
Some good perennial companions are sedum, coreopsis, thyme, cranesbill, daylilies, coral bells, brunnera, hosta, hellebores, or bleeding heart.īulbs can be planted in layers by digging up an entire area down to the proper depth, placing the bulbs and covering or in individual holes dug for each bulb. Companion plants keep the planting area going when bulbs are dormant.Bulbs can provide bright, vibrant color - think about how those colors will blend with their surroundings.Plant closer together in containers than specified for in-ground planting. Many bulbs are perfect for container planting - bring them into view when blooming and move out of the way when foliage is wilting and when dormant.Layer plant heights from front to back when planting varieties that will bloom at the same time.Hide dying foliage of low-growing bulbs that are past their prime with taller bulbs planted in front or with companion plants.Take into account bloom time - plant a combination of early, mid- and late-season bloomers to extend the season.Plant in clusters for greater visual impact.Many bulbs will naturalize in an area and multiply, coming back year after year, so plan carefully and you can have years of enjoyment from one planting. PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANTīulbs can be grown in many ways - formal gardens, meadow gardens, scattered in lawns, under trees, or strategically planted throughout beds and borders. However, they'll only bloom well the first year, as they'll need sunlight later in the season for the leaves to gather enough energy for next year's flowers. They like loamy or slightly sandy soil because it provides the drainage and nutrients they need.Įarly-spring bloomers can be planted under deciduous trees where they’ll get enough sun to bloom before the tree's leaves block out the light. Drainage is critical to keep bulbs from rotting. Late December to early January - Zone 10Īs long as you ensure that your bulbs have good drainage and sunlight, you can plant them just about anywhere.November to early December - Zones 8 and 9.October to early November - Zones 6 and 7.


Photo by: Olga Ponomarenko / Shutterstock. Summer-flowering bulbs can be planted early to mid-spring. (See Helpful Hints below for more information on storing bulbs in the refrigerator.) Zones 8 to 10: In warmer climates, spring-flowering bulbs will need to be chilled in the refrigerator for 6 to 10 weeks (depending on the bulb) until the ground cools enough for planting. Summer-flowering bulbs should be planted in mid to late spring. However, bulbs can be stored in the refrigerator if needed until planting. If timed right, this should be as soon as possible after purchase. Zones 4 to 7: In colder climates, spring-flowering bulbs can be planted as soon as the ground is cool, evening temperatures average 40° to 50☏, and it is at least 6 to 8 weeks before the ground freezes. If purchased before planting time, store them in a cool, dry spot until planting. Summer bulbs aren't tolerant of cold temperatures and should only be planted after the ground warms up and there's no longer a threat of frost. Some will bloom later in summer or for a longer time, like dahlias that bloom into fall. Gladiolus, lilies, caladiums, and elephant ears are common examples of summer bulbs. Summer bulbs: Also called tender bulbs, these bulbs are planted in spring and flower or leaf out in summer. These bulbs need several weeks of cold temperatures to break their dormancy and flower to their full potential. Some of the more common spring bulbs are tulips, irises, daffodils, hyacinth, allium and crocus. Spring bulbs: Also called hardy bulbs, these bulbs are planted in fall, spend winter in the ground, and flower in spring.

On this page:īulbs can be separated into two main types: spring and summer. With a little basic knowledge, anyone can grow beautiful bulbs. The term “bulb” often refers not only to true bulbs, but also plants with tuberous roots, tubers, corms, and rhizomes the information here can be applied to all of these. Photo by: Ben Schonewille / Shutterstock.īulbs are little packets of flower power that make us wait weeks, sometimes months, for results - but boy, are they worth it.
