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Agricultural Extension Service The University of Tennessee PB 1610 Flowering for Tennessee Gardens

1 Contents

Bulbs ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 3 ...... 4 Culture ...... 4 Introduction ...... 4 Site Selection ...... 5 Site Preparation ...... 5 Selecting Material ...... 5 Planting -Flowering Geophytes ...... 6 ...... 6 Planting Summer-Flowering Geophytes ...... 7 ...... 7 ...... 8 Dahlia ...... 8 ...... 9 Maintenance of Geophytes ...... 10 Forcing Spring-Flowering Geophytes in the Home ... 11 Forcing Tender Geophytes in the Home ...... 12 ...... 12 Dictionary of Bulbous ...... 13 The Selector ...... 21 Mail Order Sources ...... 22 U.S.D.A. Zone Map ...... 23

2 Flowering Bulbs for Tennessee Gardens Mary Lewnes Albrecht, Professor and Head Ornamental and Landscape Design

wealth of spring-, are thick, fleshy, modified does not summer- and fall- , the scales. The scales persist from A flowering bulbs can are organized to form two season to be used to extend the garden distinct types of bulbs. Lami- season. Rather, floral display from early nate (tunicate) a new corm is spring until late fall. Some of bulbs are formed above Gladiolus these will be winter hardy concentric, the old corm formed the and remain in the ground cylindrical previous . Gladiolus and year-round. Others will not scales. The are the two most survive freezing temperatures outer layers of commonly grown corms. and must be replanted each Lily scales become spring. Many are not even dry and Tubers: true bulbs, but are often sold papery, forming the tunic. Tubers are along side true bulbs in mail This protects the bulb from produced order catalogs and at garden disease, and mechani- when the tips stores. The different types of cal damage. Daffodil and of a (a underground storage struc- are common tunicate horizontally tures that are frequently bulbs. The scaly (non-tuni- growing stem called bulbs include corms, cate) bulb has numerous just at the Caladium tubers, tuberous , - individual scales which line) becomes ous stems and rhizomes. readily break off the basal swollen from stored . These underground storage plate. This bulb has no tunic, Tubers are formed below structures collectively are making it somewhat more ground. Close examination of called “bulb-forms” or geo- susceptible to disease, insect the tuber will reveal typical phytes. Geophyte comes from and mechanical damage. Lily stem structures of nodes, the the Greek word geo — mean- is a common scaly bulb. “eyes” of a and intern- ing earth, and the Greek odes. Besides the Irish po- word phyte — meaning Corms: tato, another commonly growth or plant; therefore, A corm is grown tuber is caladium. geophyte means “earth the swollen The tuberous and the growth” or “earth plant.” base of a stem tuberous stem are commonly with typical Crocus mislabeled as tubers. The Bulbs: stem parts: tuberous root The true bulb nodes and internodes. The forms from the consists of a dry, papery bases en- swelling of roots. much-com- close the swollen stem base, Tuberous pressed, fleshy forming the protective tunic. roots do stem, the basal The tunic, as with the bulb not have plate. Attached tunic, protects the corm from any fea- to the basal plate Dahlia Daffodil disease and water loss. A tures

3 common to stems (there are The pachymorphic and make an attractive addi- no nodes or internodes is a large, fleshy, horizontal tion to gardens: perennial present); they have all the stem which has determinate border, naturalized areas, internal and external features growth. Once the terminal rock gardens, foundation of roots. growing point or of plantings, borders and On the other hand, the the rhizome forms an inflores- containers. Areas to avoid tuberous stem does have cence (the flower stalk), the include painted walls, paved features of stems. The tuber- rhizome will form two branches walks or driveways. Reflected ous stem forms from the behind the meristem. The heat from these areas during swelling of the area of the bearded iris is a very common midday through late after- plant known as the hypo- pachymorphic rhizome. noon can cause damage to cotyl. This is the transition most plants. If such an area is region between the root and chosen, the plants will de- the stem. velop and flower faster. The Tuberous roots are formed Culture: main disadvantage is the on the sweet potato and the Introduction foliage will die back more dahlia. Tuberous stems are quickly due to excessive heat. Geophytes are normally formed by tuberous , grouped based upon their and gloxinia. ability to withstand freezing weather. Knowing this Rhizomes: information is essential to A rhizome is a specialized proper culture. stem which grows just at or Hardy geophytes, once below the soil surface. There planted and established, will are many economically survive freezing temperatures important plants which under normally good growing form rhizomes conditions. Examples of hardy including geophytes are , , , , crocus, lily and iris, lily- bearded iris. Semi-hardy Iris of-the- may be hardy in valley and many grasses. somewhat milder , but There are two types of cannot be relied upon to rhizomes found in nature, survive extended exposure to leptomorphic rhizome and below-freezing temperatures. pachymorphic rhizome. The Many of the , Lily lily-of-the-valley has a ranunculus, bulbous iris and This will result in bulb de- leptomorphic rhizome: a very cannas fall into this class. cline, since not enough thin rhizome with indetermi- Those species which will will be stored before complete nate growth (the rhizome not tolerate hard-freezing die-back occurs. Planting does not terminate in a flower temperatures and can only be under with surface roots stalk; it remains vegetative), left in the ground in warm such as maple, branches freely and forms climates are referred to as or linden should be avoided, many flowering . tender. This includes many of since there will be competi- Plants with our summer-flowering geo- tion between roots and leptomorphic rhizomes phytes such as dahlia, gladi- bulbs for necessary moisture can form olus, caladium, and and nutrients. For the same very tuberous . reason, vigorous , such dense The bulbous plants can be as forsythia and Pfitzer juni- mats. -lily used in a number of ways pers, and dense ground

