We’re staying outside again this week to bring you some bulb action before it gets too cold to get them in the ground for spring. Two members of our group (Justin and Sarah) were Endless Landscapes in their previous work life, and want to share some tips with you. Bulbs are a great way to get amazing spring color, and help the dreariness of winter fade a little faster.
The High Country folks are probably going to need to have them in the ground fairly soon, as you want them planted prior to the first hard freeze. Charlotte- you guys can wait awhile longer, because we may still see warmer temps, and should have until Thanksgiving to get them planted. A good rule of thumb for planting depth on bulbs is to double the size of the bulb itself. If your bulb is around six inches from tip to roots, put him a good foot under the surface. Something else to help get the most blooms: resist the urge to cut them back after the flowers fade. If you can wait it out, and leave the greens until they yellow and fall over on their own, you give the plant a longer time to photosynthesize. This will help it store energy, and result in better blooms the following spring.
One of our favorites to use is crocus. They come in a variety of colors, and are one of the first to wake up from their winter slumber. These guys are little, so they are a great one to plant en masse.
Another one that wakes up early is the daffodil. Also available in a wide variety of blooms, these are a good staple to have in the garden.
You can’t talk about bulbs without mentioning tulips. Probably the most well-known, these offer one of the widest varieties of color and bloom choices. A note to our Charlotte people- we normally don’t get cold enough for these guys, so they are one you will likely have to treat as an annual here.
For fragrance in the garden, you can’t go wrong with hyacinth. Not only are their bloom clusters beautiful, but you will have the smell of spring wafting through your yard.
One of my personal favorites. and a native to NC, is the dwarf-crested iris. This lovely little guy also spreads well, so he will populate your garden with spring color over time.
A special thanks to our friend, and mentor, Doreen Williams, for fact-checking this for me. Go put some pretty in your garden, and we will see you next Tuesday!
