Fall Bulb Planting Information
Allium Aflatuense
Alliums belong to a large family of edible plants such as garlic and onion. However, this prestigious bulb makes a wonderful focal point in any garden. Furthermore, Alliums make a nice addition to dried flower arrangements. The Aflatuense variety features ribbon like green blue leaves that grow to about 25" inches tall and bloom in April or May. For maximum effect these bulbs should be planted in a group of 10 in a sunny or partially sunny location.
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Fall Bulbs |
Allium Mixed
Alliums belong to a large family of edible plants such as garlic and onion. However, this prestigious bulb makes a wonderful focal point in any garden. Furthermore, Alliums make a nice addition to dried flower arrangements. The Ostrowskianum is only variety of Allium that features hot pink flowers, while Moly is the only yellow flower in this family. They grow to about 8 inches tall. Plant them in a sunny location and they will bloom in late spring for many years to come.
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Anemones Blanda Anemone is derived from the Greek word Anemos meaning wind due to the seeds it spreads through that mechanism. Anemone Blanda also referred to as Grecian Windflowers have 2-inch wide flowers look like daisies, feature a yellow center, and bloom early in the spring. Plant Anemones in well drained soil and can even be planted underneath trees and shrubs as they bloom before leaves start to bud. Leave Anemone Blanda in the ground to multiply naturally.
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Anemone (DeCaen and St. Brigid)
Anemone is derived from the Greek word Anemos meaning wind due to the seeds it spreads through that mechanism. Anemone Coronaria is often referred to as "Florist Anemone" as these bulbs produce excellent cut flowers. These 2-inch wide flowers look like daisies, feature a black and white center and bloom in late spring for close to four months. These bulbs prefer fertile and well-drained soil in full sun. In colder areas of the country, these bulbs need additional protection from cold weather therefore they need to be protected with a foot of mulch, which should be removed when the danger of frost has past.
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Large Flowering Crocus
Consider Crocus to be the "Dutch Ground Hog" as their blooms indicate the first signs of spring. Large Flowering or Dutch Crocus is the largest flowering Crocus species. These chalice shaped flowers require well-drained soil and either a sunny or partially sunny location. Over the years, Crocus form clumps of flowers since they multiple naturally with no effort on your part. However let these flowers die down naturally after they have bloomed because during this period the bulb gathers strength to bloom next year.
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Daffodils and Narcissus
References to Daffodils and Narcissus have been found as early as 300 BC. These bulbs are indigenous to Europe and are extremely hardy and withstand the most severe winters. Moreover deer or rodents do not eat them. Daffodils and Narcissus will excel in full, partial or no shade areas, which make them ideal for mass plantings and/or cut flowers. They can be left in the ground after blooming but multiple quickly over the years. If you wish to subdivide bulbs after 2 or 3 years of blooming, harvest them immediately after the foliage has died down, divide and store in a well ventilated, cool dry place then replant in the Fall.
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Freesia
These fragrant flowers produce several 2-inch flowers per bulb and make excellent cut flowers. Plant Freesias in well- drained and sandy soil in a sunny location. In colder areas of the country, these bulbs need additional protection from cold weather therefore they need to be protected with a foot of mulch, which should be removed when the danger of frost has past.
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Fritillaria Crown Imperial
This is one of the best known species of Fritillaria. These stately flowers look elegant in a group by themselves or interspersed among other flowers it becomes a good rodent deterrent. Fritillarias bloom in late spring and grow to about 20 inches tall in both sun and partial sunny locations. It is important that these bulbs are planted in well-drained soil, preferably with a mixture of sand on a 45-degree angle to prevent water from sitting in the hole of the bulb. After flowering, let the leaves die down naturally and keep them in the ground.
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Fritillaria Melagris
One Fritillaria Meleagris bulb produces one stem with 5-6 bell-shaped flowers and bluish-green leaves in late spring. Meleagris prefer full sun to partial shade and are suitable for borders, rock gardens and flowerbeds. This type of bulb prefers moist soil and therefore at planting time, soil should be mixed with peat moss. To ensure many years of enjoyment, after the bulbs have bloomed they should be left in the ground and the leaves should be cut off only after the leaves completely died down.
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Galanthus
These flowers often bloom along with Snow Crocus and Eranthus in early spring. These little white flowers grow to about 4 inches high and do well in both full sun and partial shade. Plant them in fertile well-drained soil and leave in the ground to multiply naturally.
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Hyacinths
The cultivation of Hyacinths can be traced back to Greek and Romans times. These fragrant flowers have been cultivated in Holland since the 17th century. Hyacinths prefer well-drained soil. Planting Hyacinths before the frost in a partially shaded area will extend blooming time. After Hyacinths have flowered, cut off the floral stem but let the leaves die down naturally before removing foliage.
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Muscari
Muscari are hardy and easy to grow in well-drained soil and flourishes in sun, partial sun or shade. These bulbs bloom early in the spring and make a perfect 5-inch high border in front of Daffodils, Narcissus or early blooming Tulips. They prefer to be left in the soil where they can multiple naturally.
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Ranunculus Mixed
These rose like flowers can produce up to 7 flowers per bulb and make excellent cut flowers. The bulb itself looks very small and normally looks like pieces of bark. Before planting them, soak them in lukewarm water for 3-4 hours to jump-start their growth. Afterwards plant Ranunculus in well-drained and sandy soil in a sunny or partially sun location. In colder areas of the country, these bulbs need additional protection from cold weather therefore they need to be protected with a foot of mulch, which should be removed when the danger of frost has past.
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Scilla Campanulata
Also known as "Wood Hyacinths" this type of Scilla will grow stems that are slightly bent by the numerous bell- shaped flowers encompassed by broad green foliage. These bulbs will grow to about 10 inches and require well-drained soil. They do well in both full sun and partial shaded areas and can be used as borders, in rock gardens and park beds. Left in the ground these bulbs will do well for many years.
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Specie Crocus
These Crocus bloom even before the last of the snow as melted and tend to be the very first bulb to bloom in late winter or early spring. These chalice shaped flowers require well-drained soil. Over the years Crocus form clumps of flowers since they multiple naturally with no effort on your part. However let these flowers die down naturally after they have bloomed because during this period the bulb gathers strength to bloom next year.
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Tulips
Tulips were first introduced into Europe in the 16th century, but have quickly become the most popular flower bulb to be exported out of The Netherlands. There are many varieties of tulips, so be sure to look for tulips that bloom in early, mid and late spring to ensure a colorful garden throughout the spring. Tulips also grow to various heights, use low growing tulips in rock gardens and borders and use longer stem tulips for parks, beds, borders and make excellent cut flowers. Tulips are hardy bulbs and can survive the most severe winters. Plant Tulips in well-drained soil to ensure proper root formation. Tulips will bloom in both full sun and partial shade. Exposure to full sun will bring out the rich colors that Tulips offer but some shade will enable a longer blooming period and still offer a colorful addition to your yard.
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