4 covers, such as ivy, pachys- added to improve drainage. problem using bonemeal is andra or creeping euonymus, The third essential criteria that it attracts squirrels and should also be avoided. Many is adequate air circulation. Air similar pests that may dig up larger spring-flowering, circulation is necessary to the bulbs. If an inorganic bulbous plants will compete reduce the incidence of dis- is used, select one successfully with the ground ease with these plants. with low nitrogen and high cover Vinca minor, periwinkle. , such as a 1:3:1 Also consider adding many to Site Preparation or 1:3:2 N-P2O5-K2O ratio. perennial beds where the If the chosen site has poor Check the package directions perennials can actually hide drainage, several things can for the proper rate. Be sure to the unsightly bulb foliage as be done. Drain pipes can be take a soil sample to deter- it dies. laid to facilitate the removal of mine pH. Most geophytes excess water. If this is not grow best at a pH range of Site Selection desirable or feasible, adding 6.5 to 7.2. All nutrient When choosing a site, organic matter to a heavy clay amendments should be consider sunlight, drainage soil will improve drainage. incorporated into the 2-inch and air circulation. Most Adding up to 30 percent layer of soil upon which the geophytes require a minimum organic matter by volume will bulbs, corms, tubers and of five to six hours of daily make a difference (spread a 4- rhizomes will be set. sunlight. Notable exceptions inch thick layer of organic are lily-of-the-valley and matter over the bed then till it Selecting Plant caladium, which can thrive in into the soil to a depth of 12 Material shade (see the Dictionary of inches). Adding organic When buying any flower- Bulbous Plants and The Bulb matter from composts will ing bulbous plants, it is best to Selector lists at the end of this also aid sandy where buy from a reputable dealer. publication for others). For drainage is too rapid and Some minor or unusual bulbs maximum growth from year water-holding capacity is have been illegally harvested to year, eight to 10 hours of reduced. If the area has such from the wild. These should be sunlight are better. Adequate poor drainage that organic avoided. Also, avoid the “bar- sunlight results in larger matter incorporation will not gain” bulbs. Much of the plant blooms and healthier, hardier be of much benefit, raised material offered at reduced plants due to the ability to beds can be constructed. prices are low grades (smaller maximize . Materials such as landscape bulbs). Low grades will not A sandy loam is the best timbers, stone or brick can be produce as large a flower or type of soil for geophytes, used to build raised beds. may not flower at all. More since it has very good drain- Walls can be made high often than not, you will be age coupled with good water- enough for use as additional disappointed in plants resulting holding capacity. To check an seating in the smaller gardens from inferior grade material. area for drainage, dig a hole of today’s urban settings. Besides the size or grade about 1 foot deep and fill it Regardless of the method of the bulb, the can with water. Come back the chosen to improve drainage, it impact price. Some next day and fill it again. If is essential that the soil is are more difficult to multiply this second application of prepared to a 12-inch depth so or they are slower-growing water drains completely in are placed in the plants. Selecting a cultivar is a eight to 10 hours, the soil has rootzone. Bonemeal, at the personal preference, because adequate drainage. If not, the rate of 4 to 6 pounds per 100 there are hundreds of culti- soil most likely has a high clay square feet of bed area, will vars from which to choose. content and organic amend- provide plants with phospho- If buying bulbs at a garden ments such as compost, leaf rus, calcium, manganese and center, you can pick and mold or moss should be some nitrogen. A reported choose the healthy ones. If

