Switch on to spring

HANNAH STEPHENSON PICKS HER TOP BULBS TO PLAND IN THE AUTUMN FOR COLOUR NEXT YEAR

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NARCISSI, crocus and hyacinths will bring your garden to life in spring.

It’s bulb-planting season if you want a riot of colour in spring, from the vivid yellows and subtle creams of daffodils, to the rich purples of crocus and the soft blues of camassias.

But there are so many bulbs on offer, it’s often difficult to choose - and you need to be aware that some might be more suitable for pots, others will provide drifts in borders and there are varieties which are ideal for shady spots, even under trees.

While tulips remain among the most popular of spring-flowering bulbs, they are best left to plant a little later, in November, to reduce the risk of diseases like tulip fire and to allow the bulbs a period of cold dormancy, which is vital for their development.

But if you're looking for bulbs to plant earlier, here are a few of the top performers, plus some more unusual varieties if you're feeling adventurous.

Most of us recognise the rich purple hue of this early-flowering pint-sized bulb, but if you want a change, have a look at the only orange crocus on the market, Crocus 'Orange Monarch', which is perfect for pollinators, flowering in February to March and growing to just 10cm. Widely available: Taylors Bulbs, Farmer Gracy, bulbs.co.uk.

An assortment of pots containing spring flowering bulbs.

(Alamy/PA)

Royalists should love Narcissus 'King Charles, introduced to commemorate the coronation of King Charles. It’s majestic, growing to 40cm and flowering in April. Exclusive to Taylors Bulbs.