I’ve been scouring all my favorite online nurseries for days—and all my shopping carts are full of bulbs.

Deciding which bulbs to order is a favorite late summer task of mine. I make boards to determine which varieties go best together, paying close attention to what blooms when so there’s an ongoing show through late spring.

As I pour through bulbs, I thought I’d share the top five spring-flowering bulbs on my fall wish list. And if you’re looking for more guidance on planting spring bulbs, check out the Sping-flowering Bulbs Guide!

1. ‘Foxtrot’ tulips

I’ve never grown Foxtrots before, but I’m intrigued by them for a few reasons.

Firstly, they’re double tulips—meaning they have more petals and a fuller shape than your standard tulips. They are shades of rosy pinks, giving them a very dimensional look.

Secondly, they’re early tulips, meaning they’re one of the first to bloom. I tend to stock up on late tulips, and I’m eager to have some that scratch the tulip itch earlier in the season.

My biggest intrigue with Foxtrots, though, is their scent.

I’ve never grown scented tulips before, in fact, I only just learned about them, and I’ve read that Foxtrots have a light fragrance. I’m so curious what they’ll smell like!

2. ‘Delnashaugh’ daffodils

I love a soft spot for peachy-pink daffodils.

Delnashaughs are extra special because they’re double daffodils. That means the trumpets (i.e. the middle part of the daffodil) have a number of swirly-looking petals.

I currently only have ‘Precocious’ pink daffodils, so I’m looking forward to expanding my collection with the Delnashaughs.

3. ‘Paperwhite’ daffodils

Paperwhites are technically daffodils, but grow in entirely different conditions.

They cannot survive cold temperatures, and don’t require a chilling period to bloom.

They can only grow outside in Zone 7 or higher, which may beg the question—why are they on my list?

I’m buying paperwhites to grow indoors! They’re a spectacular indoor bulb, because of their love for warm weather. It’s an opportunity to see spring blossoms before they’re ready to bloom outdoors—a tiny vessel of hope in the depths of winter.

4. ‘Woodstock’ hyacinths

If you ask me, the scent of a hyacinth is one of the strongest and most pleasurable in all the flower world.

I love all hyacinths, but especially Woodstocks for their color.

As opposed to more traditional blue or pastel colors, Woodstocks bloom in a most unusual deep plum-violet color, They’re especially striking in an otherwise gray landscape.

Though I have Woodstock bulbs in the ground from last year, hyacinths usually return at about half strength for only 3 or so years after their first planting—so replenishing them annually is key.

5. ‘Pink sunrise’ muscari

Grape hyacinths (aka muscari) are perfect flowers for naturalizing.

I have several in shades of blue—their most common color—but this year I’m adding a touch of pink with the unique ‘Pink Sunrise’ variety.

I grew these in pots last year but I have more success planting grape hyacinths directly in the ground—which is where this new batch will be planted!

📚 What I’m reading

Slewfoot by Brom.

It’s this month’s pick from Cherry’s Literary Society, and the perfect read to usher in the change of season. Lately, I spend each day trying to hurry through my stack of work so I can spend the evening in 17th-century Connecticut.

🍄 What I’m inspired by

From Connecticut to the Netherlands, Rembrandt spent the 17th century painting some of the most iconic works from the Dutch Golden Era.

I love this portrait of his, An old Woman Reading. The detail in her face paired with the otherwise vague shapes draws you in. Also, she looks a bit like Professor McGonagall.

What bulbs are you most excited to plant this fall? Reply and let me know!

xx,

Courtney