Autumn Planting Bulbs & Plants

Cyclamen coum is the sort of quietly exquisite plant that earns its keep when the garden feels at its most spare. Nestled low to the ground, it forms neat, clump-forming colonies of rounded, dark green leaves, often handsomely silver-marbled, followed by nodding, starry flowers in pink to purple-pink from mid-winter into early spring.

Superb for naturalising in a woodland-style setting, tucking beneath shrubs, or bringing a little refinement to pots by the door. Given a sheltered position in dappled shade and reliably well-drained soil, it will return each year with increasing presence.

• Season of interest: late winter to early spring
• Perfect for: naturalising, woodland gardens, underplanting shrubs, pots & containers
• Foliage: rounded green leaves, often silver-marbled
• Flower colour: pink to purple-pink (mixed shades)

Cyclamen hederifolium is a quietly luxurious woodland cyclamen, admired for its ivy-shaped leaves brushed with silver marbling and its poised, pink, nodding blooms. Flowers often arrive ahead of—or alongside—the foliage, bringing a refined lift to late summer and early autumn, just as the garden begins to soften.

Equally at home naturalised beneath deciduous trees and shrubs or arranged in a handsome pot near the doorstep, it settles into a neat clump over time and returns with reassuring regularity.

• Seasonal flourish: pink flowers from August–October
• Foliage interest: green leaves with elegant silver marbling
• Placement: ideal for woodland edges, underplanting and containers
• Reliable character: fully hardy, easy to grow, and pollinator friendly

English bluebells (Hyacinthoides non‑scripta) create one of the most recognisable spring displays: arching stems lined with fragrant, bell‑shaped blooms in deep, woodland blue. They’re a lovely way to bring a natural, British feel to gardens and wild corners.

They’re ideal for naturalising beneath deciduous trees, along shady hedgerows, or at the edge of a border where the soil stays cool. In the right spot, bulbs will spread steadily and form a beautiful carpet over time, returning reliably each spring and filling gaps before summer perennials wake up.

Bluebells prefer humus‑rich, moderately fertile soil that drains well but doesn’t dry out. If your soil is heavy or very sandy, improve it with leaf mould or compost to boost structure and moisture retention, and choose partial shade to keep the ground from baking.

Plant bulbs in autumn about 8cm deep and 8–10cm apart. Leave them undisturbed once planted—bluebells bulk up best when they’re allowed to settle and multiply in place, creating thicker clumps and more flower stems each year.

After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally to feed the bulbs for next year. Bluebells can spread in favourable conditions, so choose a planting area where you’re happy for them to roam and mingle, especially in woodland-style planting, alongside ferns and other shade lovers.

Eranthis cilicica ‘Cilicica Group’ is a small but thoroughly distinguished winter aconite, bringing a welcome glint of bright yellow to the garden just as winter begins to loosen its grip. Neat, cup-shaped flowers sit above finely divided, rich green foliage, creating a jewel-like effect in woodland edges and beneath deciduous shrubs.

Ideal for naturalising, this tuberous perennial is particularly handsome when planted in generous drifts where it may settle in over time. A lovely choice for lawns (where mowing can wait until the foliage has died back), as well as underplanting trees and shrubs for an early season flourish.

• Flowering: February–April
• Height: 10cm
• Habit: Clump-forming; well-suited to naturalising
• For: Woodland gardens, underplanting, naturalising in grass

Erythronium 'D.C. Mixed' is a quietly beautiful, naturalising blend for early spring—each bulb producing poised, starry blooms in a gentle palette of white through to rosy purple, often set off by attractively mottled foliage. Tuck into borders, beneath deciduous shrubs, or drift through woodland-style planting for an effortless, established look that improves with time.

Best in a sheltered position with dappled shade, this refined mix is particularly charming when planted in groups, where the subtle variation reads as deliberately curated rather than busy. Fully hardy and pollinator friendly, it’s an elegant way to soften the season’s first weeks.

• Flowering: April–May
• Height: 1–25cm (Short)
• Position: Sheltered; best in dappled shade under deciduous trees
• Ideal for: Naturalising, woodland-style planting, borders, and underplanting deciduous shrubs

Erythronium d.c. 'Purple King' is a quietly distinguished spring-flowering bulb, prized for its poised, nodding blooms in polished purple-rose tones. It slips beautifully into lightly shaded borders and woodland-style planting, where it reads as wonderfully natural rather than ‘placed’.

In mid to late spring, slender stems rise above attractively mottled foliage, bringing a refined flourish beneath deciduous trees and at the edge of shrubs. Given a settled spot with moisture and good drainage, it will form graceful clumps over time.

