Marsha Clark, University of Illinois Extension Mclean County Master Gardener

Transcription

1 Marsha Clark, University of Illinois Extension Mclean County Master Gardener

2 These are the blooms that are the Stars of the Spring show Plant in fall, need well-drained soil Some examples: Tulips, Daffodils and/or Hyacinths Planting rule of thumb for bulbs plant 3 times the height of bulb midwestern gardens plant in well drained soils on deeper side to avoid heaving of bulbs Example: bulb is 1 in length plant 3 deep

3 Known as minor, miscellaneous, miniature, semi-precious or lesser known bulbs These bulbs also put on a colorful (many are in pastel shades) and fragrant Spring show May be miniatures of major bulbs, (Tete-a-tete daffodils), overwinter reliably in midwestern gardens Greatest virtue is timing some of earliest bloomers-just in time for a color pick-me-up We are going to review the impact of these small beauties for your late winter-mid spring garden Some examples are: Snowdrops, Grape hyacinths, Spanish bluebells, Striped squill, Siberian squill, Snow crocus, Glory-of-the-Snow and Grecian windflower

4 1. Minor bulbs: Colorful and many are fragrant, includes both natives and compact cultivars of larger cousins Complement major bulbs or provide visual interest by mass planting in beds (so don t get lost in the landscape), containers, under deciduous trees or shrubs, in lawn and the edges of woodlands Great for naturalizing (just scatter and plant) or add unusual blooms and early color to your garden Inexpensive and can easily be found in local nurseries, big box stores or supermarkets

5 Great complements perennials Can continue bloom time from late winter through early summer Continuous color to focus and draw the eye for a bed, container or entire garden Transition or change color for later flowering perennials, annuals, shrubs and other plantings Sold in large bags to cover large areas or several smaller areas Many bulbs are harmful/toxic if eaten

6 Blooms late winter through early spring, is fragrant (unnoticed as blooms in winter) Partial shade, well-drained soil at border edge or may be grown in containers Deer resistant, plant 2-3 deep and 4-5 apart Great naturalizer will spread if likes where it is planted White bloom and may be marked with green and has tear drop shaped petals Long bloomers, make great cut flowers-color and fragrance Stems 3-10 in height Allow leaves to wither into summer

7 Also known as Muscari Looks like little bunches of grapes Blue, white, pink, purple, yellow and bi-colors Most common of minor bulbs Plant 4 deep and 2-3 apart or are beautiful in mass plantings Deer and rodent resistant Great picture shows these beauties in a rock garden Bees

8 Also known as scilla or wood hyacinth Bell-shaped flowers, plant 3-4 deep Bloom in white, soft pink or blue Likes full sun to part shade* Great planting for beds, borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens or drifts Can see the bell-shaped blooms in next picture *when blooms leaves are not yet on deciduous trees

9 Also known as Lebanon squill or Puschkinia Very hardy blooms in early spring Pale blue bluish white with dark stripes down center of each petal Easy to grow to a height of 12 Full sun to part shade* See beautiful stripes in next picture *trees not yet leafed out

10 Also know as Scillia One of the earliest flowering bulbs-plant pointy side up and 5 deep (deeper than many other bulbs) Native to Siberia so very cold hardy (zones 2-8) A favorite to use in rock gardens also used extensively in naturalizing, edge of beds, beneath deciduous trees and on walkways Beautiful in drifts and blooms may be forced at any time of the year Foliage is soon followed by 6-8 stems which hold 1-3 blooms which may last 2-3 weeks in spring Once blooms fade, plant produces seeds that root where they fall may become invasive dead heading blooms can reduce the seed spread Bees

11 Diminutive bulb at only 4 tall usually blooms before the snow melts in late winter to early spring Deer and rabbit resistant, however voles, mice and squirrels do enjoy the bulbs as a snack May be able to deter these critters with some chicken wire, clean berry baskets or moth balls planted with bulbs Blooms in pink, yellow, orange, purple, blue or white Plant pointed side up 3-4 deep in full sun to part shade Great for naturalizing, in drifts, in rock gardens, in lawn, at edge of border or on walkways Bees

12 Also known as Chionodoxa another of the earliest bloomers in spring usually bloom prior to snow melt Related to the scilla, but has fewer leaves Blooms are usually seen in blue, however can be pink or white Bulbs are tear-drop shaped and can be planted in zones 4-7 Also are used extensively in drifts, rock gardens, walkways, front of border or in containers (forcing indoors)

13 Also known as Anemone blanda-blooms in late spring Blooms are 3-8 tall form a low-growing mat of daisy-like flowers in white, blue or pink with finely cut leaves which disappear shortly after flowering (no unsightly yellow foliage) Spread through seed and tuberous rhizomes in zones 4-10 Plant 5 deep (soak in water for 2 hours prior to planting) in full sun-part shade* Plant in containers, rock gardens, mass plantings or front of garden beds Is deer resistant

14 Earlier the bulb blooms earlier you plant it in fall Minor bulbs can be appreciated up close and en masse Plant pointy-side up and plant at the deeper end of range to avoid heaving Do NOT remove yellow foliage as this allows bulb to make and store food for next year s blooms plant other perennials (such as hostas or ferns) among bulbs to hide withering leaves Foliage can be removed 3-6 weeks after flower has died.

15 When purchasing bulbs look for heavier, meatier specimens Make sure you plant the bulbs at least 3 times their height All bulbs and many plants do not like wet feet so make sure your soil is well-drained Amend heavy soil and follow instructions on package regarding fertilizer: Nitrogen provides healthy leaves (too much and get lots of green and very few or no flowers; Potassium assists in production of flowers and Phosphorous will aid in strengthening roots

16 Remember: if you select and plant bulbs correctly in the fall will have beautiful blooms from February through June for many years to come so get out there and enjoy!!!

17 Spanish bluebells with yellow daffodils Red and white tulips with white or purple grape hyacinths Orange tulips and white Grecian windflowers or white Glory-of-the-snow and orange or yellow crocus White tulips, white Grecian windflowers, white hyacinths with orange mini tulips and small daffodils Striped squill,siberian squill and white crocus or snowdrops Can use these miniatures in small gardens, containers and not overwhelm the area

18 Photos courtesy of: Sarah s Garden at the David Davis Mansion Minor bulbs-university of Illinois Extension Minor bulbs/martha Stewart The Minor bulbs-ilona s Garden References Timber Press Pocket Guide to Bulbs by John E. Bryan Bulbs in Containers by Rod Leeds The Bulb Expert by Dr. D.G. Hessayon

19 For more information: University of Illinois Extension- McLean County 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington, IL Phone: (309) Website: web.extension.illinois.edu/lmw University of Illinois U.S. Department of Agriculture Local Extension Councils Cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact us.