15 Unusual and Eye-Catching Bulbs You Should Plant This Fall
With so many bulbs to choose from in the fall, how do you decide which is right for you? If you’re after something unusual and eye-catching, you’ll find the answer on this list. Gardening expert Madison Moulton lists 15 unusual bulbs you should plant in your garden this fall.
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Planting bulbs in fall is incredibly exciting, not just for the anticipation of stunning flowers in spring, but also for the wide variety of flowers to choose from. Bulb blooms are some of the most intricate and eye-catching around, and growers are always coming up with new cultivars to look forward to.
Although there are many unusual bulbs on the market, I’ve selected a few that cover all the bases. Some have unusual shapes, others unique colors, but all are incredibly eye-catching. Plant these unusual bulbs this fall, and no one will accuse you of having a boring garden in spring.
Allium ‘Dready’
Alliums deserve far more attention than they get in flower gardens, particularly when it comes to ‘Dready’. This is a cultivar of Allium vineale, named for the unique twisting tendrils that look similar to dreadlocks. No wonder it’s a relative of the similar ‘Hair’ cultivar.
Of all the bulbs on this list, Allium ‘Dready’ is certainly one of the most unusual. You’ll struggle to find a flower bulb with a more eye-catching form and shape. The flower heads are mostly green with tinges of red on tall stems that make excellent cut flowers. This height and structure pair well with soft and flowy ornamental grasses.
Allium schubertii
Sticking with alliums, you can’t ignore the fascinating shape of Allium schubertii, or Schubert’s allium. The flower stems grow up to two feet tall, hovering over shorter perennials and producing massive flower heads.
These heads contain tiny, star-shaped blooms in a pinkish-purple color. Each bloom emerges from the center at a slightly different length, creating a spiked shape that looks just like fireworks exploding in your garden. The result is an energetic but elegant flower bound to catch your eye.
Camassia ‘Blue Heaven’
While the previous bulbs on this list are unusual in shape, this one is unusual in color. Camassia ‘Blue Heaven’ produces dainty flowers in a soft sky blue color, paring well with other pastel-colored blooms in the garden. The bright yellow stamens bring a pop of color that’s hard to ignore.
As the stalks emerge, the buds are closed into a blueish-green spear shape. The blooms slowly open one by one from the bottom up, creating a long-lasting blue display. They also don’t have much trouble with pests and diseases or other garden Ωintruders like deer, meaning you’ll have less to worry about when it comes to care.
Crocus ‘Romance’
Crocus flowers are a must-have when planting bulbs in fall, especially for impatient gardeners like myself. These blooms are one of the first to pop up in late winter and early spring, signaling an end to the gloomy season and the excitement to come. If you spend fall and winter waiting in anticipation for your flowers to emerge, Crocus is the genus to plant.
‘Romance’ is not the most unusual Crocus bulb you can find, but it is certainly eye-catching. Rather than the vivid hues you may expect, this cultivar has soft yellow blooms with a darker orange center. This sunshine yellow is the perfect way to welcome the spring season.
Crocus sieberi ‘Tricolor’
If you prefer something a little brighter, ‘Tricolor’ has you covered. These colorful blooms have three distinct bands – a yellow base, a white stripe, and purple ends. The contrast is stunning, particularly when you plant several of this variety in the same spot or in containers.
While they grow best in a sunny location, they can tolerate some partial shade. Their size is well-suited to container gardens or borders, where they will emerge first as soon as the weather warms. These bulbs naturalize well in the garden for continuous color every spring.
Erythronium ‘White Beauty’
This unusual bulb is a cultivar of the native Erythronium californicum found in woodland habitats. Part of the lily family, they are commonly known as fawn lilies or trout lilies. The flowers of ‘White Beauty’ have a creamy hue with red markings and a yellow center. The petals peel back to reveal these wonderful spring colors.
The flowers are not the only reason to grow ‘White Beauty’. The foliage is also interesting, with wide green leaves that sport a mottled pattern. You can enjoy this foliage and the unique flowers when the bulbs emerge in early spring.
Fritillaria meleagris
Fritillaria meleagris has an interesting common name – snake’s head fritillary. But as soon as you see the flowers, you’ll understand why. The petals have an eye-catching checkered pattern that looks just like snakeskin. The drooping cupped shape of the blooms also adds to the snakey feel.