5 ordering through the mail, be easiest to use a hand trowel When planting large sure to examine the bulbs or a bulb planter. “Bulb” drill areas, it is easiest to excavate upon arrival and, if you bits are now available for use the entire area and lay the identify bad plant material, with a cordless drill for bulbs, corms, tubers or notify the supplier. Symptoms planting ease. Regardless of rhizomes in place and then of unhealthy geophytes whether planting just a few backfill the area with the include mold growing on the plants or a few hundred, it is removed soil. When planting surface, an unpleasant , extremely important that the large areas, either arrange the discoloration, a soft feel, signs geophytes are planted to the bulbs in straight lines for a of rot, feeling lightweight or a proper depths (see recom- formal bed or in random blemished surface. All are mended planting depth in the fashion for a naturalized signs of damage or disease Dictionary of Bulbous Plants at appearance. In either in- and the plants should be the end of this publication). stance, the bed should be discarded. Use the same Shallow planting increases dug to a depth of at least 4 criteria when digging and the risk of frost damage to inches more than the recom- sorting already established the plants. The general rule of mended planting depth. plants which are being thumb for proper planting depth Replace the bottom 2 inches thinned, divided or prepared is 2 to 3 times as deep as the of soil. This creates a loos- for winter storage. height of the bulb. Depth is ened bed for root penetration. measured from the top of the To the next 2-inch layer, mix Planting bulb to the soil surface. In the bonemeal or other fertiliz- Spring-Flowering very loose, sandy soils, bulbs ers. Place the geophytes on can be planted 2 to 3 inches this layer and fill in with Geophytes deeper than normally recom- about half the soil. Apply Hardy spring-flowering mended. water and allow the soil to bulbous plants should be settle. Add the remaining soil planted before the ground and water again. Once the freezes in the fall. The usual water has drained away, time is from late September mulch the bed with several through early November. inches of leaf mold, Early planting is essential to chips or some other organic allow for good root develop- mulch to prevent drying, ment before the ground gets freezing and thawing through cold. If the plant can establish the winter. In areas where a healthy, vigorous root can be a problem, system before the ground encase the geohpytes in 1/2 - freezes, it will be capable of inch wire mesh. This will rapid growth and develop- prevent rodents from digging ment in the spring. and eating the plants and still When planting bulbous allow the shoots to emerge plants, it is best to mass from the ground. them. Avoid lining them up like little tin soldiers or Iris making a polka-dotted effect. Of the hardy, spring- Mass plantings are more flowering geophytes, the appealing unless it is some Iris deserves some large, unusual plant such as special attention. There are imperalis, crown some 300 species of iris imperial. If it is necessary to organized into 27 subgenera, Using a bulb planter. plant single bulbs in among sections and . Because trees, shrubs or rocks, it is they easily hybridize, there 6 “They don’t flower like they however, very few are true used to.” Several environ- bulbs. Many are tuberous mental factors will influence roots, tuberous stems, true flowering; if out of balance, tubers, rhizomes and corms. flowering will be reduced. Most of the summer-flowering First, when people bought a geophytes require full-sun newly constructed home and conditions. The main excep- planted the yard, the trees tion is caladium, which does were smaller and not casting very well in the shade. Others shade over the iris beds. may benefit from some after- Check for sunlight. Are the noon shade, which protects iris beds now shaded? When them from the hottest sun of overcrowded, flowering will the day. Of the summer- be reduced. The bulbs or flowering geophytes, cala- rhizomes should be dug, dium, canna, dahlia, divided and replanted, gener- and gladiolus are the most ally about every three . popular for the garden. Iris Division should take place as soon possible after flowering. Caladium: are hundreds of cultivars. If you miss the spring divi- Caladium has found its Identification can become a sion season, wait until the fall greatest usefulness in shade gardener’s nightmare! There when the nights are cooler situations. Many of the new are special morphological than in July. Many people cultivars were developed terms used to describe the wait until August or Septem- through culture and are iris flower. Information ber to divide iris. A third being sold as potted plants. regarding nomenclature and factor that influences flower- They come mostly with , morphology is beyond the ing is depth of planting. Iris red or white variegated foli- purpose of this publication. rhizomes should not be set age. The large leaves can be What follows is some basic too deep (follow the recom- up to 12 inches in length from information for the novice mendations in the Dictionary end to end. gardener to get started (see of Bulbous Plants). The irises Caladium tubers can be the Dictionary of Bulbous might not have been planted started indoors in February Plants for information about too deep originally, but over through April to set in the some of the more common time, the rhizomes get cov- garden or maintained in large types of iris recommended ered by mulch and leaf litter pots for patios or porches. for Tennessee gardens). and become buried. With They need six to eight weeks Iris will either have bulbs regular division, this will not to develop clumps with good or rhizomes. Regardless of be a problem. foliage. The rough side of the the geophyte, most iris prefer tuber is the top; the bottom is full sun where they thrive. Planting Summer- rounded and smooth. Quite Well-drained but moist soils often, the central eye is re- are important to floral devel- Flowering Geophytes moved to encourage more opment. If the rhizomes or Many of the summer- shoots to develop on the bulbs get too dry during the flowering geophytes are tuber. When planting in pots, summer, flower formation considered to be tender just barely cover with growing can be inhibited. Many iris plants. The main exceptions to medium. If setting the tubers are suited to use along this rule are the assorted lilies directly in the garden, plant 2 streams, ponds or in and (ornamental inches deep. prefer and marshes. ). Quite often, all of warm growing conditions. Be One of the biggest com- these plants will be referred to patient and allow the soil to plaints heard about iris is: as summer-flowering bulbs; warm up before planting. 7 Caladiums need fertilization to the frost-free date is between storage. In , after the encourage good, rapid early April and the end of first frost blackens the foliage, growth. Avoid high-nitrogen May, the rhizomes may be the stalks should be cut to fertilizers, using one with an planted directly into the within 6 to 8 inches of the N-P2O5-K2O ratio of 1:2:2. flower bed. They should be rhizomes and then lifted from Caladiums require high mois- planted about 1 to 2 inches the soil and allowed to par- ture but well-drained soils. In deep in the bed and about 15 tially dry. They should then the fall, lift the tubers before to 20 inches apart, depending be sorted and cleaned, dis- frost and allow them to dry in upon the ultimate height of carding any diseased, scarred the sun for a few hours. Store the plant. The rhizomes can or insect-infested rhizomes. dry at 40 to 45F. be started indoors under Store in moist peat moss in a high-light conditions in large reasonably dry, well-venti- Canna: pots and then set outdoors lated, dark area at 45 to 50 F. Cannas are often misused after all danger of frost is in flower beds. Many of the passed. To encourage a Dahlia: tall growing cultivars which longer flowering season on The dahlia is a long-time attain heights of 4 to 6 feet the canna, the dead favorite of the garden. These are often planted in island should be removed to pre- come in a wide height range beds and surrounded by vent set. from dwarfs, 12 to 18 inches extremely short annuals, thus Cannas are marginally tall, to giants, up to 5 feet making the canna appear to winter hardy in USDA Zone 6 tall. They also offer a wide be a giant. Properly used, the and in most parts of Tennes- range of flower color and canna can offer an interesting see, are often treated as exhibit several different accent to a landscape. The hardy and left in the ground flower types. The main introduction of dwarf cannas to overwinter. Heavy mulch advantage which dahlias offer (2 to 3 feet tall) has greatly will help insulate them in the is continual flower display added to their usefulness. winter. In colder regions in from midsummer until frost. Many of the dwarf cannas the state, such as higher The dahlia is planted from can be successfully grown in elevations, cannas either a tuberous root or a very large containers for the will need to be dug for winter seed-propagated plant. Most patio, terrace or entry way. of the seed-propagated dahl- Canna cultivars are available ias are dwarf to medium- with bronze foliage, making height cultivars. The tuberous an excellent background to root-propagated cultivars are accent low shrubs, annuals or taller and produce fewer but perennials. A few cultivars larger flowers. The seed with variegated foliage offer a cultivars are commonly sold striking contrast to the dark as bedding plants during the green leaves of many land- spring months. The cultivars shrubs. available as tuberous roots Canna rhizomes should are sold during the winter be planted in a sunny loca- and spring months either tion. They will do well along through mail order catalogs streams and ponds or in bogs or at garden centers. When or shallow water, appreciat- purchasing dahlia roots, look ing the extra moisture. When for a portion of the previous preparing a bed for cannas, year’s stem to still be at- extra organic matter should tached to the clump. The be incorporated into the soil for the current season’s to help increase water-hold- Canna growth form at the junction ing capacity. In areas where Photo courtesy of All-American Selections 8 Gladiolus: The gladiolus is a popular “summer-flowering bulb” that is really a corm. The corms are sized based on 1 diameter. Large corms (1 /4 inches in diameter or greater) are the most expensive and are commonly used for com- mercial production of cut gladiolus. The medium-size 3 1 corms, /4 to 1 /4 inches in diameter, are commonly used for gardens. Classes of gladiolus based upon flower size are: Dahlia 1. giants with florets greater 1 than 5 /2 inches, 1 1 of the roots and the stem. when the resulting new 2. large with florets 4 /2 to 5 /2 Both the seed-propagated growth has three sets of inches, 1 cultivars and the tuberous leaves. Mulch the bed to a 3. medium with florets 3 /2 to 1 roots need to be planted in an depth of 3 to 4 inches to keep 4 /2 inches, 1 area where they will receive the roots moist and cool. 4. small with florets 2 /2 to 1 at least six hours of sun each Remove all dead flowers to 3 /2 inches and day and are shaded from the encourage continual bloom 5. mini with florets less than 1 hot afternoon sun. When and prevent seed set. 2 /2 inches. planting the seed-propagated Dahlias cannot survive plants, set them in the freezing winters. After the The giant and large floret ground at the same depth first light frost when there is types are considered too large they were in the bedding some damage to the foliage, for the average garden and plant containers. On the the roots should be dug and are normally grown by gladi- other hand, the tuberous cleaned. After cleaning, any roots are planted 4 to 6 inches diseased, scarred or insect deep with the roots laid on infested roots should be their side. The tall-growing discarded. The roots are then cultivars (those greater than 3 cut into growing sections for feet) should be staked at next season. Keep a portion planting. The stakes should of the stem on each root be driven about 18 inches clump. The clumps are stored into the ground (12 inches in moist peat moss, sawdust, below the depth at which the vermiculite or perlite at a tuberous roots were planted). temperature of 35 to 40 F To encourage branching of through the winter. Roots the plant produced from the should be checked periodi- tuberous roots, the main stem cally to make sure they are is pruned (pinched) to re- not shriveled from water loss. move the terminal growing If roots shrivel, sprouting will when three sets of be adversely affected. leaves are developed. Plants are given a second pinch Gladiolus

