Winter flowering bulbs, colourful blooms for the coldest time of year

While winter may seem like a time of dormancy in the garden, there's no need to bid farewell to the beauty of blooming flowers. With the right selection of winter flowering bulbs, your indoor spaces and garden can come alive with color and fragrance. 

The first frosts will put a stop to your dahlias and nerines in the garden but Autumns flowering crocus, cyclamen, will produce flowers right up to winter. Late winter, the new year, will bring promise with snowdrops and eranthis as early as January. Even some daffodils will make an early appearance such as Rijnvelts Early Sensation.

Indoor Winter Flowering Bulbs:

You can begin preparing bulbs for indoor flowering as early as September. It is often possible to trick bulbs into flowering earlier by 'forcing' them. this is a process of chilling the bulbs for 8-10 weeks and then placing them in a consistant wrm and bright place. The conditions vary from bulb to bulb and it can be hard to do if you dont have the right facilities. Many tulips, iris, daffodils and hyacinths are grown in glass houses for the cut flower market. With industrial temperature controls it makes it much easier!

The best bulbs to plant indoors

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)

A symbol of winter luxury, Amaryllis bulbs produce majestic blooms in a variety of colors. Plant these large, trumpet-shaped flowers indoors in pots for a spectacular display. 

Paperwhite Narcissus 

Fragrant and elegant, Paperwhite Narcissus bulbs are perfect for indoor forcing. Their white blooms and sweet fragrance make them a delightful addition to any room. Plant them in containers with pebbles or soil, and watch as they grace your home with their charm.

Paperwhites are not the only daffodils you can grow indoors, try also

• Grand Soleil D'or
• Avalanche
• Erlicheer

Hyacinths

Known for their intense fragrance and vibrant colors, Hyacinths are a classic choice for indoor winter blooms. Select Prepared Hyacinths, these have been heat treated to give the bulb an early start. A shallow pot and plenty of water is all these bulbs need. Keep them in a warm and bright spot. Read more here in our hyacinth planting guide

Winter Flowering Bulbs for the Garden:

Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)

A herald of spring, Winter Aconite bulbs burst into bloom during the winter months. These small, yellow flowers add a cheerful touch to your garden, often appearing even before the snow has fully melted. Plant them in well-drained soil for a naturalizing effect. These can be planted as young plants in the green during spring too.

Snowdrops (Galanthus)

Delicate and resilient, Snowdrops are one of the earliest bulbs to bloom in winter. Their nodding, white flowers emerge through the frost, signaling the arrival of spring. Plant these bulbs in drifts for a captivating winter garden display. Also available as bulbs in the green.

Crocus 

While often associated with spring, certain Crocus varieties, such as Crocus tommasinianus, bloom as early as January. These small yet vibrant flowers provide a welcome burst of color to your winter garden.