These bulbs flower in spring and remain compact, ideal for planting in pots. They also look great in rock gardens or cottage-style gardens and pair well with crocus to extend color into later spring.
Fritillaria michailovskyi
If you need bulbs that bring a little drama to your spring garden, you can’t go wrong with Fritillaria michailovskyi. These adorable flowers, growing only 6-8 inches tall, look right at home in a goth or Halloween-themed garden.
The bell-shaped flowers have a deep purple-brown base that fades into bright yellow at the ends. They pair well with other purple flowers or complementary orange blooms to bring out the hues of both. Plant them in borders en masse or in containers so their short stature does not get lost among others.
Hyacinth ‘Miss Saigon’
All hyacinth flower stalks are impressive, but ‘Miss Saigon’ is extra-special. These eye-catching bulbs have a rich purple hue that gives any garden a royal feel. They are bold but delicate at the same time, suiting any garden style.
These hyacinths will not only catch your eye, but they’ll also catch your nose (in a good way). Known for their sweet scents, make sure you plant these close to windows or on your patio where you can enjoy their fragrance throughout spring. If you have a bright enough location, you can even grow them indoors.
Hyacinth ‘Woodstock’
‘Miss Saigon’ has softer purple hues. For something a little brighter and more unique, you can opt for ‘Woodstock’. This cultivar has a warm purple hue that looks just like purple velvet, again giving your beds the royal treatment. This color also works well in goth gardens, perfect for pairing with other purple or almost-black bulbs.
Despite the impressive size of the flower stalks, these plants remain relatively compact. They look stunning in containers, ideal for patio or balcony planting. Choose a visible spot where these stunning blooms can shine in spring.
Ixia ‘Blue Bird’
Ixias are wonderful bulbs for gardeners in warmer climates. Native to South Africa, they can handle warm or dry climates better than some other bulbs on this list, perfect for gardeners in the South.
There are many unique cultivars to choose from, but ‘Blue Bird’ is one of my favorites. They aren’t actually blue, despite what the name may make you think. The flowers of this Ixia are a bright white with deep purple, almost-black centers. This color fades gently to the outer petals, creating a purple streaking effect that is certainly eye-catching.
Narcissus ‘Sweet Paradise’
When you imagine daffodils, you probably think of yellow flowers first. That’s what makes ‘Sweet Paradise’ so unique. These blooms are a bright white that fades to a creamy pink or peach color in the center. The petals are ruffled to add an interesting texture, too.
Although they look delicate, these bulbs are tough and not difficult to care for. They are also deer and rabbit-resistant and attract beneficial insects to your backyard. Plant in groups or spread a few into mixed containers for a stunning spring display.
Scilla bifolia ‘Rosea’
Adding another early bloomer to the list, Scilla bifolia ‘Rosea’ pops up early in spring and continues to flower for several weeks. Commonly known as alpine squill, they appreciate cooler climates and perform best in the chilly temperatures of late winter and early spring.
The flowers are a lovely soft pink color, opening into an eye-catching star shape. They fit perfectly in woodland gardens, appreciating lightly shaded spots in the garden. One of the best reasons to plant these unusual bulbs is limited trouble with pests and diseases.
Tulip ‘Columbus’
Spring gardens are incomplete without tulips, and there is a dizzyingly long list of types to choose from. ‘Columbus’ is one of the more unique options, with ruffled peony-like blooms that you wouldn’t immediately associate with tulips. The color adds to this eye-catching look, with two-toned petals in stark white and vivid pink.
Columbus tulips blend well in beds with similar pink, purple, and white hues. This creates harmony while allowing the bicolored individual flowers to stand out too. They also grow well in containers on their own or mixed with other spring bulbs.
Tulip ‘Crystal Beauty’
Last but certainly not least, we have the ‘Crystal Beauty’ tulip. The most eye-catching thing about these flowers is their vivid color, sporting orange-red petals with bright yellow edges. The edges of the petals are ruffled, creating an interesting texture that looks like a flame burning in your garden beds.
Although they look stunning on their own, I think these tulips make the biggest impact when several are planted together. They also make excellent cut flowers, bringing a touch of that fiery color indoors in spring.
