Bulbs

Learn how to grow Dutch iris and other small iris types. Listen to podcast: This spring flowering bulb is native to drier regions of Iran, Iraq and Turkey. While we know it's taller and later blooming cousins very well in the garden, bulb iris grow a little bit differently. There are two common types of bulb iris. The species is iris reticulata. It's a hardy bulb with fragrant purple flowers and yellow streaks. It grows 4 to 6 inches tall making for a beautiful rock garden and low flower border plant. The Dutch hybrid bulb irises have...

Learn about fritillara bulbs, including varieties how to plant and grow them. Listen to Podcast: This uncommon bulb came to us, as many other bulbs have, from Persia and Turkey. It was grown in the imperial court in Vienna in the 1500s. It was said the flower’s shape resembled an imperial crown. Hence the common name crown imperial. We also know it, as fritillaria. Crown imperial or Fritillaria imperialis, is a spring flowering bulb that stands 3 feet tall with yellow, orange or red colored flowers depending on the variety. The flowers nod...

Learn about the best ways to grow great glads in your garden. Listen to podcast: podcast transcript How to Grow: Gladiolus Gladiolus hybrids   Other Name sword lily   Sun Requirements full sun   Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Summer in a wide range of colors such as white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and bi-color   Mature Height x Spread 3 to 4 feet x 12 inches   Added Benefits deer resistant   There is no flower more stunning in an arrangement than gladiolus. They are popular curt flowers for all occasions, from weddings to...

Muscari spp   Other Name common grape hyacinth   Sun Requirements full sun, part sun   Bloom Period and Seasonal Color spring in colors of blue, yellow and white   Mature Height x Spread 6 to 10 inches x 4 to 6 inches   Added Benefits attracts beneficials, drought tolerant, deer resistant   Grape hyacinths are truly a misnomer. They aren't related to hyacinths and, even though their small flowers are shaped like tiny grapes, they aren't edible. But, this spring flowering bulb, is a hardy mainstay in any flower garden. It's a...

Hyacinthus orientalis   Other Name garden hyacinth   Sun Requirements full sun, part sun   Bloom Period and Seasonal Color Spring in colors of white, blue, pink, and purple   Mature Height x Spread 8 to 12 inches x 4 to 8 inches   Added Benefits attract beneficials, deer resistant   Hyacinths are known for their cone-shaped clusters of small tubular-shaped flowers. Depending on the varieties, the clusters can be loose or densely packed. Multiflora hyacinths have loosely arranged flowers. The flowers may be single or double...