• Flowering: April–May
• Height: 25–40cm
• Best for: naturalising, woodland gardens, shady borders
• Position: sheltered, lightly shaded sites; woodland edges and beneath deciduous trees

Erythronium 'White Beauty' is a quietly exquisite fawn lily for woodland-style planting, admired for its softly mottled foliage and poised, nodding flowers. In late spring, creamy-white, starry blooms open with a warm reddish-brown throat marking—an understated detail that looks particularly refined beneath shrubs, roses, and light-canopied trees.

Best in dappled shade and humus-rich soil that stays gently moist yet drains well, this clump-forming perennial settles in beautifully and will naturalise with time, bringing a calm, considered elegance to shady borders.

• Flowering: April to June
• Height: 30cm
• Spread: 10cm
• Position: Sheltered, Partial Sun
• Soil: Humus-rich, fertile, well-drained; moisture-retentive
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy
• Bulb size: Grade 1

Freesia 'Double Mixed' brings a deliciously perfumed note to the late winter and spring greenhouse, with neatly doubled blooms carried on elegant, arching stems. This refined mixture offers a painterly range of tones—ideal for pots on the terrace when the weather softens, and quite superb for cutting when you want fragrance as well as colour.

• Flower form: double, softly ruffled blooms in a mixed palette
• Scent: richly fragrant—wonderful near doors, paths and seating
• Best use: pots and containers; greenhouse & conservatory; cutting

As a Half Hardy freesia, it is happiest with protection from frost. In colder areas, we recommend growing under glass or in a bright, frost-free spot for reliable performance.

Freesia 'Single Mixed' is a generous blend of single-flowered freesias in a lively palette—purple, yellow, white and red—chosen to bring a light, fragrant note to spring. Particularly charming in pots by a doorway or on the terrace, and equally at home indoors for a graceful, scent-filled display.

• Seasonal colour, beautifully mixed — a varied selection for a naturally effortless look
• Perfect for containers — ideal for refreshing patios, balconies and doorstep pots
• Cut-flower favourite — excellent for small, scented posies

Please note: Freesia is Half Hardy. In colder gardens, choose a sheltered position and protect from frost, or grow in pots that can be moved under cover.

Fritillaria persica 'Adiyaman' is a wonderfully architectural spring bulb, sending up poised, upright stems lined with slender green foliage and finished with a refined spire of nodding, bell-shaped blooms. The colouring sits in the deepest purple-brown, reading almost black in certain light—quietly dramatic, and effortlessly sophisticated.

Plant through autumn for a statement in mixed borders, gravelly schemes, and naturalistic planting where its vertical form brings a sense of intention. Equally handsome in large containers in a sheltered courtyard position, where the flowers can be admired up close.

• Colour: Deep purple (near-black)
• Flower shape: Bell-shaped, nodding
• Height: 50–100cm
• Ideal for: Borders, containers, courtyard gardens, naturalising

Fritillaria persica 'Alba' is a quietly dramatic Persian lily, sending up tall, upright spires lined with creamy, green-flushed bells from early to mid-spring. Its elegant, architectural form threads beautifully through well-considered borders and makes a refined statement in generous pots, particularly against darker foliage and stone.

Best planted in autumn into fertile, moisture-retentive yet sharply well-drained soil, this fully hardy perennial settles into a clump-forming habit over time, rewarding patience with increasingly poised spring displays.

• Colour: Creamy green
• Flower shape: Bell-shaped
• Height: 50–100cm
• Flowering: March–May
• Position: South- or west-facing in full sun

Fritillaria meleagris ‘Alba’ is a quietly exquisite spring-flowering bulb, bearing pristine white, nodding bells on slender stems above grey-green foliage. It lends a refined, natural charm when threaded through grass, tucked into woodland-style planting, or placed neatly at the front of a border—an elegant alternative to the more familiar chequered forms.

Best planted in early autumn for a relaxed, naturalised effect, this fully hardy perennial settles in gently and rewards patience with an increasingly lovely showing year by year.

Why you’ll love it

• Pure white, bell-shaped flowers with a graceful, nodding habit
• Superb for naturalising in grass and weaving through spring borders
• Fully hardy and pollinator friendly
• Compact and refined at around 30cm tall

Fritillaria imperialis ‘Aurora’ is a wonderfully statuesque crown imperial, raising tall stems topped with a neat tuft of glossy green leaves and a ring of nodding, bright orange, bell-shaped blooms. It brings a refined sense of theatre to spring borders, and sits particularly well amongst early tulips, narcissi and fresh, emerging perennials.

