Spring bulbs

What are bulbs?

     Bulbs are “seeds” for lack of a better word, that store their “energy” in the form of food and moisture, within themselves and when planted in fall, after a long winter, will emerge at various times in spring and show off their beauty. Plants grown from bulbs (a general term) are fairly self-sufficient and trouble-free. (but don’t tell the squirrels I said that.)

“Bulb” is a general term? Why?

     “Bulb” is a general term because not only are there bulbs in this particular family, but also corms and tubers. They are all extremely similar, although the plants that come from them are different. For example, tulips form from true bulbs. Smaller flowers like crocus come from corms and iris flowers form from rhizomes. There are also tubers, but we’ll talk more about that when we learn about summer “bulbs.”

Why are spring bulb flowers important?

      In spring, there isn’t much flowering. Yes, you may have Hellebores, as I talked about last year and can learn about from my YouTube video, but unless you have fruit trees or ornamental trees like Cherries or Dogwoods, there just is a lot of blah. Bulb plants show a rebirth, the beginning of the spring season. Too bad they don’t last very long.

What are the best Spring Bulb Plants?

     Bulbs:

1. Tulips are stately, elegant flowers that have varieties that bloom in early, mid and late spring.

   
   

   

   
   

2. Hyacinths are my personal favorite due to their awesome sweet scent. You can smell them from a long distance away, similar to the sweetness of lilacs and a similar type flower formation.

   
   

3. Daffodils are the best bulb flowers that dance in the wind in an array of different yellow and whites with different trumpets protruding from the center. And, the deer won’t eat them! They spread or “naturalize” easily.

Corms:

1. Crocus flowers are some of the earliest and smallest spring flowers. In shades or purple, yellow, and white, these little buggers are a welcomed sight after a long winter.

   
   

2. Ranunculus is another flower, very delicate and rather large in spring. Most people buy these plants already growing and/or in bloom. Their flowers are rose-like and colorful.

Rhizomes:

1. Iris’ are, in my opinion, a huge sign of a classic garden. They’re old-fashioned but irresistible. There are lower varieties and the more famous tall plants. They always look very happy.

How do I care for my bulbs?

     These plants are very easy, really. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is DO NOT cut the foliage down until brown. I know the inclination is to get rid of that foliage, but don’t! The self-sufficient bulbs need to re-energize for the following year and they do this when the sun energizes the foliage until they turn brown. Some people will tie their daff foliage to be fancy. Be cognizant of deer, squirrels, and ground hogs as they all love the flowers that form, especially on tulips. Cayenne pepper and deer spray works very well as a deterrent.

Once the temps start to warm up, get outside and enjoy the re-birth of our world known as spring. Take the time to enjoy the sights and sounds, maybe some delicious scents wafting around and the return of bees and butterflies.

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