You might be surprised to learn that planting bulbs in a lawn is a really eye-catching way to show off some spring-flowering favourites. It's easier than you might think and is particularly effective if you have a dull patch of lawn that dominates your outdoor space. The trick is to plan your bulb planting so you have successive bursts of colour from different varieties at different times.
There are two looks to go for when planting bulbs in a lawn that will enhance your garden. Either choose short-stemmed bulbs like crocus, muscari or snowdrops if you want to keep the lawn trimmed. Alternatively, opt for a wilder 'meadow' look with longer grass interspersed with taller bulb varieties such as daffodils and tulips.
You can also choose different lawn ideas to mix up the look. Try planting masses of bulbs in the grass so you end up with a stunning blanket of flowers, or plant them in small groups for a more scattered look. Both methods look natural and the bulbs will last for years, as well as spreading successfully in your garden.
How to prep the lawn for bulb planting
First choose the right location for your bulb planting, and then follow a good autumn lawn care routine to ensure you give your bulbs the best start. Go for an area that gets a good amount of sunlight. It's best to avoid planting bulbs in an area of lawn that's too shady as they won't flower as prolifically.
The spot in your lawn that you choose to plant the bulbs should be somewhere that isn't walked on too much either, so the bulbs won't be disturbed once they come into flower. It's something to bear in mind if you're looking for ideas for bulbs to plant in September.
"Ideally the area chosen for the bulbs should not be mown from late summer onwards, as this allows the grass to grow longer," advises horticultural expert Richard Barker from LBS Horticulture. "Longer grass can protect newly planted bulbs as well as helping to keep the soil moist to provide ideal growing conditions."
Richard Barker is an expert in horticulture and the commercial director at LBS Horticulture. He is keen to share his knowledge with both experienced and beginner gardeners, and prides himself in keeping up to date with the latest horticultural trends.
How to plant a lawn with bulbs
“Planting spring bulbs in the lawn can create a beautiful, colourful display," says gardening expert Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express. "To create a natural, wild meadow look, use a bulb planter or trowel and simply dig holes across the area and place the bulbs inside with the pointy end up. Then replace the soil and turf."
Make sure you choose healthy bulbs that are firm and free from mould and bruising for the best blooms, adds Chris, and plant them around 2-3 times their depth.
Alternatively you can scatter handfuls of bulbs and plant them where they land. This is a good idea if you want your lawn to look 'naturalised', as if the bulbs have been growing there for ever. As part of your September garden jobs, simply make a planting hole for each bulb using a trowel, and this should be three times the height of the bulb.
"Place the bulbs into the planting holes, checking that the pointed tips are facing upwards," says Richard Barker. "Cover the bulbs with soil, and firm down. Several small bulbs can be planted in one hole together to produce a natural looking clump of flowers."
Chris Bonnett, founder of the online garden centre GardeningExpress.co.uk, has over 20 years’ experience in horticulture. His journey in the industry began as a teenager, when he merged his love of the outdoors with the internet to make quality plants accessible across the UK and Europe.
Best bulbs for planting in a lawn
“There are lots of different bulbs you can choose from that are perfect for lawned areas," says Chris Bonnett. "Snowdrops are one of the earliest flowers to appear, are easy to grow and will bloom in shady spots. These will multiply and spread each year as well. Crocuses are another classic choice. These little bulbs produce yellow, white or purple blooms and will also self-seed and spread for a lovely display every year."
Deep blue Muscari (also known as grape hyacinths) are another good choice for a small spring bulb that will add masses of interest to your lawn. They also come in white and pink varieties.
If you're looking to add height narcissus are a spring must-have with their slender stems and beautiful yellow and creamy white blooms. Try planting them in clumps for a stunning display on your lawn.
"If you're planting bulbs in a lawn and want them to naturalise, there are some bulbs better suited to this than others," advises Richard Barker. "This includes most varieties of crocus, daffodils and snowdrops. Daffodils are low maintenance, and the bulbs can multiply quickly alongside returning yearly. Crocuses bloom slightly earlier than other spring bulbs, and can add a pop of colour to the lawn. Snowdrops are another bulb that can bloom quite early, and produce delicate white flowers."
If you're looking for more unusual ideas for planting bulbs in a lawn try graceful snake's head fritillaries with their lovely purple nodding heads or the tall spires of starry-flowered Camassia if you want to add some height to your display.
A lot of these bulbs work equally well as part of your garden planter ideas, so can also be used to create vibrant spring displays in pots, too.
Shop the best bulbs for planting in lawns
One of the easiest spring bulbs to cultivate, transform your lawn with a vivid carpet of enchanting springtime colour. This naturalising perennial quickly blankets your garden.
These large flowering crocus produce a carpet of colour in February and March. They naturalise profusely, and will create an increasing display every year. Fabulous planted in drifts.
Mix of bright and bi-coloured daffodil blooms, sweetly scented and bursting with pale, lemony yellow and white freshness. A wonderful collection to naturalise the lawn.
Benefits of planting a lawn with bulbs
Planting bulbs in a lawn feels like nature intended them to be there all along. It's a good idea to adopt eco-friendly garden ideas like these if you're leaning towards adopting a more relaxed approach to your lawn, and love the idea of a 'rewilded' feel.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal of looking at a lovely carpet of flowers, this approach has other benefits too. Once established, naturalised bulbs are a great low-maintenance gardening idea. They will come back each year, often multiplying in number, and you don't have to do anything to them to keep them looking good.
It's a boon to wildlife too, particularly early in the year when there aren't so many flowers around. Plant a lawn with crocuses, for example, and this offers an early source of nectar for bees who will be drawn to them as soon as they flower. Areas of lawn naturalised with bulbs can provide food and shelter for a range of birds and insects.
How to care for a lawn planted with bulbs
Once you have finished planting bulbs in a lawn it's a pretty low-maintenance option in terms of your lawn care calendar. "When the foliage of the bulbs has died back and turned yellow, roughly around six weeks after flowering, then you can begin to mow your grass regularly again," says Richard Barker.
If you've chosen low-growing bulbs like crocus and snowdrops that flower early you can plan your first lawn cut of the year from May onwards. In general, it's a good idea to choose spring bulbs that don't flower later than the end of March if you're keen on a mowed lawn. There's more choice if you don't mind letting your lawn rewild until later in the year.
If you're leaving the bulbs in place within the lawn, every few years you may need to lift and divide the plants to prevent them from becoming crowded. "If you notice reduced flowering, lift bulbs and divide clumps," advises Richard. "Replant the divided clumps straight away, and you should see an improvement."
Shop tools for planting bulbs in your lawn
Made from a durable metal this handheld bulb planter comes with markings to ensure all bulbs are planted at their correct depth.
This traditional wooden dibber makes it quick and easy to plant bulbs. Handcrafted from solid ash, the brass tip makes it easy to push into the soil.
Stainless-steel trowel and dibber set for planting bulbs, with painted FSC©-certified hardwood handles and etched butterfly design.
If your lawn is looking a little worse for wear after a long, hot summer and you want to get it into shape before planting bulbs in the grass, there are some simple tasks you can undertake in autumn.
Scarifying a lawn will help to remove any dead grass, moss and thatch, while aerating a lawn will help to improve the overall drainage and prevent your bulbs from becoming waterlogged and rotting.
