Spring planting bulbs for 2026
Winter Solstice has recently arrived and the Christmas scaries is fast approaching.
For many gardeners, winter is hella boring, especially if you live in Canada like myself where it lasts about 5 months out of the year. (Please send help)
Sadly, there isn’t much we can really do except maybe buy a couple of house plants to scratch the itch, only to then maybe kill them. Or perhaps a classic Pinterest board of garden inspiration, or brainstorming a very long list of gardening “to-do’s” that you’d like to tackle once that dreadful snow has melted.
For me, winter is also a fantastic time to do some damage to my wallet, as most online sites are now pushing their spring planting bulbs and seeds.
Image Highlight: The Goth Garden | Blacklist Lily July 2025
There are three Canadian sites that I can verify as legit and have been shopping with for my entire gardening career now. Veseys, Brecks and Westcoast Seeds are my favourite Canadian retailers and are actually structured to mail bulbs or seeds when they’re ready to be planted. Meaning no stress in remembering to time everything perfectly or making room for storage.
Please note, these companies only ship within Canada, so if you live outside of the Great White North, I’M SORRY! But my list still stands and I strongly encourage searching these names in your own country to see if you can get them on other sites.
With that being said…
Here are some spring planting bulbs I have purchased and will be planting in 2026!
Blackship Lily
PERENNIAL
One of the darkest lilies on the market!
Black Ship features one-of-a-kind blooms that face out to show off its striking, nearly black colour. These 15 cm flowers create an impression in the garden or when added to cutflower bouquets. The recurved petals allow easy access to passing pollinators, too. A strong garden performer, it is easy to grow and requires no special care.
Hardiness Zone | 3-9
Light Requirements | Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Time | Early to midsummer
Back in Black Sedum
PERENNIAL
‘Back in Black’ has darkest purple, near black leaves. Such a bougie addition to a mixed perennial border, the dark colour enhances all other shades of green. In autumn, plants are loaded with large cherry-red and vanilla flower heads. Sedum is one of the easiest to grow and most rewarding perennials you can plant.
Hardiness Zone | 3-9
Light Requirements | Sun, Partial
Bloom Time | Summer to Fall
Black Barlow Columbine
PERENNIAL
These incredibly dark grape-purple double flowers are slightly pendant and sit atop long, tall stems. Foliage makes a low ferny mound. Excellent for cutting.
Hardiness Zone | 3-8
Light Requirements | Sun, Partial
Bloom Time | Early Summer to Summer
Black Form Iris
PERENNIAL
Striking, graceful and velvety flowers are the blackest violet-purple you can imagine. Adds a contemporary, interesting air to any setting. Plant these water-loving plants in a sunny, boggy area or near water.
Hardiness Zone | 3-9
Light Requirements | Sun, Partial
Bloom Time | Spring to Summer
Blacklist Lily
PERENNIAL
Darkest maroon-purple petals are shiny, super saturated with colour and weather resistant! The prominent orange stamens are showy and the perfect colour complement. Asiatic Lilies tend to be shorter and sturdier than other lilies. They bloom earlier and their petals are slightly more waxy and weather resistant.
Hardiness Zone | 3-8
Light Requirements | Sun
Bloom Time | Midsummer to Late Summer
Odessa® Calla Lily
ANNUAL
Silky, near-black blooms arrive in midsummer as other seasonal blooms are starting to fade, blessing gardens and bouquets with beauty and drama.
Hardiness Zone | 8-10
Light Requirements | Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Time | Mid to late summer
