Spring Bulb After-Care in the Southern Garden

Knowing how to handle spring-flowering bulbs after they bloom is vital to getting a great show next year

I am happy to declare there is no such affair as a normal leaping in the South . Or , perhaps , unpredictability is what is normal . For Southerners , natural spring often seems early or previous — but never justly on time . Often leap - blossom light bulb are the litmus test we use before we make our pronouncements on the promptness of spring . Some of our springiness - flowering bulb , such as daffodils ( Narcissusspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) and snowdrops ( Galanthus nivalis , Zones 3–8 ) start making themselves bang as early on as January . By mid - April , many go - to spring - bloom bulb have faded , and our psyche turn to planting annuals . However , how you approach after - upkeep for saltation - flowering bulbs in your garden is authoritative and can lead to greater seniority .

Treat some bulbs as annuals

The South is not always the most hospitable environment for a few of the most democratic give - flowering bulbs . primarily , tulips ( Tulipaspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) and hyacinths ( Hyacinthus orientalis , Zones 4–8 ) are normally not long - live . As a general formula , these bulb run to look good during their first year and then sag in quality during subsequent years . Do n’t keep back planting these bulb in the descent , but it ’s best to treat them like annual that are off ( light bulb and all ) after bloom . This is truly the only way to get a consistent and reliable show . There are some lesser - know species of tulip that can perennialize in the Southern garden . For a deep dive on these , discipline outthis article .

Let foliage fade

The most unremarkably planted spring - blossom bulbs in the South are daffodils , snowdrops , grapeshot hyacinth ( Muscari armeniacum , Zones 4–8 ) , and crocuses ( Crocusspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–8 ) . Each of these requires some specialized care ; however , there are some universal basics . The principal testimonial for all of them is to let the foliage die down naturally . Unfortunately , this can be a flake unsightly for some gardener . One selection is incorporating electric light and herbaceous repeated plant together in the garden . For deterrent example , daffodils and daylilies ( Hemerocallisspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–10 ) make a wonderful companion planting . Just as the daffodil flowers disappearance , the foliage from the daylilies is there to cloak the senescing foliage .

I reached out to Chris Wiesinger , have it off as “ The Bulb Hunter , ” from theSouthern Bulb Companyfor his advice on accept care of outflow - bloom bulbs after they bloom . He reply , “ After - forethought of bound - flowering bulbs starts with pre - tutelage ! If you ca n’t countenance leafage die down of course , or if you have an overactive weed feeder or lawn mower in the kin , plant bulb in the rubber of other perennials in your flower bed that will leaf out and hide the bulb foliage . call back that pall leaf is a superhighway of food that are being sent to the bulb as it prepares for a summer quiescency . Do n’t cut off its food supply . ”

Help save energy

If you have extra sentence on your hands , you’re able to also remove any seed head that form on your lightbulb after they flower . This will reduce the amount of energy go to seed production . This is a effective practice but is not as critical as pass on the foliage until it completely yellow and fade .

Plan for next year

As spring transitions into summer , take promissory note of the spring - flowering bulbs you really savour this class . Do some investigating on bulbs that thrive in your area . For many of our common give - flowering bulbs , cultivar selection thing . As you move further to the south , you need to be even pickier with the I you choose if your destination is garden seniority . This fall you may need to go beyond the average in your home landscape . turn back out the following resource for unique bulb cultivar :

•Unique Bulbs for the Southern Garden•Extraordinary Spring Bulbs to Plant in Fall•Best Spring - Flowering medulla oblongata

— Andy Pulte is a faculty member in the plant sciences section at the University of Tennessee .

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Grape hyacinth

Grape hyacinth is a popular and long-lived spring-flowering bulb in most areas of the South. Foliage must remain after flowering to ensure longevity.Photo: Andy Pulte

common hyacinths

As pretty as they are, common hyacinths don’t perennialize well in our region and are best dug up and discarded after their first bloom.Photo: George Hodan

faded daffodil foliage

This dead daffodil foliage is no longer producing energy the bulb can store. It can now be cut back.Photo: Diana Koehm

foliage of daylilies

As the foliage of daylilies grows, it masks fading daffodil foliage.Photo: Andy Pulte

‘Magnet’ snowdrop

This ‘Magnet’ snowdrop has formed seed heads after flowering. Pinching off seed heads is not critical but can help bulbs save energy over time.Photo: Andy Pulte

‘Cassata’ daffodil