9 olus fanciers or those grow- Maintenance of The main indicators are ing gladiolus for flower show reduced vigor, reduction in competition. Geophytes the number of flowers and Since the gladiolus will For those hardy geo- reduction in the size of only produce one flowering phytes, there are a few main- foliage and flowers. The stem from each corm, start tenance practices to encour- length of time between planting in the early spring in age continued vigor and divisions will vary with the successive plantings at two- health of the storage struc- plant species and the desires week intervals, and ending tures and maintain floral of the gardener. Some no later than 60 days prior to display: fertilization, dead- people will dig and divide frost. This will give continual heading and division. bulbs on a regular basis; flowers in the garden from Use a balanced fertilizer others will let nature take its about the middle of summer course and divide only when with a N-P2O5-K2O ratio of until frost. At planting, be 1:3:1 or 1:3:2. Bonemeal is a it is absolutely necessary. sure to stake tall cultivars and good organic fertilizer for Prior to digging the support flower stalks to bulbs, since it has the desired spring-flowering geophytes, prevent toppling. Drive the ratio of low nitrogen to high the foliage should be allowed stakes into the ground at phosphorus. It is important to die back naturally. At this planting, taking care to avoid to use a low-nitrogen fertil- point, the bulb should be tan damaging the corms. izer whenever bulbous plants to brown, indicating it is Since the gladiolus is a are being fertilized. High N mature. It can be lifted and tender corm, it will need to will result in bulb decay. the remains of dead foliage be dug in autumn prior to Follow the recommended removed to prevent harboring frost. Dig the corms on a rates on the package. Fertil- any disease and . All bright sunny day, which will izer can be applied when the plant material that shows be good for accelerating the plants are flowering and the signs of disease, insect or drying process. The stalk is roots are actively growing. mechanical damage should be cut flush with the corm. The Fertilizer is also applied in the destroyed. Also, any under- corms are dried outdoors fall when roots resume sized bulbs should be dis- during the day and moved growth. Even though the carded, for they will not indoors to an area that is above-ground portion of the produce a flower the next about 80 F and well-venti- plant is dead, the below- year. Once sorted and lated. When the old corm ground portion is still actively cleaned, bulbs are replanted separates easily from the growing and developing. into prepared beds. newly produced corm (this These below-ground plants The summer-flowering will take about one to two still need nutrients for growth geophytes are divided, sorted weeks before separation and development. and inspected normally after occurs), gently pry them Many bulbs set seed they finish flowering. Typi- apart and discard the old very easily. Once the flowers cally this is done in August corm. Sort and discard any are spent, cut the flower through mid-September for diseased or scarred corms, stalks off as close to the the iris so reestablishment and then dry at 80 F for one ground as possible without can occur prior to frost. For more week. Once cured, the removing the foliage. Dead- the lily, the bulbs are dug corms should be stored in a heading or flower removal is after the plants have flow- well-ventilated area at 40 F important to allow all nutri- ered. The stems do not have through the winter. ents and food to be chan- to die back. Commonly, the neled into the developing lily bulb is lifted in very late storage structures. summer or early fall (late Eventually a time will August through September). come to divide, clean, sort and replant the geophytes.

