Time to Plant Bulbs!

Bulbs for 2011

After a long cold, gray winter, nothing lifts the spirit more than the first signs of spring. The small but mighty flower bulbs lead the way.

Many of them, such as the Winter aconite (Eranthus cilicica), Muscari armeniacum or “grape hyacinths”, galianthus or “snowdrops”, and crocus are in full bloom before the tulips have even poked their heads above ground.

No spring bulbs require less care than this group; well-drained soil is their only request. Some prefer sun, but most of them will perform just fine in the shade. Scatter them beneath trees and shrubs, in perennial beds, in the lawn, or along pathways. A few hours of planting in the fall will bring years of early spring beauty to your garden!

Fall is the time to plant bulbs

New Bulbs for 2011

Daffodils are the most favorite of all spring blooming bulbs. Once established, most daffodil varieties will multiply quickly providing a bigger, better display of color each year. All daffodils are in the genus Narcissus. There are many types of daffodils grouped by flower shape, number of flowers per stem, and their parentage. All daffodils make great cut flowers and most are fragrant.

Daffodils offered at Stanley’s Greenhouse this fall include:

  • large cupped varieties
  • Pinza
  • Flower Record
  • Gentle Giant
  • Sound
  • Daydream
  • Kedron
  • Misty Glen
  • Pappy George
  • and of course, Dutch Master

Miniature and Jonquilla to include:

  • Hawera
  • Gazelle
  • Pipit
  • Fruit Cup

Beautiful and very fragrant doubles:

  • Bridal Crown
  • Curly
Narcissus: Misty Glen “Misty Glen” has a pristine white perianth with a mint green cup—a very unusual and outstanding selection.
Johnquilla: Pappy George “Pappy George” has a lovely reflexed yellow perianth with a bright orange cup.

Tulips say “SPRING” like no other flower. The vivid yellow, red, pink, purple, and orange flowers are a feast to the eyes weary of the dull brown and grays of winter. Although closely associated with Holland or the Netherlands, the tulip originally hails from the mountainous regions of the near East Turkey, Iran, and Afghanistan. There are literally hundreds of tulip varieties grouped by flower form and height. Species tulips are only 5” to 7” tall and are more genetically related to the original tulips. We offer “Lilac Wonder”.

Other varieties of tulips grow 22” to 24” tall. We have over 21 selections in this group as well as eight different color blended mixtures to choose from.

While we are on the subject of bulbs, don’t forget the state flower- the Iris! Beautiful and long-lived, we have six varieties of Iris.

Many other harbengers of spring that may not be as familiar to most gardeners include Camassia, Fritillaria, Erythronium, and the Alliums; all very interesting and sure to attract attention in your garden. Remember, for all those awe-inspiring spring blooming bulbs, fall is for planting.

Happy gardening!

-Monte Stanley
Tulips: Yellow Spring Green “Yellow Spring Green” a beautiful primrose yellow with green streaks.
Tulips-Sky High Scarlet
  Also “Sky High Scarlet” and “Sancerae” are excellent new late springbloomers.
Leucojum aestivum or giant snowdrops Leucojum aestivum or giant snowdrops are back by popular demand. Tall 14-16 inch white bells with green markings are real eye catchers in late spring.
Muscari—or Grape Hyacinth—“Delft Blue Mix”  Muscari—or Grape Hyacinth—“Delft Blue Mix” is sure to fly off the shelves this fall. As the name implies, deep blue, light blue and white blooms blend perfectly for a spiritual lift in early spring.

Making the time and effort to plant bulbs this fall will reward you with a cheerful, kaleidoscope of color next spring.

Come to Stanley's for the best selection!
 
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