Bulbs are a good way to add color to the garden from
Feburary into June. Most gardeners are familiar with such spring bulb
flowers as the tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth, but there are many more to
choose from. Often the first sign of spring is the appearance of snowdrops,
winter aconite, crocuses, glory-of-the-snow, netted irises, or the common
grape hyacinth. The common snowdrop (Galanthus
nivalis) is the first bulb to flower, emerging
in January or February. Growing just 4 to 6 inches tall, this flower makes
a nice edging plant almost anywhere, from full-sun to shady areas. Snowdrop
bulbs should be planted en masse to get the best effect of their
snow-white, bell-shaped hanging flowers. Winter aconite (Eranthis
hyemalis) blooms shortly after the snowdrop.
This rapidly spreading bulb has yellow flowers supported on 3- to 6-inch
stems. Once planted, the bulbs should not be disturbed. Winter aconite is
attractive interplanted in ground cover and also works well with crocuses.
Before planting the tubers, soak them overnight to increase their growth
rate. The crocus (Crocus
chrysanthus or Crocus
vernus), looks great naturalized in grassy
areas or planted at the front of a flowerbed. Many varieties are available,
with a wide color selection. Crocuses do well in full sun or partial shade.
Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa
luciliae) blooms before the leaves have fully
developed, allowing the eye to focus on the flower. Use this plant in low
ground cover, as a border, or in a rock garden. Though most bulbs produce
blue flowers with splashes of white, pink and white varieties are also
available. Glory-of-the-snow blooms from March into April. The early-spring-blooming netted iris (Iris reticulate) grows best in
full sun and reaches a height of 3 to 9 inches and produces fragrant
violet, blue, or white flowers. Grape hyacinth (Muscari sp.) is a great accent plant that works well with other
spring-flowering perennials and bulbs. Blue or white flower clusters
resemble bunches of grapes, hence the name. Planted en masse, grape
hyacinths produce a beautiful blanket of color. It’s important to select a quality bulb. Bulbs
should be firm, with a protective papery skin, and free from soft or
rotting spots, cuts, mold, or other signs of disease. Generally the larger
the bulb, the bigger the flower. Although early October is the best time to plant
spring bulbs, you may plant them until the soil freezes. Select a location
with rich, well-drained soil. Spring bulbs should be planted two to three times as
deep as the bulb is tall. (Planting depth is measured from the bottom of
the bulb.) Most large bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, should be
planted 6 to 8 inches deep; smaller bulbs are usually planted 3 to 4 inches
deep. Incorporate bone meal or superphosphate in the soil beneath the bulbs
to nourish the plants. Bulbs may be incorporated in the landscape almost
anywhere except under evergreens or other heavily shaded areas. Sunlight is
needed to trigger proper growth in the spring. Light is also needed for the
period after flowering, when the foliage manufactures food to be stored in
the bulb for the next year’s growth cycle. Plant bulbs now for a surprise in the spring. For
more information, visit the University of Illinois Extension’s
“Bulbs and More” Web page,
www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/bulbs/index.html.
This article appears in Oct 20-26, 2005.