10 Partially cover the bulbs with T a b l e 1 . C o l d S t o r a g e P e r i o d s N e e d e d t o F o r c e B u l b s I n d o o r s growing media, and then place some of the minor C o l d s t o r a g e p e r i o d Forcingtime P l a n t bulbs such as crocus, grape ((sweeks1) ((sdays2) hyacinth, squills or bulbous T0ulips 105to218to2iris on top of the growing media and in among the H0yacinths100to218to2other bulbs. Finish filling the container with growing D0affodils113to28to2media. Water and place in the refrigerator. Check the M7inorbulbs104to15to1pots periodically to make sure they do not dry out. 1 Range indicates minimum and maximum number of weeks. If stored longer, When planting for it will be difficult to prevent growth while in storage. indoor forcing, remove the 2 The longer the bulbs are stored, the less time it will take for them to flower. dry outer tunic. If the tunic is not removed, the leaves may not be able to grow through Forcing Spring- Other containers that are it, since there is not enough weight from the growing Flowering Geophytes about twice as deep as the height of the bulbs and that media to hold the tunic in in the Home have drainage holes can also place. The tunic of daffodils, It is possible to force be used. Place a layer of crocus, hyacinths and other spring bulbs to flower out of growing media in the pot. Set bulbs and corms does not their normal season. It just bulbs in the pot so the bulbs need to be removed. Also, takes some pots, growing are touching each other and you will notice tulips have a media and refrigerator space the tips are just above the top flat side to the bulb. This side (do not place potted plants in of the pot. Finish filling the of the bulb should be placed the same refrigerator as you pot with growing media and facing the outside edge of the store household foodstuffs). allow about inch of head pot. The first leaf that Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, space for watering. To make emerges from the tulip bulb crocus, grape hyacinths and sure that the growing media will come from this side of several other spring-flowering has filled in around the the bulb. The leaf will then bulbs require approximately bulbs, firmly tap the pot on hang over the edge of the pot 12 to 16 weeks of cold storage the table top to settle the rather than get clustered in at about 33 to 40 F to satisfy media. Add more media if the center. the -breaking needed. Add a pot label with After the necessary cold- requirement. Exposure to this the type of bulb and cultivar storage period (see Table 1 for period of cold temperature name. Water well, allow to some guidelines), bring the causes many unseen changes drain and then place in a pots into a bright location in a to take place in the bulbs and refrigerator. You should be room that is around 60 to 65 F. corms that allow the plants to able to get from five to seven At this point, you should see grow and flower. tulip bulbs or two or three roots coming out of the Bulb pans or azalea pots double-nosed daffodil or drainage holes on the pot. are preferred for forcing bulbs single-nosed hyacinth bulbs Water well and within a few indoors. Bulb pans are very in a 6-inch diameter pot. days you will begin to see shallow pots; the depth is Try mixing bulbs in a pot signs of growth. equal to half the diameter. to have a spring garden. Add Azalea pots are deeper, with tulips, hyacinths and/or the depth equal to three- daffodils together in a large quarters the pot diameter. 8- or 10-inch bulb .

11 Forcing Tender when in flower. Place enough start fertilizing once a month growing media in the pot so using any fertil- Geophytes in 1 1 at least /2 to /3 of the bulb izer following label directions. the Home remains above the growing A liquid fertilizer is best, as it A few of the summer- media surface. Place the bulb can be applied when you and fall-flowering geo- on the surface, taking care water the plant. Make sure phytes are not winter hardy not to damage any roots that the plant is well-watered and and can be grown in pots might have begun to grow. fertilized throughout the for flowering indoors from Fill in with additional grow- summer growing season to 1 through , ing media to leave about /2 rebuild the bulb. Once the depending on the plant. inch of headspace for water- danger of frost is past, the Plants that are commonly ing. Water at planting but potted bulb can be set outside grown in pots are amaryllis then sparingly until sprouting in full sun for the summer. (), caladium, occurs. Keep the plant at Either just set the pot out, and calla lily about 60 to 65 F for two sink it into the ground or (). Following the weeks to allow rooting. After knock the bulb out of the pot guidelines for amaryllis will rooting, place in a well- and plant it directly into the work for most other tender lighted area at about 70 to 75 ground. In the fall before geophytes. F until bloom. Growth should there is a frost, bring the pot take two to eight weeks. back in or lift the bulbs from Amaryllis Once sprouted, water regu- the garden and repot. Store Amaryllis bulbs are gener- larly to keep the growing in a cool (55F), dark place for ally available at garden stores media evenly moist. at least eight weeks and stop by late November. Many mail Once the flowers have watering. After the resting order catalogs also offer faded, remove the individual period, cut off any foliage amaryllis bulbs. The amaryllis flowers but leave the flower that remains and move the bulb is fairly large (up to 10 stalk (this is green and will pot into light and warm (70 to inches in circumference). Use also produce carbohydrates to 75 F) temperatures. Keep the a 6- or 8-inch clay bulb or an increase the size of the bulb). soil almost dry until new azalea pot; the weight of the After the stalk becomes growth begins in two to eight clay pot will help prevent the shriveled and , it can weeks to start the flowering bulb from toppling over be removed. After flowering, cycle over again.

