Best bulbs for Christmas flowering

 Whether you want to bring life back into your backyard or you are hoping to bring some blooms into your decor, we've rounded up the very best Christmas plants and flowers to ensure your home feels fabulously festive.

Best bulbs for Christmas flowering

Whether you're looking to add color to your winter garden ideas or want to force bulbs indoors for Christmas, these Christmas flowering bulbs are sure to bring life back into your space. 

In some parts of the country, forcing bulbs may be the only way you can have flowers at this time of year. However, in warmer parts of the country – zones 5 to 8 –lots of these bulbs can be grown in the garden for some late December cheer. Try planting bulbs at the end of summer for the greatest chance of flowers at the end of the year. 

1. Amaryllis

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Amaryllis is one of the easiest bulbs for Christmas flowering and, like many tropical plants, are best grown indoors. 'It is likely that bulbs bought as a boxed set (i.e. with bulb(s), pot and fiber included) will come with instructions. Most Hippeastums (commonly called Amaryllis) come like this. If you want to grow ‘outdoor’ bulbs for Christmas flowering though, you must buy prepared bulbs. Check that they are clearly labeled as such before buying them,' says gardening expert Mick Lavelle (opens in new tab).

2. Hyacinth

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One of the best spring bulbs, hyacinths can also be grown for Christmas blooming. 'Hyacinths are a deliciously scented flower to have in the house in late winter,' says florist Jess Lister of Aesme Studio (opens in new tab). 'Use them either as cut flowers tucked into the center of bowl arrangements, or leave them growing as bulbs in pots or vases. If you’re growing your own you can often find some really special, nuanced colors from bulb suppliers, from pale creamy yellow to apricot and salmon,' says Jess. 

Hyacinths can be grown both inside and out – learn how to plant hyacinth bulbs and ensure you know when to plant hyacinth bulbs to help you increase your chances of late December flowering.

3. Narcissi Paperwhite

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One of the easiest bulbs for Christmas flowering, Paperwhite Narcissus differ from other bulbs in that they have minimal preparation requirements. 'Paperwhite Narcissus do not need chilling and can simply be grown on a warm sunny windowsill,' explains Mick Lavelle.

'By the middle of November, plant ‘Paperwhite’ narcissi ready to flower in time for Christmas. Forced bulbs should be brought to a cool windowsill when they have approximately 1 inch of growth,' explains plantswoman Sarah Raven.