6 of the most unusual spring bulbs to plant this autumn that will surprise you when they bloom

Wooden table with one small and one large terracotta pot half filled with compost with a mix of spring bulbs in the pots and on the table, along with a metal trowel and spilt soil.

In the market for some truly unusual spring bulbs? While tulips, crocuses, and daffodils tend to (ahem) spring to mind first, you can – and should – absolutely shake up your planting scheme by looking beyond the classics.

It’s a lot to think about, of course, especially if you’re only just figuring out when to plant bulbs for spring (to help you out, it’s generally one of the best jobs to do in the garden in September). Thinking outside the box, though, is a great way to inject some texture, drama, and even a little eccentricity to your garden borders.