10 award-winning (AGM) autumn bulbs

Planted in late summer, autumn-flowering

These are fleshy, rounded, underground storage organs, usually sold and planted while dormant. Examples include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lilies, onions and garlic. The term is often used to cover other underground storage organs, including corms, tubers and rhizomes.

Autumn crocuses

Lighting up early spring, Crocus goulimyi brings delicate violet blooms

There are a number of fine crocus forms that flower in autumn, and among the most appealing is the Greek species Crocus goulimyi. Once difficult to obtain, it is now widely available from specialist nurseries, both in its lilac form and as the white

Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit.

Autumn snowflake

Acis autumnalis brings graceful white flowers to late-season borders

Long known as Leucojum autumnale, but so distinct that it demands a genus of its own, the autumn snowflake Acis autumnalis opens its white bells for many weeks in August and September as the grassy foliage fades away. Usually three bells open on each stem and there’s often a hazy red zone at the base of the flower coupled with red-tinted stems. Best planted in sun, in humus-rich, but gritty and well-drained soil at the front of a raised bed, the bulbs usually increase well so at flowering time they make a crowded forest of wiry stems. They also do well in a deep pot of gritty compost. Height 15–22cm (6–9in). Hariness rating H5.

Underrated foliage

With striking marbled foliage Arum italicum subsp. italicum ‘Marmoratum’ steals the show

The Italian arum, Arum italicum subsp. italicum ‘Marmoratum’ is a bulb (well, a rhizome) that is exceptional at producing its new foliage in the autumn and maintaining its sparky display of white-veined leaves until late spring. Then it flowers, develops spikes of orange-red berries and the foliage fades away. The arrowhead-shaped leaves are splendid both in the garden and cut for the house, while the curious greenish-yellow spathes with a yellow spadix add further seasonal interest. Height 35cm (14in). Hardiness rating H6.

Double the petals

Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ floats into autumn with elegant, lily-like blooms

Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ is a

A type of flower that has extra petals, often having a fuller appearance. Plants with double flowers are often considered more ornamental and showy than those with single flowers, though they are generally not as good for wildlife, having little or no pollen. Some plants naturally produce double flowers, while others may be bred for this trait. Examples of plants with double flowers include roses, sunflowers, dahlias, and zinnias.

Late-blooming allium

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Late-summer gardens sparkle with purple from Allium thunbergii

A late-flowering bulb, Allium thunbergii brings a fresh burst of colour just as the garden begins to wind down. In autumn, its slender stems are topped with umbels of bell-shaped, rosy-pink flowers that rise above neat, glossy leaves. Attractive to bees and other pollinators when nectar sources are scarce, it’s also edible, with both the leaves and bulbs offering culinary uses. A compact choice, it works beautifully in borders, pots, or at the front of beds for reliable late-season interest. Height 10–50cm (3.9–20in). Hardiness rating H5.

Adaptable cyclamen

Cyclamen hederifolium charms with variegated leaves and soft pink autumn flowers

Cyclamen hederifolium is the autumn-flowering cyclamen most often recognised. Its dainty yet resilient flowers, in shades of pink or white, are backswept, sometimes scented, and appear from August. These are followed by attractive, arrowhead-shaped leaves that last through winter and are often marked with silver. This species is adaptable, persisting for many years in gravel in partial sun, self-sowing beneath hedges, as well as thriving in the light, humus-rich soil it is usually associated with. Ants help distribute the seed throughout the garden. Height 7cm (3in). Hardiness rating H5.

Stylish South African

Fiery pink blooms and late-season glamour define Nerine bowdenii

Nerine bowdenii is a stylish and dependable bulb from South Africa that fits well into Mediterranean style gardens as it flowers in September and it sits well with greyish and glaucous foliage. The clusters of up to a dozen flared and slightly frilly pink flowers open in a succession over many weeks at the top of upright stems. The bulbs are best planted with their tops peeping through well-drained soil in a sunny place. Plant about 15cm (6in) apart, leave undisturbed until the bulbs are crowded and feed as the leaves develop. Height 45cm (18in). Hardiness rating H5.

Surprising snowdrop

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Elegant early snowdrop flowers are a highlight in Galanthus reginae-olgae

More easily pronounced as Queen Olga’s snowdrop, Galanthus reginae-olgae subsp. reginae-olgae was once thought to be simply an autumn-flowering form of the familiar Galanthus nivalis, but it has since been elevated to its own species and subspecies. This reliable, tough, and easy autumn bulb is admired for its unexpected October opening, is happiest in deep soil in sun or part shade yet fairly adaptable, and quickly fattens into impressive clumps. A few blooms in a dainty autumn posy often prompt high accolades from non-gardeners. Height 15cm (6in). Hardiness rating H5.

Autumn’s gold goblet

Sternbergia lutea heralds autumn with bright, golden blooms

Sternbergia lutea, often called the autumn or winter daffodil, is not a true Narcissus but produces large, bright yellow, goblet-shaped flowers for several weeks from September. The blooms appear as dark green leaves emerge, and in sunny, well-drained, fertile soil, the bulbs establish readily and multiply. They tolerate typical summer conditions but do not perform well in excessive heat or

Describes soil or potting compost that is saturated with water. The water displaces air from the spaces between soil particles and plant roots can literally drown, unless they are adapted to growing in waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging is common on poorly drained soil or when heavy soil is compacted. 

Stealing the spotlight

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Eucomis pallidiflora commands attention with tall, pineapple-like flower spikes

Eucomis pallidiflora, or the giant pineapple lily, is a bold, bulbous

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs.