We’ve covered the best way to get your bulbs planted in autumn for a spring crop. Now we consider what to actually plant. Fortunately, there’s a technicolor display of gorgeous flowers to choose from. Plenty of daffodils and tulips, of course, but also some other ideas you may not have considered–but always consider the zone where you’re planting. [photo via wikimedia]
For example, look up the impressive Crocus sieberi. This is one of our regular bulbs for autumn planting, thanks to its tendency to actually flower during winter. Even during snow, it seems. This hardy perennial can thrive in Zones 4 through 8, and grows 4″ to 8″.
We’re also fond of the Dutch iris. This colorful bloom can grow up to 2′ tall, and comes in a variety of names–each marking the deep distinctive color of the flower. This surprisingly hearty flower can bloom just about anywhere outside of the harshest climes of the American West. It also adjusts easily to warmer climates.
The Chilean blue crocus isn’t kidding about being blue. It’s intensely blue. What it isn’t, however, is an actual Crocus. Don’t expect to see those vivid blue colors in winter, either. It won’t bloom until early spring–which is best. This flower’s truly sensitive, and should be cultivated in Zones 7-9.
If you want some imposing tulips, go with the Darwin hybrid. It has 2′ stems. This flower also blooms into really intense colors. We’re particularly fond of the orange “Beauty of Apeldoorn”–but there also splendid specimens in white, pink, and yellow. Those warm colors like a good winter chill, too. Try to give them six weeks at temperature under 45 degrees.
You know what tulip is a lot like a parrot? The Parrot Tulip–which has really distinctive colors, and even sometimes has stripings. The petals are pretty spectacular, too. These can develop stems up to 20″–and enjoy the cold enough that you should really chill the bulbs for six weeks before planting. That’s a real exception to the usual rule of planting your autumn bulbs shortly after purchase.
Apricot daffodils are colorful enough with their petals, but can also sometimes offer up a gorgeous corona. That’s what you call the cup of the flower. Some grow to have stems up to 18″. That’s a pretty impressive stalk–but we’re still stalking some other favorite fall bulbs, which we’ll be covering in the second part of this series…
