September through frost is the time to plant bulbs that bloom in the spring. Bulbs are available at local nurseries throughout Michigan and through plant and garden catalogs.
A good choice is crocus. Crocuses are perennial flowers that are in the lily family. They come in a variety of species, colors, heights, shapes, and bloom times. There are both spring and fall blooming crocus, so read the description carefully before you buy the bulbs. Crocus bulbs are small and need to be planted only 3 inches in the soil. Crocus look best when planted in a large grouping.
Muscari is also called grape hyacinth. They bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, as well as white. There also bi-color varieties. Muscari are popular because they multiply easily. You should dig up the bulbs when the vigor of the blooms has declined. There will be many new bulbs to replant and the blooms will be stronger. Muscari should be planted at a depth three times the diameter of the bulb, approximately 3 inches.
Anemone quinquefolia is also called Wood Anemone. This is a shade loving perennial that will die back to the ground in a few weeks. Anemones grow from rhizomes planted a few inches beneath the soil. They don't mind if you break off a piece of the rhizome and replant it yourself. Anemones come in blues, pinks, and whites.
Hyacinthoides are bluebells. You will see them labeled Spanish, Italian, and Common (English). The English Bluebell is known as hyacinthoides non-scripta. They are purchased as bulbs, and they produce seed that will germinate the following year. Bluebells are great ground cover plants. The flower shape is very much like a bell and they come in shades of lavender. You can extend the blooming season by deadheading the flower.
Chionodoxa forbesii is called Glory of the Snow. These pink or purple flowers are reliable bloomers. Some years, you will see them popping up through the snow. Plant them 3 inches deep in any kind of soil, in sun or shade, and look forward to the happy little blooms. These hardy perennials love the cold of a Michigan winter.
Galanthus elwesii is also known as the Snow Drop. Their white blooms arrive in late winter or early spring. They reproduce readily if you plant them in a well drained location.
If your Michigan garden is visited by deer, rabbits, chipmunks, voles, mice, or squirrels, you may want to take precautions to protect your new bulbs from hungry visitors. Dig a hole as wide as the entire planting bed. Construct or purchase a wire mesh box to contain the bulbs. Plant the bulbs with the box at the correct planting depth and cover with soil.
If you would like to know about new articles, click on Subscribe for email notice. You can read more of my articles on Associated Content. You can follow me on Twitter. To contact me, send email to searcher22@comcast.net.
Comments