Plant in autumn and allow it time to settle; once established, this is a confident, architectural bulb for naturalistic planting, under open-canopied deciduous trees, or in a sheltered position where its form can be properly appreciated.

• Colour & form: bright orange bells beneath a leafy green crown
• Best for: borders, naturalising, cottage & informal gardens
• Flowering: March–May
• Delivered as: premium-grade bulb (20/+)

Fritillaria 'Garland Star Imperialis' brings a note of theatre to the spring border: tall, architectural stems crowned with elegantly pendulous, bell-shaped flowers. It is a wonderfully naturalistic choice for planting in drifts through borders and light woodland edges, where its stately form reads beautifully amongst tulips, early perennials and fresh spring foliage.

• Refined spring structure with distinctive, hanging bells for an assured, botanical look
• Excellent for naturalising in a sheltered position with reliable drainage
• Deer resistant and pollinator friendly for considered, wildlife-aware planting
• Superb in borders and useful for cutting when you want something a little out of the ordinary

Delivery: Order today for delivery in September, perfectly timed for autumn planting.

Fritillaria persica ‘Ivory Bells’ is a beautifully poised fritillary, valued for its tall, architectural spires of softly nodding, green-tinted ivory bells. Rising above cool grey-green foliage, it lends a composed, contemporary note to spring borders and looks equally distinguished when threaded through meadow-style planting.

Plant in autumn into fertile, well-drained soil and allow it a little time to settle; by its second or third season it will reward you with a statuesque presence from April through to June. An assured choice for gardeners who appreciate structure as much as flower.

• Quiet drama for late spring — elegant, bell-shaped flowers in refined ivory with a fresh green touch
• Superb vertical form — ideal for borders, naturalising and handsome containers
• Pollinator friendly — a welcome stop for spring-foraging insects

Fritillaria imperialis 'Maxima Lutea' is a wonderfully statuesque crown imperial, prized for its bright yellow, nodding bells held beneath a jaunty tuft of pale green foliage. Rising with calm assurance through spring borders and naturalistic plantings alike, it brings height, structure and an unmistakably refined drama just as the garden begins to gather pace.

Plant in generous groups for the most convincing effect, allowing the tall stems to thread through tulips, late daffodils and fresh spring greens. A sheltered position is particularly flattering, keeping the stems looking immaculate as they reach their full 100–150cm stature.

• Colour: Yellow flowers with pale green foliage
• Shape: Bell-shaped, nodding blooms
• Ideal for: Naturalising, cottage & informal gardens, and smart city courtyards
• Reliable character: Fully hardy; noted as deer resistant and pollinator friendly

Fritillaria meleagris Mix is a wonderfully characterful spring bulb, prized for its gently nodding, bell-shaped flowers in a refined mix of rich purple, occasionally joined by the odd white bloom. Each petal carries an intricate chequered pattern that reads beautifully at close quarters and feels perfectly at home in lightly wild planting.

Thread it through grass, naturalise it at the edge of a woodland path, or tuck it into pots where its delicate detailing can be enjoyed up close. Given a consistently moist yet well-drained position, it will settle in quietly and return with poise each April.

• Distinctive detail: chequered bells in purple with occasional white
• Perfect for naturalising: especially elegant through grass and woodland edges
• Wildlife-aware choice: pollinator friendly and noted as deer resistant

Important: Fritillaria bulbs dislike drying out. Plant as soon as possible after delivery for the best results.

Fritillaria imperialis 'Orange Beauty' is a crown imperial of real presence: tiers of rich orange, bell-shaped flowers held beneath a jaunty tuft of glossy green foliage. It brings a composed, architectural note to spring borders and looks particularly handsome threaded through naturalistic planting where its strong vertical line can be appreciated.

Plant in autumn while the soil is still workable, choosing a sunny, well-drained spot. With a little patience as the bulbs settle, it will reward you with a reliably distinctive spring display.

• Colour: Orange with yellow accents
• Flower form: Bell-shaped
• Position: Borders, beds, rock gardens; also excellent in containers
• Habit: Clump-forming, upright
• Pollinator friendly: Yes
• Deer resistant: Yes

Fritillaria pallidiflora is a quietly sophisticated fritillary, prized for its glaucous foliage and poised, nodding bells in soft greenish-yellow. Flowering from late spring into early summer, it brings a natural, woodland elegance to lightly shaded borders, tree-line planting and informal drifts where it can settle in and look entirely at home.

