ranging from purple to white. They grow to about 6 inches in height and spread about 4 inches wide.
For best results, plant Autumn Crocus bulbs in late summer to early fall, ensuring they are about 3-4 inches deep and spaced at least 6 inches apart. They thrive in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight.
Maintenance is minimal. Ensure the soil remains moist during their growing season and refrain from adding too much fertilizer. Their bright blooms pair well with late-blooming perennials and can brighten up garden borders, rockeries, and even grassed areas.
2. Fall-Flowering Allium (Allium thunbergii)
Fall-Flowering Allium is another exceptional bulb that adds life to your garden late in the year. These bulbs bloom in a spectrum of hues, most notably pink, white and violet, and typically reach a height of about 12-18 inches.
Plant these bulbs in early fall, placing them around 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, provided the soil is well-drained.
Once planted, they require little attention. Water them sparingly, only to ensure the soil does not completely dry out. They are also remarkably resistant to pests and diseases. Fall-Flowering Allium is perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden beds and attracts pollinators, making them a great choice for a vibrant, diverse garden ecosystem.
3. Guernsey lily (Nerine bowdenii)
Nerine Bowdenii stands out for its striking, spider-like flowers in bright pink and white tones. These bulbs flower well into late autumn, bringing an exotic flair to your garden with their unique blooms on tall, slender stems. They flower from October into November, producing large, pink umbrella-shaped clusters.
With hardiness levels ranging from -6°C to -12°C, these bulbs fare well in milder Mediterranean or Atlantic climates. If you’re in a frost-prone area, growing them in pots is an ideal solution. Plant Nerines in well-drained soil, keeping them about 5 inches deep and 8 inches apart. They need a sunny position to thrive and should be sheltered from strong winds. A south-facing border is ideal.
Once established, Nerines need minimal watering. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so it’s better to keep the soil on the dry side. They are fantastic in mixed borders and can be used in large containers on patios. Pair them with other late-blooming plants to create a staggered flowering display.
4: Giant Tree Dahlia (Dahlia imperialis)
Meet the giant of the autumn garden: Dahlia imperialis. Capable of reaching up to 4 meters in height, these majestic plants resemble small shrubs, adding a dramatic flair. The blooming season extends late into fall, even touching early winter in December.
The flowers are sizeable, almost 13 cm wide, and come in soft pink tinged with pale lavender or pure white, depending on the variety. They only stop blooming with the arrival of strong winds and the first frosts.
Though not hardy, with limits around -5°C, they can survive milder climates or cozy up next to a sunny, sheltered spot with cool, moist soil. Their exotic appearance, paired with palm trees or banana plants, creates an enchanting garden narrative that’s hard to beat.
5: Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus)
We all know and love spring crocuses, those first cheerful signs of life at the end of winter, but did you know there are autumn varieties too?
Take the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus), for example. This beauty blooms in October and November, and it’s from this Middle Eastern native that we get the precious spice saffron. Each corm, which looks a lot like a bulb, produces one or two large, cup-shaped flowers. They’re about 10 cm wide and show off a gorgeous purple color with lilac veins. From the center of these flowers, you’ll see striking scarlet red filaments and golden yellow stamens.
These crocuses are pretty petite, standing around 15 cm tall and 10 cm wide. They love sunny spots and well-drained soil, even doing well in dry, chalky soil during the summer. They can handle temperatures down to about -15°C. Interestingly, they take a summer nap and wake up in the fall. You’ll notice their fine, linear leaves usually pop up after the flowers and stick around through winter.
Another interesting variety is Crocus cartwrightianus ‘Albus’. It’s not as common, but its pure white flowers are just as stunning.
For a garden that keeps blooming, try pairing these autumn crocuses with early spring bulbs like snowdrops. This way, you’ll have a continuous display of flowers from fall all the way to the end of winter.
6. Surprise lily (Lycoris squamigera)
Lycoris, also known as Spider Lily, Surprise lily or Magic Lily, adds a magical touch to late fall gardens. Their tall stems hold clusters of vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in pink or white. These bulbs can grow up to 2 feet tall and spread around 12 inches wide.
For best results, plant Lycoris bulbs in late summer, ensuring they are 4-6 inches deep and spaced approximately 10-12 inches apart. They’ll thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of sunlight.
Lycoris requires minimal maintenance. Water moderately and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They’re ideal for naturalizing in wooded areas, perennial borders, or mixed flowerbeds. Their striking appearance makes them excellent focal points in the garden.
7. Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium)
Cyclamen hederifolium is a graceful bulb that produces charming, marbled foliage and delicate flowers in pink, white, and purple. These flowers can appear late into the season, providing a splash of color under deciduous trees and in shaded garden spots.
Plant Cyclamen bulbs in early fall, about 2 inches below the surface, ensuring they are spaced around 6 inches apart. They prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Cyclamen are low-maintenance. Water them sparingly during dry spells and mulch lightly to retain soil moisture. They make excellent ground cover and are perfect for woodland gardens or shaded rockeries. Cyclamen’s charming flowers and unique leaves add texture and interest to fall gardens.
8: Ginger Lily (Hedychium villosum)
Hedychium villosum, or “wild ginger,” brings an exotic touch to late autumn gardens with its unique flowers. This rhizomatous plant blooms around November, showcasing spidery white flowers with red bracts, all gathered in spikes.
Reaching up to 60 cm in height, Hedychium villosum prefers semi-shaded conditions and well-drained soil that stays fresh but not overly moist. Hardy to around -6°C, this plant does well in pots, allowing for easy protection during colder periods. The bamboo-like foliage also adds textural interest to your garden. Combine it with other late bloomers like dwarf Canas to extend your garden’s color palette into the colder months.
Conclusion
Planting late fall flowering bulbs is one of the best ways to extend garden color into the colder months. Pair these bulbs with early spring bloomers for an extended season of color and enjoyment. Experiment with different combinations to see what works best in your space and enjoy a garden that bursts with life even as the days grow shorter.
