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The species diversity of garden flowers is striking in its magnificence. Bulbous perennials are a separate group that always arouses admiration.
These include bulbous primroses, pleasing to the eye in the first days of spring, plants with a summer or autumn flowering period. All of them are united by the presence of an underground part - the bulb, which contains all the nutrients for the growth of flowers. There are types of bulbous perennials:
- bulbous;
- small-bulbous;
- corms.
All of these plants are perennials and have different flowering periods, which makes it possible to create wonderful compositions of continuous flowering.
When perennial bulbs bloom in the garden
Bulbous perennials are able to decorate the garden area throughout the season. To do this, you need to pay attention to the flowering time when choosing varieties. The main periods when bulbous bloom are quite well known:
- Spring... The main representatives of early spring are primroses. These bulbous perennials bloom when the bulk of the plants are just getting ready to awaken. Among them, it is worth noting the scylla (scilla), crocus, snowdrop, muscari, pushkinia. As soon as it gets a little warmer, it's time for tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and bulbous irises. These varieties bloom in late spring.
- Summer... Representatives of the summer flowering period have more fragrant and larger flowers. The color palette is much more varied than that of spring bulbs. Example - lilies... The choice can be made among varieties, ranging from white to bright crimson inflorescences. Then there are daylilies, dahlias, gladioli, cannes, tigridia, calla lilies, tuberose, freesia, poultry.
- Autumn... During this period, the beauty of the bulbous is represented by garden cyclamens, crocuses, crocuses with an autumn flowering period.
Having correctly compiled your landscape composition, you can enjoy the beauty of bulbous perennials all season. To make the right choice, be sure to look at the photo of each species before placing the plant in the garden. It should be borne in mind that bulbous perennials can play the role of a solo flower in a flower bed, or, conversely, set off another plant.
Do I need to dig up bulbs for the winter
Some species - yes, and some are distinguished by good frost resistance and are able to winter well in the open field. If the variety requires winter storage, then the bulbs must be dug out before the first frost. These are thermophilic bulbous perennials, which include gladioli, dahlias, calla lilies, cannes. If you do the same with elite varieties of tulips (double, parrot), it will help keep them longer. Perennial bulbs are excavated after the leaves have wilted.
They begin to plant heat-loving bulbous perennials in the spring at a soil temperature of at least 12 ° C.
Winter-hardy bulbous perennials are daffodils, crocuses, common varieties of tulips, lilies, hazel grouses, daylilies.In severe or snowless winters, it is advisable to cover the planting sites of these flowers with mulch or spruce branches. Bulbs of winter-hardy varieties are planted at the end of September or in October. It is necessary to take into account the time of the onset of frost. Landing is done 1.5 months before the expected date. This is necessary for the formation of the root system of the flower. The bulbs of those perennials that bloom in autumn are planted in late spring or early summer.
How to care for bulbous perennials
First of all, you have to remember that bulbous flowers prefer areas with good lighting, but they also tolerate a little shade. The soil is fond of loose and light, special requirements are imposed on its air and water permeability. Any stagnant water or constant dampness leads to disease and death of bulbous perennials. Do not plant them on heavy or poor sandy soils. The most suitable soil composition is neutral nutrient soil.
Bulbous plants love moderation in everything. This goes for watering and nutrition too.
The most whimsical from bulbous perennials are terry daffodils, parrot tulips, some types of freesia, hyacinths and gladioli.
In high humidity or during rain, the inflorescences are recruited with water. Then the stem may break, unable to bear the weight of the flower. A strong wind leads to the same ending. Some summer residents tie flowers.
Another problem of the listed species is their high soil requirements. If the soil does not satisfy the needs of the flower, then you will have to carefully select nutrient mixtures, fertilizers and fertilizing so that the result is worthy.
The best representatives of bulbous for the garden
Consider some types with a description and photo.
Early primroses
Spring bulbous perennials are very good on the site.
Crocuses
Small-flowered species bloom a little earlier, large-flowered ones - later. Looks good in a group planting. They love light soil without moisture stagnation.
Chionodox
Appears from under the snow. These bulbous perennials are so beautiful that you will definitely grow them. It tolerates frost perfectly, does not require shelter. Loves fertile soil. It is planted in places where the snow melts early so that flowers appear earlier than other bulbous perennials.
Summer bulbous
Montbrecia
It is considered a relative of irises. The second name is Japanese gladiolus. It grows rapidly, a transplant is required no more than once every five years. They bloom for a long time (up to 25 days) and beautifully, the petals can be yellow, orange or red. Dislikes shading and stagnant water. Care does not differ from the usual for bulbous perennials.
Garden bows
They bloom in early and mid-summer. Among the varieties are dwarf plants and giants. They are unpretentious, but do not like damp shaded places. It is better to land in April, if you need an autumn planting, then at the end of September.
Lilies
The most common class of summer perennials. The color of the flowers is so diverse that only one of the lilies can create amazingly beautiful flower beds. Landing is desirable in the fall. A little sand is added to the hole during planting for drainage.
Therefore, purchase planting material before planting. Lilies are moisture-loving, respond well to fertilizing with mineral compositions. If you remove faded inflorescences in time, then flowering will be longer.
Galtonia or African hyacinth
It blooms very profusely. The plant is tall, can reach 1 m in height, but very showy. Loves the sun and calm places. This bulbous perennial prefers organic matter, best of all, compost. Loves regular watering, bulbs are dug out for the winter. In the photo, Galtonia flowers are closer:
Gabrantus (Argentine lily)
Has an amazing ability. Flowers bloom after rain. Coloring flowers can be white, yellow, pink.Planting is carried out in mid-spring, while the bulb should protrude above the ground. Demanding to watering and feeding. Winter frosts cannot withstand, so the bulbs are dug up.
Varieties with autumn flowering period
Garden cyclamen (Neapolitan)
A beautiful plant.
It grows well on nutritious soils, loves moisture, but does not tolerate waterlogging and stagnant water. Requires partial shade and protection from draft and wind. In one place it grows up to 10 years without a transplant. For the winter, plantings are covered, otherwise the plant may freeze out.
Colchicum
Perennial with autumn flowering period. Loves sunny places, in deep shade can become the prey of gluttonous slugs. The roots should be in well-drained soil so as not to rot when waterlogged. Although it grows in any soil, even in clay. Planted in mid-August. Doesn't even require watering. The only exception is when the flowering period coincides with a drought. Weed to keep the plant comfortable. There are also types of colchicum that bloom in spring.
Conclusion
This is a small list of bulbous perennials that can decorate the garden throughout the season. The main advantage of these plants is the ability to grow in one place for a long time without transplanting, which greatly facilitates the work of gardeners. And the beauty of the bulbous will help you fall in love with them at first sight.
