Autumn is here and for most regions in the United States, it is time to plant bulbs to ensure
that blast of color in early spring. Nothing raises us from the doldrums of winter better than
a splash of color from a planting of Crocus along a walkway.
Some things to consider when planning your bulb plantings are:
Location - Taking time now to plan where you want to locate your bulbs will
allow you to reap the benefits of your labor later.
- Always place bulbs in well-drained areas
- Place bulbs where they will receive sun while actively growing
- bulbs placed under a deciduous tree will bloom before the tree has a chance to leaf out allowing
the bulbs to receive the sun they need.
- early to midseason blooming bulbs can be located in the same gardens with later-developing
perennials such as hosta or roses. As the perennials leaf out, they will cover the bulb's fading foliage.
- Small bulbs, such as crocus, snowdrops and grape hyacinths, should be located up close to a walkway or path
where you can see them easily
- Larger bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, can be planted at a greater distance across the yard
Bloom Sequence - By planting several types of bulbs with different bloom times,
you can achieve colorful flowering every week from early spring to summer.
- Early Spring - Snowdrops (Galanthus caucasicus) and Crocus
- Spring - Crocus, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips
- Late Spring - Daffodils and mid-season tulips
- Summer - Allium, iris, lilies, dahlia, gladiolus
Color, Shape and Texture - There are hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors to
give your garden a distinctive look. Some examples are:
- Bi-color daffodils, yellow petals with contrasting corona or cup.
- Miniature daffodils, several flowers per stem or swept-back petals
- Large daffodils with ruffled, doubled or split cups
- Two- or multi-colored tulips
- Tulips with lily-flower pointed petals, fringed or double petals
Our October 2001 newsletter may help with some additional information on bulbs.
Online Resources:
Blooming Bulb
Daffodils and More
U.S. and International Speciality Bulb Sources
White Flower Farm
October Gardening Tips by Zone