12 Dictionary of Bulbous Plants U.S.D.A. Planting Time to FloweringWWrinter Plant Plant name and structure ddhepth PPtlant1 snseason1 HHsardinesshtheight2 (()inches) ZZsones Acidantherabicolor(syn.Gladioluscallianthus),acidanthera,corm Maybegrownincontainers.Digand M3a 2StoJ0y-9M&1 storelikethegladioluscorm. Alliumspecies,ornamentalonions,tunicatebulb Heightrangeof6"(A.oreophilum)to3' (A.giganteum).Talleralliumsneedto beplanteddeeperthan3".Tallalliums alsomakegoodcutflowers. A.christophiiisshorterthangiantonion andhasthelargestflowers:large spheresupto12inchesindiameter. A.christophii S3Ma-Ju3to8M A.giganteum,giantonion S6Ju5to8T A.moly,yellowonion S3Ju-Jy3to8L A.oreophilum S3Ma-Jy4to8L A.sphaerocephalum,drumstickalliumS3Ma-Jy5to8M Anemoneblanda,Grecianwindflowers,tuber Soaktubersovernightbeforeplanting.S2F9-A p5Lto Hardywhilemanyotheranemonesare not.Veryearlyspringflowers.Good forwoodlandgardens Anemonecoronaria,windflower,tuber Soaktubersovernightbeforeplanting.A2p,Ma M9a-J u6Mto Notashardyorheattolerantasother anemones.Useasapottedplantorcut flower.Storeindrypeatmossat 50to55F Belamcandachinensis,blackberrylily,pachymorphicrhizome Iffadedflowersarenotremoved,blackS21StoJ8y-5Tto seedformwhichattractbirds.Thishas leadtonaturalizationinthecentral UnitedStates.Truenativetothe Orient.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

13 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto FloweringWWrinter Plant Plantnameandstructure dhdepth PPtlant1 ssneason1 HHsardinesshhteight2 (()inches) ZZsones Caladiumhortulanum(Syn.C.bicolor),caladium,tuber Startedindoorsinpotssincetubersare F321to 8Mto1 nothardy.Needtodiginthefallbefore frostandstoreindrypeatmossat40to 45F. Camassiaquamash,camass,tunicatebulb NativeAmericanplant.ToleratesdampS4,O M8a-J u4Mto ,bogsandpondedgesaswell asheavyclaysoils.Grasslikefoliage withracemesofbluenarrowbell- shapedflowers.Rarelyneedsdivision. Cannageneralis,canna,pachymorphicrhizome Toleratesdampmeadows,bogsandM3a2OtoJ1y-7Tto1 pondedges.Manynewdwarfcultivars andcultivarswithvariegatedfoliageare beingintroduced.Zone6andnorthneed todiginthefallandstoreinmoistpeatat 40to50F. Chionodoxaluciliae,glory-of-the-snow,tunicatebulb BestinmassplantingssinceplantsareS4,O A8p-M a3Lto extremelysmall.Goodfornaturalizing. Noneedtodiganddivide. Colchicumautumnale,meadowsaffron,autumncrocus,corm FoliageemergesinthespringanddiesA8u S9- N3Lto bytheendofJuly,thenflowersinthe fall.Antsfeedontheflowersandspread theseeds.Suitedtorockgardens. Convallariamajalis,lily-of-the-valley,leptomorphicrhizome Spreadsrapidlybyrhizomes,makingitA1p M7a-J u2Lto anexcellentgroundcoverfortheshade. Flowersareextremelyfragrantandcan beusedasacutflower.Unripefruitare toxicifeaten.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

14 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto FloweringWrWinter Plant Plantnameandstructure dhdepth PtPlant1 ssneason1 HHsardinesshhteight2 (()inches) ZZsones Crocosmiaxcrocosmiiflora,montbretia,corm Fullsuninmoistandwell-drainedsoil. Excellentcutflower.Divideeverytwo tothreeyears.Athighermountain M3a 2StoJ0y-6Tto1 elevations,mayneedtodiginthefall andstoresameasgladiolus. Crocusspeciesandhybrids,crocus,corm Manycrocusarehybridsofseveral species.Somecrocusspeciesare fall-flowering. Crocushybrids S3to4Ap4to10L C.speciosus Ma3to4S-O4to10L Dahliahybrids,gardendahlia,tuberousroot Treatedasanannual.CanbeusedasA6Op,Ma J0u-8Mto1 cutflower.Thetuberousrootsaredug T afteralightfrostandstoredinmoist peatmossat35to40F. Eranthishyemalis,winteraconite,tuberousroot SoakdriedtuberousrootsbeforeO3J8- M4Lto planting.Prefersrich,organicsoilsin partialshade.Slowtoestablish. Bloomsappearon3"stemsandcome beforethefoliage.Increasesrapidly. Erythroniumalbidum,whitedog'stoothviolet;E.americanum,troutlily;E.californicum,fawn lily;E.dens-canis,dog'stoothviolet,corm SeveralspeciesarenativetoU.S.AllS3M0-M a5Lto1 dobestinmoist,highlyorganicsoilsin partialshade.Foliagetendstobedark greenandmottledsilvery.Donotdig ff.romthewild.E.dens-canisisthe easiesttoestablish.Noneedtodivide.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