At around 50cm tall, the upright stems carry a refined cluster of bell-shaped blooms above cool-toned leaves—particularly handsome when threaded through ferns, early grasses and other spring bulbs for a gently layered effect.

• Colour: pale yellow with green tones
• Flower shape: bell-shaped, nodding
• Best for: borders, woodland edges, naturalised planting
• Pollinator friendly: Yes
• Hardiness: Fully Hardy

Fritillaria 'Paradise Beauty' brings a composed, architectural note to spring planting schemes—upright spires topped with glossy, bell-shaped flowers in gleaming yellow, warmed through with bronze-orange tones. Planted in drifts, it reads wonderfully contemporary; allowed to settle and naturalise, it becomes quietly spectacular year after year.

Particularly suited to sheltered, sunny borders and gravel gardens, this refined fritillaria favours fertile, sharply well-drained soil—ideal for those pockets of the garden that bake beautifully in spring.

• Colour: Yellow with bronze-orange tones
• Flower shape: Bell-shaped
• Habit: Clump-forming, upright
• Great for: Borders, naturalising, containers
• Wildlife: Pollinator friendly

Fritillaria imperialis 'Red Beauty' brings a touch of old-world drama to the spring border: tall, upright stems carrying rich orange-red, bell-shaped blooms, finished with a crisp green crown. It is wonderfully architectural—perfect for adding height, rhythm and a little theatre amongst late daffodils and early tulips.

Best planted in autumn in a sheltered, sunny position with excellent drainage, this is a confident choice for gardeners who enjoy distinctive bulbs with presence. Given time to settle, it forms a handsome clump and returns each spring with increasing poise.

• Colour: Dark orange-red with green crown
• Flower shape: Bell-shaped
• Height: 50–100cm
• Ideal for: Borders; Naturalising
• Wildlife: Pollinator friendly

Pre-order for autumn planting.

Fritillaria imperialis 'Rubra' brings unmistakable theatre to the spring border: tall, assured stems crowned with a whorl of glossy green leaves, then finished with a dramatic ring of rich scarlet, bell-shaped blooms topped by a jaunty tuft of leafy bracts. It is a wonderfully architectural choice for naturalistic planting as well as more formal schemes, rising confidently through fresh spring growth.

Plant in autumn in fertile, well-drained loam and choose a sheltered position to protect those statuesque stems. The bulbs are best handled with care and planted deeply for a secure, long-lived display. Once settled, 'Rubra' will reward you year after year, taking a little time to build to its full presence.

Fritillaria imperialis ‘Sunset’ is a wonderfully architectural crown imperial, prized for its glossy green foliage and a ring of burnished orange, bell-shaped flowers, finished with a jaunty tuft at the top. It brings a composed, statuesque note to spring borders and looks equally at home threaded through naturalistic planting.

Plant in autumn into fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered position, and allow space for its upright, clump-forming habit. As the stems rise in spring, ‘Sunset’ provides height, colour and a confident vertical accent—particularly effective repeated in small groups.

• Botanical name: Fritillaria imperialis ‘Sunset’
• Common name: fritillary (crown imperial)
• Flower colour: Orange with green foliage
• Flowering: March–May
• Height: 50–100cm
• Bulb size: 24/26

Fritillaria uva-vulpis is a delightfully characterful little fritillary—perfect for those who appreciate subtle drama in spring. Its nodding, bell-shaped blooms appear in rich purple-brown, often neatly finished with a bright yellow tip, making a sophisticated note in rock gardens, gravel schemes and naturalistic planting.

Best where drainage is impeccable, this fully hardy perennial settles in unhurriedly and rewards patience with quietly increasing clumps over time. Ideal for sunny to lightly shaded positions, and particularly handsome when tucked among stones or threaded through the front of a border.

• Flower colour: Deep purple-brown with yellow tipping
• Flowering: March–May
• Height: 10–50cm
• Habit: Clump-forming perennial
• Best for: Naturalising, rockeries, patio pots & containers

Fritillaria imperialis ‘William Rex’ brings a wonderfully architectural note to the spring border. Each tall stem carries a rich crown of bronze-red to orange, nodding bells, finished with a crisp tuft of leafy bracts—formal enough for a structured scheme, yet perfectly at ease in a relaxed cottage planting.

Plant in autumn and allow this crown imperial to settle in; once established it makes a refined statement among tulips, early perennials and fresh green foliage, and it is also valued for being pollinator friendly and deer resistant.

• Why we love it: statuesque, theatrical spring flowers with a beautifully tailored silhouette
• Best for: borders, naturalising, cottage and informal gardens, and smart city plots
• Seasonal moment: a confident flourish from early to late spring