Bobscaping
Plant | Grow | Enjoy
Flower bulb photos
Flower bulbs create special beauty in the spring landscape at a time of year when everyone is weary of gray winter skies and ready for a splash of bright colors!
One of Bob’s favorites is the Geranium Narcissus (seen above) since there are multiple blossoms on each stem, and they have a wonderful fragrance that rivals hyacinths! Great for cut flowers indoors.
Got Deer? Daffodils and hyacinths are deer resistant, but tulips definitely need to be protected from whitetail deer browsing.
Fertilizer? Fertilize bulbs right after they finish blooming and leave the foliage alone until it has turned brown since bulbs need that foliage in place to “recharge” for next spring.
When planting bulbs it helps to use a “bulb booster” fertilizer that is typically high in phosphorus, the middle number on a fertilizer label, but fertilizer should not come into direct contact with a bulb. If there are rodents nearby that eat bulbs, you may need to protect bulb plantings with wire hardware mesh.
New Bulbs? Tulips bloom best the first Spring after Fall planting since they are delivered fresh from the tender loving care of a professional bulb grower. Most flower bulbs should be dug-up and divided every few years (after the foliage browns) to prevent crowding which results in a reduction in bloom size.
Think Spring!
This gardener went to great lengths to protect these tulips from becoming deer food!
More bulb photos…
AMARYLLIS
Large bulbs grown indoors during the winter months for their huge, colorful blossoms. The bulbs bloom 7 to 10 weeks after planting, so stagger bulb plantings every couple weeks to prolong the show.
CROCUS
This harbinger of spring is always a welcome sight, even a bit startling when it appears through snow! We’ve found that mixed colors of purple, white and yellow are the most interesting.
DAFFODIL
When you think of spring, you think of the yellow ‘King Alfred’ daffodil. Hardy and deer resistant. Divide the bulbs every few years.
DAFFODILS
This second variety of daffodil has multiple colors: white petals with a yellow cup rimmed in orange.
TETE-A-TETE DAFFODIL
This popular miniature daffodil is fragrant and has multiple flowers on each stem. Plant in the garden or flower pots. So cute!
From Sandy’s Garden…
Q. With snow and cold in the forecast, should I be worried about my flower bulbs that have pushed up new growth?
A. The forecast calling for snow may be the best thing to protect them. Snow is a great insulator and can protect those bulbs that forgot to check the weather forecast before popping into bloom. Mulch such as shredded bark may be too heavy and hold so much moisture that it spoils the blooms. If you happen to still have your live Christmas tree, you can cut off the branches and use them to protect the flowers without crushing them.
Not as bad as it may look.
Most bulbs that push up early are those that bloom in late winter and early spring, when they often face cold weather or snow. They usually are just fine, if a bit ragged, after a blast of winter.
GERANIUM NARCISSUS
Very fragrant, multiple flowers on a single stem. Deer resistant. Great for cutting to bring indoors for further enjoyment. Bob’s favorite daffodil!
HYACINTH
Great for bringing into the house for a sweet, fantastic breath of spring! Deer resistant.
ASIATIC LILIES
Blooms in June, 18″-24″ tall, unscented, bulbs multiply. Reddish-orange blooms. Hardy from zone 3 to 10.
ASIATIC LILY
Blooms in June, 18″-24″ tall, unscented, bulbs multiply. Reddish-orange blooms. Hardy from zone 3 to 10.
‘TINY GHOST’ ASIATIC LILY
Short, early bloomer, 18″-24″ tall, flowering in May-June, unscented, multiplies. Red blooms. Hardy from zone 3 to 10.
‘TINY TODD’ ASIATIC LILY
Early bloomer, grows 18″-24″ tall, flowers May-June, unscented, multiplies. Blooms have white interiors with light pink petal tips. Hardy from zone 3 to 10.
EASTER LILY
Considered a joyful symbol of hope, beauty, and life.
Plant 12 to 18 inches apart in a sunny spot with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Plant bulbs 3 inches deep and mound soil an additional 3 inches over top. Blooms in mid-summer.
GRAPE HYACINTH
Long lasting blooms that are easy to grow. The hardy bulbs prefer well drained soil in full sun, but will tolerate part shade. Look best in groups or ‘drifts.’
TULIPS
Best grown from new bulbs every year. High risk of deer browsing!
TULIPS
Multi-colors can add interest to a tulip planting. Protect from deer!
FIRESPRAY TULIPS
Smaller, more compact type of tulip with bright red foliage. Risk of deer browsing!