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Summer-Blooming Bulbs

Note: Serious bulb collectors differentiate between bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, corms, etc. You will find more information in the many books on the general subject of bulbs. An excellent source of information is the Pacific Bulb Society list serve. They also maintain a database of bulb photos and botanical information contributed by many members. Check out their WEB page at Pacific Bulb Society Web page

The following plants are probably tender in our area. They may survive over mild winters, but are best lifted after foliage dries in a cool (not refrigerated) place. Protect them from mice and squirrels while in storage. You can also treat them as annuals.

RANUNCULUS

(Ranuncula) is a perennial growing from tubers. Excellent in borders and as cut flowers.

CULTIVATION:

Location: Plant in full sun after the last frost.
Soil: Well drained. rich lean humus-based loam sharp sand scree-mix grit
Water: Water regularly, but do not over water.
End of season care: Best lifted after foliage dies back and stored for next season. Tubers will shrink and dry out. Keep them in cool storage during our warm season, or buy new tubers annually.

PROPAGATION:

Plant in a flat or protected seedbed during fall to start for the next season. Lift and plant when roots and sprouts form. Do not over water at this stage.

SOURCES:

Fall bulb catalogs and local nurseries

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CANNA

Canna (Canna) is a tall, slender perennial that grows from a rhizome. Keep old flowers deadheaded to prolong bloom. Treat them as you would treat Gladiolus.

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GLADIOLUS

Gladiolus is a tall, slender perennial that grows from a corm and is often treated as an annual. It provides wonderful color and accents in our summer gardens and makes lovely cut flowers. Plant them in groups in the mid-height or taller flower borders, or put them in rows in a cutting garden. Gladioli often live through our milder winters but may require lifting in the fall.

CULTIVATION:

Location: Plant in full sun after the last frost.
Soil: Normal garden soil that is well drained and somewhat fertile.
Water: Let the soil dry out between watering, and provide deep water regularly.
Pruning: Deadhead unsightly stalks.
End of season care: Mulch lightly with dry mulch for the winter. If not hardy at your location, dig the corms after the foliage dies back. Let them rest for a couple of weeks. Discard dried stalks and leaves and separate the old 'used-up' portion of the corm, keeping only the new one located on the top of the old. Discard any corms that look diseased or damaged. Keep them in cool storage during the winter, or buy new corms annually. Protect stored corms from rodents and freezing.

PROPAGATION:

Plant purchased corms every two weeks for prolonged bloom.
You will often find cormlets spread around the mother bulb when you dig them in the fall. Plant these in flats or in a protected cold frame or seedbed. They take a couple of years to mature to blooming size.
They may also be started from seed in spring, again taking a long while to mature.

PROBLEMS:

Rodents like them. Try planting in wire cages if you have this problem.

SOURCES:

Local nurseries and mail order bulb catalogs.

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WATSONIA

Watsonia. Tall slender perennial grown from a bulb. They are excellent cut flowers and provide good color mixed into the tall border. Many selections are available in shades of red, pink, or white. Treat them as you would treat Gladiolus.