Sorry Tulips, These Are the 7 Bulbs Everyone's Planting This September

Planting bulbs now is one of the best ways to enjoy beautiful spring flowers, but this year, why not try some less obvious choices? Tulips and daffodils are gorgeous and long associated with spring, but there are plenty of other flowers you could enjoy in your colorful spring garden.

Try adding some lesser-known spring flowering bulbs for a more unique mix. Some of these provide earlier flowers, unusual shapes, different heights and textures, and added pollinator value. September is generally a good time to get these bulbs in the ground, but be sure to check the proper planting time based on your growing zone before you get started. If you want to install new beds before you get digging, consider these all-in-one beds from Garden in Minutes, which have an irrigation system already built in.

1. Crocus

Crocuses are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, so choose these if you want early color. You might even see these cheerful white or purple flowers come up from the snow in late winter or early spring.

Depending on variety, crocuses are generally suitable for zones 3 through 8 and should be planted in September. Plant them pointy end up three to four inches (8 to 10 cm) deep and in soil that drains well. After the blooms fade, let the leaves stay in place and die back naturally, so they can supply the corms with energy for the next year’s blooms.

2. Allium

Ornamental alliums are part of the onion and garlic family and grow from bulbs planted in September or October. They flower in late spring and early summer, so combine them with spring-blooming bulbs for continuous color. Alliums are notable for their globe-like flower clusters in shades of purple on tall, sturdy stems.

You can grow alliums in zones 3 through 8, but check the specific hardiness zones for the variety you buy. They are generally untouched by critters who like to nibble other bulbs, so alliums are a good choice for yards with a lot of deer or squirrels. Plant each bulb about three to four times as deep as it is long.

3. Ranunculus

Ranunculus blooms in early and mid-spring with beautiful, rose-like flowers. These look pretty in mixed beds and in areas where you want a lot of showy color for spring.

Ranunculus are perennials in zones 8 through 10 and annuals in colder climates. Plant these bulbs in September in warmer climates. In cooler climates, you might want to wait until spring or grow them in containers you can protect from winter cold. Plant the bulbs with the “claws” pointing down, about one to two inches (2.5 to 5.0 cm) deep.

4. Fritillaria

Fritillaria blooms with unique, hanging, bell-shaped flowers. They come in a variety of colors, including a checkerboard pattern. They bloom in mid- to late-spring, so pair with early spring and early summer flowers.

In general, you can grow fritillaria in zones 4 through 8, but it depends on the variety. Follow instructions for planting depth specific to the type. Fritillaria bulbs are usually planted to a depth several times their length. Good drainage is essential, including in winter.

5. Snowdrops

For the earliest of all spring flowers, choose snowdrops. They bloom with delicate, white, bell-shaped flowers, often emerging when snow is still on the ground. Plant snowdrops in wooded areas, as they prefer some shade.

You can grow snowdrops in zones 3 to 8. Plant the bulbs in early fall two to three inches deep in soil that is moist but still drains well. During the growing season, they prefer moist soil and will naturalize readily in areas that provide the right conditions.

6. Camassia

Camassia is also called wild hyacinth and is native to North America. It blooms with multiple star-shaped flowers in blue, purple, or white on tall stems. Camassia flowers in late spring and looks nice in naturalized areas, in meadows, or in informal beds alongside perennials.

Camassia tolerates more moisture in the soil than most bulbs, so you can use this in soggier areas like rain gardens or low areas of the garden. These bulbs are suitable for zones 4 through 8 and should be planted in September or October to a depth of four to six inches (5 to 8 cm).

7. Spring Starflower

Spring starflower (Ipheion uniflorum) is a tough, low-growing South American native that has more or less naturalized in North America. Reaching just 3-6 inches (5-10 cm) in height, its star-shaped blossoms come in shades of blue, purple, and white.

Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, spring starflower is an excellent ground cover that forms dense, weed-suppressing mats and smells amazing while doing it.