UK gardeners told 'plant now' for 'brilliant flower colours'

Brits have been reminded of a gardening job that needs to be done now to ensure "brilliant flower colours" in the spring. This is the perfect time to plant tulip bulbs, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

On its website, the RHS listed important tasks to complete in November to make the most of your outdoor space. "As the final golden leaves fall from the trees, the ground more frequently becomes a glittering carpet of frost," it said.

"Tender plants will need protecting from the cold and winter weather. Move plants into the greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but if you can't, it is worth wrapping plants or pots.

"Remember winter can be a tough time for birds, so keep water and food well topped up." However, this time of year is not just about protecting plants - it is also about preparing them.

The RHS said: "Plant tulip bulbs for a spring display next year. Tulips are popular bulbs, valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes.

"Plant in autumn for a colourful spring show. Choose from short varieties for pots, taller stems for borders or small-bloomed species for naturalising in lawns."

You can also do this with other bulb plants including daffodils and crocuses to make sure they bloom in the spring.

The RHS continued: "Dry bulbs are planted in autumn (September to November) when the plant is dormant.

"If you're not able to plant bulbs straight away, store them in a cool dry place. Plants bought in containers in spring from garden retailers are planted straight away and will bloom in a matter of weeks."

For these plants to grow successfully you must check the ground is not waterlogged first.

"These are grown for spring colour (as bedding plants), as they usually only flower reliably well in the first year," the RHS said.

"For bedding, it is not necessary to have perfect soil, as bulbs will flower fine so long as the ground is not waterlogged. The bulbs are dug up after they've finished flowering. However, there are a few tulip cultivars that last longer and can be left in the ground where they'll often flower for several years (see tulips that last more than one year).

"In this instance, well-drained soil in full sun is more important as it will help the display last for more years." It also recommended planting them in borders between perennial plants, which will grow back in the spring.