Naturalising bulbs
Naturalising bulbs are bulbs that come back every year and spread on their own. Plant them in autumn in grass, under trees or in borders for a natural carpet of spring flowers. Naturalising bulbs are bulbs that come back every year and spread o...
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Naturalising bulbs: bulbs that come back every year
Naturalising bulbs are the ones you plant once and enjoy for years. They are small, tough bulbs that feel at home in grass, under trees and among shrubs. They set seed or produce new bulblets, so there are more flowers every spring. After a few years you have a natural carpet of colour, just like the drifts you see in old parks and country estates.
In this collection you will find perennial bulbs that flower from late winter to early summer, from snowdrops and winter aconites to grape hyacinths, snake's head fritillaries and pheasant's eye narcissus. They have been chosen from our full range of flower bulbs and come to you fresh from the grower.
Which bulbs come back every year?
It is one of the most common questions about bulbs, and the answer depends on the type. Species that grow wild in meadows, woodland and mountain pastures are used to returning year after year. Large, highly bred bulbs are less inclined to do so.
- True naturalisers: snowdrops, winter aconites, species crocuses, Anemone blanda, Siberian squill, grape hyacinths, snake's head fritillaries, bluebells and summer snowflakes not only return but spread.
- Faithful returners: most daffodils and many alliums flower for years in the same spot, although they multiply more slowly.
- Less reliable: large hybrid tulips look stunning in their first year but often get smaller afterwards. Species tulips are a lovely exception.
Why choose naturalising bulbs?
Naturalising suits a garden that is allowed to look relaxed and doesn't ask for much work:
- More every year: plant once and enjoy more flowers each spring, without buying again.
- Early food for pollinators: snowdrops, crocuses and winter aconites are among the first nectar sources for bees in February.
- Low maintenance: the bulbs simply stay in the ground, with no lifting or replanting.
- A natural look: no rigid blocks, but loose, informal drifts that look as if they have always been there.
- Makes use of tricky spots: under deciduous trees, in grass or along a ditch, they flower before the trees come into leaf.
When to plant naturalising bulbs
Plant them in autumn, from September until December, as long as the ground isn't frozen. Like other spring bulbs, they need a cold winter to flower in spring.
The earlier, the better
Small bulbs and tubers dry out faster than large bulbs, so aim to plant snowdrops, winter aconites and Anemone blanda in September or October. Soak winter aconite and Anemone blanda tubers overnight in lukewarm water before planting to give them a head start.
How deep to plant
As a rule of thumb, plant at two to three times the height of the bulb. For most small species that means 5 to 8 cm. Daffodils and summer snowflakes go deeper, around 10 to 15 cm. Not sure which way is up? Plant the bulb on its side and it will find its own way.
How many bulbs per square metre?
For a good carpet, allow 50 to 100 bulbs per m² for small species and 20 to 30 for larger ones such as daffodils and summer snowflakes. Start with fewer and it will take a little longer to fill in, but nature will do the rest.
Best bulbs for naturalising in grass
Bulbs for lawns create a wonderful effect, but not every type can cope with competition from grass. These bulbs for naturalising in grass do particularly well: crocuses, snowdrops, Siberian squill, grape hyacinths, snake's head fritillaries and narcissi such as Narcissus recurvus. Crocuses in the lawn are a classic, and you will find more choice among our crocus bulbs.
How to plant bulbs in a lawn
Scatter a handful of bulbs over the grass and plant them where they land for a natural spread. Use a narrow trowel or bulb planter to make a hole for each bulb, then replace the plug of turf. For larger groups, lift a section of turf, place the bulbs underneath and press the turf back down.
Mowing: wait until the leaves turn yellow
This is the golden rule of naturalising in grass. The foliage feeds the bulb for next year, so only mow once the leaves have turned yellow, usually about six weeks after flowering. Early bloomers such as crocuses and snowdrops are finished early; for fritillaries and daffodils, wait until June. A patch of grass mown later also gives you a lovely wildflower edge.
Naturalising bulbs for every spot
Each species has its preferences. Put the right bulb in the right place and it will spread by itself.
Under trees and shrubs
Under deciduous trees it is light in spring and shady later in the year. Snowdrops, winter aconites, Anemone blanda and bluebells are completely at home there. They flower before the trees leaf up and form a dense carpet over time, also alongside shade-loving outdoor plants such as ferns and woodland perennials.
Damp spots
Snake's head fritillaries and summer snowflakes like soil that stays moist in spring, such as beside a pond, a ditch or in a low-lying part of the lawn. They will happily self-seed there.
Sunny edges and gravel
Grape hyacinths, crocuses and Siberian squill thrive in sunny spots, along the edge of a border or in gravel, where they spread quickly and fill gaps.
The varieties in this collection, in order of flowering
By combining species, you can have something in flower from January to June:
- Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii): the giant snowdrop opens its white bells in January and February, often above the last snow.
- Winter aconite: bright yellow flowers with a green ruff in February, ideal under trees.
- Crocus: in February and March, species crocuses paint the lawn purple, white and yellow.
- Anemone blanda: blue, white or pink stars in March and April that slowly spread into a carpet.
- Siberian squill (Scilla siberica): deep blue, nodding flowers in March and April.
- Grape hyacinths: Muscari armeniacum, two-tone Latifolium, white White Magic and the Magic mix flower in April and spread quickly.
- Snake's head fritillary: chequered, nodding bells in purple and white in April and May, on moist soil.
- Bluebells: blue sprays with a fresh scent in April and May, perfect for shade and woodland edges.
- Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum): despite the name, it flowers in April and May, with white bells tipped green.
- Narcissus recurvus: the scented pheasant's eye narcissus closes the season in May, white with a small red-rimmed eye.
Caring for naturalised bulbs after flowering
Naturalising is mostly about patience and letting go a little:
- Let the foliage die back: only cut or mow once the leaves have turned yellow, so the bulbs build up enough energy for next year.
- Let seed ripen: many species spread by seed, so leave the faded flowers in place.
- Don't feed in grass: extra fertiliser mainly strengthens the grass. Poorer soil is often ideal for naturalisers.
- Don't dig: disturb the soil around the bulbs as little as possible to protect young bulblets and seedlings.
- Safe in the garden: bulbs are not edible. Keep them out of reach of pets and young children before planting.
Want more colour after spring? Combine your naturalising bulbs with summer-flowering bulbs in the border. Not sure which species suit your garden? Our Personal Plantshopper is happy to help.
Order your naturalising bulbs from Green Bubble
✔ Fresh from the grower
✔ Bulbs that come back every year and spread
✔ Clear planting and care tips for every species
✔ Personal advice from our Personal Plantshopper
Plant your naturalising bulbs this autumn and watch your garden flower a little more richly every spring.
