I. INTRODUCTION
Fall planting is the secret to a garden bursting with color come spring. But to ensure the plants are ready to bloom next spring, Denver gardeners need to think ahead to get the timing right.
Bulbs and perennials need a period of cold dormancy to thrive, so getting them in the ground when temperatures dip is key. From classic tulips to lesser-known gems, here are the best fall-planted flowers that ensure yearly spring beauty.
II. CLASSIC FAVORITES YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH
1. Crocus
Crocus begins as bulbs planted in the fall and is one of the first spring bloomers, often peeking through snow. Its beautiful blooms make it a great addition to your garden, bringing early spring color. Crocus is hardy and reliable for Denver’s climate. Find out more about growing crocus.
2. Hyacinth
Hyacinth is wonderfully fragrant and blooms in a rainbow of colors. It thrives in sunny, well-drained spots. While it typically blooms in early to mid spring, forcing for earlier blooms using these spring planting tips is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of hyacinth much earlier.
3. Snowflake Plant (Leucojum)
Snowflake is a late spring bloomer with delicate white bell-shaped flowers. Add variety to your garden with this easy-to-grow bulb that naturalizes well for a perennial return. Check out our tips for when and how to plant Snowflake to enjoy beautiful foliage and elegant flowers next spring.
4. Tulips
With over 3,000 varieties, tulips are an iconic spring flower that adds a beautiful burst of color to any garden. Some tulips are early bloomers signaling the beginning of a colorful spring season, others bloom mid-season, with late-blooming tulips further extending the flowering season.
Plant deeply for best results in Colorado’s soil, and be sure to check out our tulip planting tips for a stunning garden.
III. OTHER STUNNING FALL-PLANTED FLOWERS FOR DENVER GARDENS
Combining different flowers is your best bet for an extended display of color and variety. Besides the above local favorites, other options well-suited to Denver’s high-altitude, four-season climate include:
1. Daffodils (Narcissus)
Beautiful daffodils with their yellow/white blooms will do well in most gardens. They are pest-resistant as deer/squirrel avoid them, and with the right planting conditions and care, they naturalize easily for repeat blooms every year.
2. Alliums
These ornamental onions with bold, spherical purple blooms flourish in spring, providing a perfect contrast for yellow/white daffodils. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them perfect for Denver gardens.
3. Grape Hyacinth (Muscari)
The tiny, fragrant, purple-blue flowers of grape hyacinth, especially with mass plantings, make for great visual appeal. These early spring bloomers are perfect for borders, naturalizing, and layering with tulips.
4. Peonies
Planting bare-root peonies in the fall will result in long-lived perennials with lush, showy spring flowers. They thrive in Denver if given full sun and good drainage.
5. Iris (Bearded Iris rhizomes)
Bearded iris rhizomes are best planted in late summer to fall. These hardy perennials that love Colorado’s sunny spots produce striking flowers in a wide range of colors.
IV. TIPS FOR PLANTING FALL BULBS IN DENVER
Growing spring-flowering bulbs requires careful planning to get the timing, planting, and care instructions right. For a successful flowering season:
- Plant bulbs before the ground freezes (September–October)
- Choose well-drained soil, as soggy conditions cause rot
- Layer different bulbs (“lasagna planting”) for staggered blooms
- Water well after planting, then let snow provide winter moisture
V. NICK’S GARDEN CENTER CONNECTION
Nick’s offers a wide selection of fall bulbs, soil amendments, and expert advice tailored to Denver’s climate.
Our staff can help you create the garden you have always wanted by offering guidance on pairing bulbs for continuous blooms.
From garden design ideas to finding the bulbs that work for you, stop by to get everything you need for fall planting success.
VI. CONCLUSION
Fall is the best time to set the stage for a colorful spring. Bulbs need weeks of cold temperatures to break out of dormancy in order to bloom, so plant in the fall to ensure flowering, come spring. With the right combination of flowers, you can enjoy beautiful blooms for years, depending on the species.
Visit Nick’s Garden Center now to stock up on bulbs and start planning your spring masterpiece.
