Spring is a time of renewal in the garden, and one of the most exciting ways to usher in the new season is by planting bulbs. Bulbs are a fantastic way to extend the colour season in your garden, adding both texture and interest, and they’re relatively easy to care for. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of bulbs, when and how to plant them, and some tips for getting the most out of your spring bulb garden.
Annuals vs. Perennials
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planting bulbs in the Spring is to understand the difference between the annual and perennial varieties. Annual bulbs, such as Canna Lily, Calla Lily, Dahlia and Gladiolus need to be planted every year. Don’t forget the unusual Pineapple Lily, Ranunculus and Martagon Lily! They’re great for adding a burst of colour to your garden and can be potted indoors in March to get a head start on the growing season. Perennial bulbs, on the other hand, will come back year after year, providing a reliable source of beauty in your garden. Examples of perennial bulbs include Daylily, Peony, Asiatic Lily, Astilbe, Bleeding Heart and of course, Butterfly Weed.
When to Plant:
You can start potting annual bulbs indoors now for a quicker bloom time, or plant directly in the garden. When planting directly in the garden, it is best to wait until the middle of May, once the ground has dried and warmed, and the danger of frost has passed.
Bulbs That Repel Pests:
If you’re tired of deer and rabbits munching on your garden, we stock a large selection of bulbs these cute pests tend to avoid, including Ranunculus, Calla Lily, Eucomis (Pineapple Lily), and Ixia. Easy to maintain, colourful and resistant to rabbits makes this selection a must to bring some peace of mind and interest to your landscape!
Caring for Your Bulbs:
For annual bulbs, you can plant them in pots now and then move them outside once the danger of frost has passed. They work great in containers or in the garden! At the end of the season, once the first frost hits, and the leaves die down, dig the bulbs up, dry them out in the sunlight and store them in a dry, cool place for replanting next season. Perennial bulbs should be left in the ground, where they will multiply over time, giving you more blooms each year. You can also divide your perennial bulbs every few years to further increase your garden’s beauty.
Planting Tips:
When planting bulbs, it’s essential to choose a location that suits the plant. Most annual bulbs need full sun, but there are perennial choices, such as Hosta, that crave shade. Planting bulbs in groups of 3, 5 and 7 creates a more dramatic effect in your garden, so don’t be afraid to plant them close together. You can also use height to your advantage, planting taller varieties at the back of the bed and shorter ones towards the front.
Spring bulbs bring a burst of colour and interest to your garden. Whether you choose to plant them indoors now or wait until early May to plant them outside, you can expect blooms this year, depending on variety, starting from late spring through summer. Planting these bulbs, whether annual or perennial, is straightforward with stunning results.
We are fully stocked with spring planting bulbs in-store & online, with more arriving soon. Get planning & stop by Royal City Nursery to get yours!
