Autumn is not far away, so it’s time to start thinking about planting spring bulbs. In particular, the smaller gems of the bulb family which are often best planted in clumps or as border plants, close to the house where we can keep an eye on them.
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As their flowers fade and the foliage dies down, after ripening to ensure flowers for the next season, we often don’t give them the little extra care and rest they need.
For instance, the constant watering given to other evergreen plants during summer, when the bulbs should be resting, is the main reason some rot and die.
Let’s recall some of theses little jewels that can be planted in February and March.
Erythroniums are pretty little bulbs that reach some 15-20cms in height.
They are happy planted along a shady pathway or in a woodland garden that has deep, loose soil and is always moist but not waterlogged.
The lilium-like flowers can be white, cream, yellow or pink.
Ixias, from the Cape of Good Hope, are old time favorites that multiply very quickly.
The colourful, bell-shaped flowers come in clusters in shades of yellow, gold, pink and orange. Plant bulbs 7cms deep and 10cm apart in a sunny position in groups among annuals.
Another South African native that enjoys similar growing conditions is Sparaxis, with flower colours of red, orange and cream with black geometrical markings.
Narcissus bulbocodium, the hoop petticoat daffodil, is a favourite little plant which flowers well in any garden soil with good drainage.
These do particularly well in pots.
Ornithogalums are very hardy and will flower in a sunny position in most soils.
Ornithogalum arabicum has white, aromatic flowers with a black centre, Plant bulbs 7cms deep and 15cms apart.
Chionodoxa is one of the most delightful of the small spring bulbs and comes from the mountains of Crete.
So, this cool climate lover does well here in Tasmania, where it prefers a sunny, well drained spot.
Plant the bulbs 5cms deep and 10cm apart in groups of three to seven bulbs in each of the groups. Chionodoxa sardensis is probably the most popular because of its deep, gentian-blue flowers accented by a small white eye.
Crocuses are always a welcome sight, especially as their slender, tubular flowers appear above the ground so unexpectedly.
These hardy members of the iris family prefer to grow in shady areas. Plant in drifts or clumps. After the foliage has died down, lift and replant in February.
Dutch irises can bloom over several months if early and late varieties are planted. They take up very little room and can be used for wild plantings among dwarf shrubs, or in clumps in the flower borders, because their untidy stage doesn’t last very long at all.
Grape hyacinths steal the show when mass planted as a carpet of blue beneath the base of a spring flowering tree, with the skirt area planted with a ground cover.
DIARY
February 11: Westbury Garden Club will hold its Summer Flower Show at the Westbury Town Hall, Lyall Street, Westbury from 1.30-4pm. Delicious home-made afternoon teas are $5. Entry: $2.
February 15: Launceston Horticultural Society meets at the Windmill Hill Hall, High Street, Launceston at 8pm.
February 16: Launceston Orchid Society will meet at the Newnham Uniting Church Hall, George Town Road, Launceston at 7pm.
February 21: Australian Plant Society meets at the Max Fry Hall on Gorge Road, Trevallyn, Launceston at 7.30pm.