15 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto FloweringWWrinter Plant Plantnameandstructure ddhepth PPtlant1 ssneason1 HHsardinesshhteight2 (()inches) ZZsones Fritillariaspecies,tunicatebulb Unusualstrikingflowers.F.meleagris willnaturalizeandmultiplyinmilder zones.Bulbshavefoulodorthatrepels pests.Needrich,organicsoilsinsemi- shade. F.imperialis,crownimperial S 6 Ma 4to7 T F.meleagris,checkeredlily,guineahen S 3 M-A 4to8 L flower Galanthusnivalis,snowdrop,tunicatebulb Earlysignofspring.Tolerantofmoist O3A9 p2Lto soils.Excellentfornaturalization undertreesandshrubs.Takesshade. Gladiolushybrids,gladiolus,corm Treatedasanannual;digwhenfoliageM6a4StoJ0y-9M&1 dies;storeinmeshbagsat40Finan T areawithgoodaircirculation.Flowers areborneindecorativespikes;usedas acutflower. Hemerocallishybrids,,tuberousroot

Numerouscolors,heightsandseasonsM6a-S J9u-A u4Mto ofbloom;singlesanddoubles, T refloweringtypes.

Hippeastrumhybrids,amaryllis,tunicatebulb PlantinshallowpotswithhalfoftheS--D-F-D0-9T&1 bulbabovethegrowingmedia.Pots maybesetoutdoorsduringthe summer. Hyacinthoideshispanicus,(Syn.Endymionhispanicus,Scillacampanulata),Spanishbluebells; H.non-scriptus(Syn.Endymionnon-scriptus),woodhyacinth,tunicatebulb Goodforborders,rockgardensorO43utoM0a-J3Mto1 naturalizing.Adaptstowiderangeof soils.Veryhardy.Goodcutflower.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

16 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto FloweringWWrinter Plant Plantnameandstructure ddhepth PPtlant1 ssneason1 HHsardinesshhteight2 (()inches) ZZsones Hyacinthusorientalis,hyacinth,tunicatebulb Verysweetfragrance.Bestwhen O86ptoA84Lto massedinbedsorborders.Bulbstend todeteriorateafteroneortwoyears especiallyinpoorlydrainedsoils.Full sun.Aboutonein12peoplemay developaskinrashifthesapfromthe bulbsorstemscontactsexposedskin. Ipheionuniflorum,springstarflower,,tunicatebulb DelicateblueflowerwithyellowS3,O2ptoA05Lto1 centers.Foliageemergesinfallandis persistentthroughthewinter.Great fornaturalizingandrockgardens. Doesbestwhencrowded. Irishybrids,beardediris,pachymorphicrhizome Numerouscultivarsavailable.CanbeA2u,S1utoM0a-J3Mto1 usedasacutflower.Theseneedtobe dividedabouteveryfourthyear.Will getirisborersintherhizomes. Irisfulva,Louisianahybridiris,pachymorphicrhizome RobustplantsfrommarshandbogsinS21ytoJ0u-J5Tto1 thecentralUnitedStates. IrisensataandI.laevigata,Japaneseiris,pachymorphicrhizome DonotneedtodivideasoftenasS1J0u-J y5Tto1 beardediris.Fewercultivarstochoose from.Useasaquaticor"marginal" (alongwaterways)plants.Canbeused asacutflower. Irisreticulata,nettediris,tunicatebulb Earlyfloweringiris.NoneedtodisturbS4 M3L- 9 plantingforseveralyears,smaller plants,about21/2inchestall.Greatfor rockgardens.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

17 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto Flowering Winter Plant Plantnameandstructure depth Plant1 season1 Hardinessheight2 (inches) Zones IrissibiricaxI.sanguinea,Siberianiris,pachymorphicrhizome Donotneedtobefrequentlydivided. S1J8 u3Tto Canbeusedasacutflower. Leucojumvernum,springsnowflake,tunicatebulb Willgrowindamplocations. S4,O M9-A p4Lto Naturalizeswell. Liliumspeciesandhybrids,lily,scalybulbs Withninehorticulturaldivisions,thereS0,O4uto1J8u-A4Tto arenumerousspeciesandhybrid cultivars,variouscolors,flowerforms andplantheights.Makegoodcut flowers. Liriopespecies,lilyturf,leptomorphicrhizome Flowersonspikesabovegrass-like foliagethatturnsyellow-greentotan throughthewinter.Tolerantofdry soilsifintheshade.L.spicatatolerates deepershadeandmoistersoils. L.spicata,creepinglily-turf Ma-S2Jy-Au4to10L L.,bigbluelily-turf Ma-S2Jy-Au5to10L Lycorissquamigera,nakedlady,resurrectionlily,autumnamaryllis,magic-lily-of-,miracle lily,L.radiata,spiderlily,redspiderlily,tunicatebulb FoliageemergesearlyinthespringJ6u A9 u4Mto withthedaffodilsthendiesback. Flowersinlatesummer.Persistentand naturalizeswell.Partialshade.No needtodivide. Muscariarmeniacum,grapehyacinth,M.azureum,M.botryoides,Italiangrapehyacinth, tunicatebulb MostcommonofthesmallbulbsS3,O M9a-J u4Lto growningardens.Naturalizeswell. Severalcultivarsavailable:white,blue anddoubleflowers.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

