Autumn-flowering bulbs for October
We select five of the best bulbs that flower in October.
There are more autumn-flowering bulbs for October than you might think, brining colour to pots and borders.
Don't forget to enjoy the blooms indoors, by snipping a bunch for a vase. If it's cut flowers you're after, take a look at some of our favourite flowers to pick in October.
Discover five of the best autumn-flowering bulbs for October, below.
Gladiolus murielae
Abyssinian gladiolus, Gladiolus murielae, looks somewhat like giant snowdrops. Nodding, fragrant blooms appear from late-summer to October, and are surrounded by a sward of rich green foliage.
Nerines
There are plenty of nerine species and cultivars out there to suit everyone, including the magenta 'Isabel' and white-flowered 'Alba'. Nerine bowdenii is fully hardy and best grown in full sun with free-draining soil.
Cyclamen hederifolium
Autumn-flowering Cyclamen hederifolium are ideal for livening up shady spots. Hardy and unfussy, they'll gradually spread to form a rich carpet of colour.
Tuberous begonias
Though tender, tuberous begonias like 'Million Kisses Elegance' and 'Illumination Scarlet' (pictured) will flower up until the first frosts, though they're best lifted before this, so the bulbs can be replanted next year.
Hesperantha
Crimson flag (hesperantha) are gorgeous bulbous perennials, usually flowering from September to October. Take a look at our full advice on how to grow hesperantha.
Tips for growing cut flowers
If you're growing flowers with the intention to cut and display them, there a few things to bear in mind: control competing weeds growing nearby, feed and water regularly and above all, keep picking. This will encourage the production of new blooms instead of seeds.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
