If you are like me, there is nothing more beautiful in early spring than the sight of perennial flowers like tulips bursting through the mud with their vibrant color. Perennial bulbs are an excellent investment for the home gardener. After a single planting they should bloom for years to come - that is, as long as they are planted in the right spot, and in the right way. The optimum time to plant most perennial bulbs is during the fall, so gardeners still have plenty of time to select and properly prepare their garden site this year for their perennial flower garden.
Site Selection
One of the most crucial elements to consider when selecting a planting site for your perennial bulbs is the amount of sunlight the area receives. Does the bulb you are planting require full sun, or will partial shade be acceptable? Is the area you are thinking about planting in shaded by a large tree - but only in late spring after the tree leafs out, so that early blooming perennial bulbs can still grow there? Also, are you planting on a slope? If so - is it north or south facing? Perennial bulbs growing on a south facing slope will likely bloom earlier than those of the same variety planted on a north facing slope.
After you have selected a site, you need to analyze the soil in which the bulbs will be planted. Since perennial bulbs will be in the ground long term, you will want to make any soil amendments that need to be made before you plant them in the ground.
Site Preparation
Of particular importance to perennial bulbs is a soil that is rich in phosphorous, which will help encourage root development. The phosphorous needs to be available as deep as eight inches underground, which is the planting depth of many larger perennial bulbs, such as tulips.
If the soil is clay and dense, you will want to also lighten it up with compost, and if you suspect the soil is deficient in nutrients, add some fertilizer as well (10-10-10 formulas are best for perennial bulbs). You will not want to fertilize bulbs in the spring, since this will encourage bulb rot and can shorten the blooming period.
Finally, consider the pH level of your soil. The best pH range for perennial bulbs is between six and seven. If you need to add lime to the soil, do so while adding your other soil amendments.
By following these simple steps, you should have a great location ready for your perennial bulbs come fall!
For more information about perennial bulb gardening, I strongly recommend you consider picking up a copy of Anna Pavord's lovely book: Bulb.In the book you will find nearly six hundred different entries about different bulbs and tubers you can grow, including detailed descriptions of the blooms, the plant size, hardiness levels, native areas they are found in, and their bloom seasons. The book is wonderfully written and each entry contains photographs of individual bulb blossoms. Easily one of the most definitive books on the topic, and a necessity for any serious perennial bulb gardener! Click here to get it on sale now at Amazon.com!