18 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto FloweringWWrinter Plant Plantnameandstructure dhdepth PPtlant1 ssneason1 HHsardinesshtheight2 (()inches) ZZsones Narcissusspeciesandcultivars,daffodils,jonquils,poet'snarcissusandnarcissus,tunicate bulbs The12classesofNarcissusidentifiedby S8A8p-M a3Lto theRoyalHorticulturalSocietyandthe M AmericanDaffodilSocietyarebasedon coronaandperianthsizeandcoloras wellasspeciesofNarcissus.Note: freshlycutdaffodilsshouldbeheldin separatecontainerforafewhours sincetheyexudeaslimysubstance whichcanresultinprematuredeathof othercutflowersliketulipsor anemones. Nerinebowdenii,nerine,tunicatebulb Flowersinthefallwithfoliage J2u,Jy1StoA0u-7Mto1 emergingsoonafter.Foliagepersists throughwinteranddiesbackinthe spring.MarginallyhardyinZone6. Ornithogalumumbellatum,star-of-Bethlehem,tunicatebulb Extemelyhardyandeasytogrow.S3,O2atoA0p-M4Mto1 Whiteflowerswithgreenstripewhen inbud.Goodfornaturalizing; multipliesrapidlyatthebulbandfrom . Scillasiberica,Siberiansquill,tunicatebulb Goodforbeds,bordersornaturalizing.O3A9p-M a1Lto Willspreadfromseeds. Sternbergialutea,fallcrocus,winterdaffodil,tunicatebulb Goodfornaturalizing.MulchinZone6J4Ou,Jy S0-7Lto1 toincreasechancesofwintersurvival. MarginallyhardyinZone6. Trilliumspecies,trillium,woodlily,wakerobin,leptomorphicrhizome Nativewildfloweradaptedtomoist,O32utoA0p-J4Mto1 organicsoilsandshadygardens. Donotdigfromthewild.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

19 U.S.D.A. Planting Timeto FloweringWWrinter Plant Plantnameandstructure dhdepth PPtlant1 ssneason1 HHsardinesshhteight2 (()inches) ZZsones Tulipaspeciesandhybrids,tulip,tunicatebulb The15classesarebasedonflowering S8,O M8a-J u3Lto time,flowershapeandspecies.Short- M livedbulb;replanteverytwoorthree yearsdependinguponthequalityof displaydesired.Makegoodcut flowers. Zantedeschiaspecies,callalily,pachymorphicrhizome Startedindoorsin6-inchpots,thensetM4,Ap3ytoJ0u-J9M&1 intothegarden.Fertilizefrequently. T Makegoodcutflowers.Shouldbedug andstoredascannasorinpots. Floweringmaystallintheheatof summer. Zephyranthesspecies,zephyrflower,rainlily,tunicatebulb Flowermid-summerthroughfallS4,O J0y- O7Lto1 dependinguponspecies.Canbe growninpots(handlesimilarto amaryllis,Hippeastrum).Marginally hardyinZone6.

1January,J;February,F;March,M;April,Ap;May,Ma;June,Ju;July,Jy;August,Au;September,S; October,O;November,N;December,D. 2L=lessthan1foottall;M=1to21/2feettall;T=3to8feettall.

20 The Bulb Selector For Moist Situations For Naturalizing Caladium Camassia Canna Convallaria Chionodoxa Convallaria Crocus Zantedeschia Eranthus Erythronium For Light to Partial Shade Leucojum Allium ( species) Muscari Narcissus Caladium Camassia Eranthus Erythronium Tulipa Fritillaria Galanthus Hyacinthoides For the Rock Gardens Leucojum Lycoris Anemone blanda Muscari Ornithogalum Camassia Chionodoxa Scilla Zantedeschia Colchicum Crocus Eranthus Erythronium For Woodland Fritillaria meleagris Galanthus Allium Camassia Ipheion Leucojum Convallaria Erythronium Lilium Muscari Galanthus Hyacinthoides Narcissus Scilla Iphion Leucojum Tulipa Zephyranthes Scilla For Container For the Mixed Border Caladium Hippeastrum Acidanthera Allium Nerine Zandeschia Anemone Belamcanda Camassia Canna For Fragrance Dahlia Acidanthera Convallaria Fritillaria Gladiolus Hyacinthus Ipheion Hyacinthus Hyacinthoides Iris Lilium Iris Leucojum Narcissus (Poet’s and jonquil cultivars) Lilium Lycoris Ornithogalum Muscari Narcissus Ornithogalum Scilla For Tulipa Zephyranthes Allium Anemone Belamcanda Caladium* For Feature Plantings Canna* Convallaria and Landscape Groups Crocosmia Dahlia Acidanthera Anemone Gladiolus Hyacinthus Belamcanda Caladium Lilium Lycoris Camassia Canna Muscari Narcissus Crocosmia Crocus Nerine Ornithogalum Dahlia Fritillaria Tulipa Zantedeschia* Gladiolus Hippeastrum Hyacinthus Iris Lilium Lycoris *Indicates decorative foliage Narcissus Tulipa 21 Mail Order Sources Several mail order catalogs that supply seeds and plants also offer bulb catalogs. Firms specializing in bulbs and bulbous plants include the following. Other firms also specialize in bulbs; no endorsement is intended nor is any criticism implied of similar firms not men- tioned.

McClure & Zimmerman 108 W. Winnebago P.O. Box 368 Friesland, WI 53935 Phone:920/326-4220 Fax:800/692-5864

The Daffodil Mart 7463 Heath Trail Gloucester, VA 23061 Phone:800/ALL-BULB 800/255-2858 Fax:800/420-2852

Van Engelem, Inc. 23 Tulip Dr. Bantam, CT 06750 Phone:860/567-8734 Fax:860/567-5323

22 USDA Plant Map

23 PB1610-5M-10/98 E12-2015-00-207-98 A State Partner in the Cooperative Extension System The Agricultural Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AND HOME ECONOMICS The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and county governments cooperating in furtherance of Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. 24 Agricultural Extension Service Billy G. Hicks, Dean