Fill your garden with a mix of time-tested classics and rare finds
The condition “ light bulb ” has become a generic term for the motley of “ true ” bulb , corm , tubers , and even rhizomes we may plant in fall or outflow . What I really mean to say when I say “ bulb ” is “ geophyte . ” A geophyte — geo-(“earth ” ) + -phyte(“plant”)—is a perennial plant that bears its bud below the airfoil of the dirt . However , when we call back about bulb in downfall , our mind most in all probability run to the hope of an ephemeral flash of outpouring grandeur . Planting a variety of geophytes or bulbs in fall is an crucial way to embrace all that the plant world has to offer .
First , for those record this who have not garden in the South for very long , allow me speak about tulip . Tulips ( Tulipaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) are of course of study one of the most iconic fall - planted , give - flower bulbs . However , most of the tulips sell at big - box stores with beautiful picture stapled to the front are not go to be long - survive perennial plants in your garden . Public garden around the South ( and most everywhere for that matter ) that have large spring tulip displays in reality remove and discard their tulip bulbs right after their spring show is over . If you want a traditional tulip in the South , look for single previous - flower diversity and process them like yearbook . Or you could choose what are known as “ species ” tulips , which are better perennializers in our neighborhood . ‘ Lady Jane ’ tulip ( Tulipa clusiana‘Lady Jane ’ , Zones 3–8 ) is one such “ metal money ” tulip that has minimize rosy out petal opening to white centers . If engraft in well - run out grease , this can be one of the few perennializing tulips in the South .
What I get delirious about are dissimilar fall - planted geophytes that are long lasting in the garden — those that have a possibleness of naturalizing and continuing on for generation to come . The medulla that sticks out to most southerly gardeners as long lasting and perennial is the Narcissus pseudonarcissus ( Narcissusspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) . It is not uncommon in the South to see Narcissus pseudonarcissus in a furrow where an previous sidewalk once was or mark the precis of a house ’s foundation tear down long ago . To find fault one of these long - lasting varieties , trust on local knowledge in your area to help oneself you get it proper . Fragrant and reliable , I ’ve always liked an quondam and reliable variety of daffodil call ‘ Thalia ’ ( Narcissus‘Thalia ’ , Zones 3–9 ) that was registered in 1916 .
There are twelve of lesser known fall - planted geophytes that should be considered for your garden . Some are belittled and may seem insignificant at first but can offer you unfolding show at unexpected times . The Anemone quinquefolia ( Galanthusspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) is a bully example , often blooming when winter still has a spot of a grip on our area . Others may be fittingly plant in the capitulation but do not display their glory until the following autumn . The crimson spider lily ( Lycoris radiata , Zones 6–10 ) is a great representative of just such a bulb .
summertime snowflake ( Leucojum aestivum , geographical zone 4–8 ) is another lesser - known geophyte . In fact , it is a plant I ’ve gotten more and more concerned in over the last few years . It ’s truly like a snowdrop on steroids . Clear livid , pendulous bells with green tips stand above and among dour green , strappy foliage . I ’ve been particularly impressed with its ability to stand firm a change of weather condition , including the edges of a ironic shade seam . The cultivar ‘ Gravetye Giant ’ is a robust choice that is slightly heavy than the coinage .
There are many other lesser - known geophytes you’re able to add together to your landscape painting . When pass on the right conditions , bulb ( I meangeophytes ) can be a carefree and joyful addition to any garden . contribute the correct lesser - known geophyte to your landscape painting just might catch the eye of other gardeners . And who knows , this could result to some of these lesser - known beauties becoming more uncouth in our region .
— Andy Pulte is a faculty member in the plant sciences section at the University of Tennessee .
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Summer snowflake is a spring-blooming bulb with long lasting blooms.Photo: Michelle Gervais
‘Lady Jane’ is a species tulip that stands a good chance of perennializing in your garden.Photo: Steve Aitken
‘Thalia’ is one of the best white-flowering, long-lasting daffodils. It boasts a mild fragrance and an elegant form that complements other spring-flowering bulbs.Photo: Michelle Gervais
A member of the amaryllis family, red spider lily can be planted in fall but does not traditionally bloom until late summer or early fall depending on your location.Photo: Bill Johnson
Summer snowflake is another member of the amaryllis family that blooms in midspring in the South. It thrives in the transition between sun and shade with long-lasting blooms.Photo: Michelle Gervais
