4 Gorgeous Bulb and Perennial Garden Designs for Every Soil and Light Condition

Bulbs for Dry Soils

Bulbs: A. Allium ‘Globemaster’ B. ‘Pieter de Leur’ tulip C. ‘Estella Rijnveld’ tulip D. ‘Prince of Austria’ tulip E. ‘Tahiti’ daffodil F. Crocus ‘Gypsy Girl’ G. ‘Valerie Finnis’ grape hyacinth H. ‘Nairobi’ tulip I. ‘Rubra Maxima’ fritillary

Spring Planting (Overplanting)

Perennials, annuals, shrubs: A. Weigela ‘Red Prince’ B. ‘Isanti’ dogwood C. Sedum ‘Matron’ D. St.-John’s-Wort E. ‘Red Flare’ sage F. Lamb’s-ears G. Veronica ‘Goodness Grows’ H. Rudbeckia ‘Goldilocks’

Bulbs for Moist Soils

Bulbs: A. ‘Tahiti’ daffodil B. ‘Lady Margot’ tulip C. Allium sphaerocephalon D. ‘Sorbet’ Lily E. Lilium tenuifolium F. ‘La Toya’ lily G. ‘Jan Reus’ tulip H. ‘Jetfire’ daffodil I. Buttercup mix J. Mixture of ‘Album’ grape hyacinth, Crocus ‘Cream Beauty,’ and C. tommasinianus ‘Lilac’

Spring Planting

Overplant with: A. Geranium ‘New Hampshire Purple’ B. ‘Goldflame’ spirea C. Asiatic lily mix D. Nicotiana ‘Nicki Pink’ E. Phlox ‘Rosalinde’ F. Physostegia ‘Miss Manners’ G. ‘Happy Returns’ daylily H. Dwarf Fothergilla

Bulbs for Dry Shade

Bulbs: A. Allium ‘Christophii’ B. ‘Sweet Wendy’ tulip C. ‘Golden Bells’ daffodil D. ‘King of the Blues’ hyacinth E. ‘Vie en Rose’ daffodil F. ‘Dordogne’ tulip G. Crocus ‘Blue Bird’ H. ‘Pink Star’ windflower

Bulbs for Moist Shade

Bulbs: A. ‘Blue Queen’ bluebell B. ‘Jetfire’ daffodil C. ‘Pink Charm’ daffodil D. ‘Bronze Beauty’ iris E. ‘Black’ tulip F. ‘Blue Heron’ tulip G. Crocus ‘Snowbunting’ H. Crocus tommasinianus ‘Lilac’ I. Snowdrop

Cold-Climate Bulb Tips

In cold climates, choose hardy bulbs that overwinter in ground; dig tender bulbs for indoor storage.

Buying Tips

“Bulbs” includes corms, tubers, rhizomes—all have swollen storage. They bloom one season but propagate for more color yearly.

Selecting Bulbs

Buy from garden centers storing bulbs properly: soft bulbs (lilies, fritillaries) covered with sawdust/peat. Bulbs should be firm, mold-free, clean skins, intact tunics.

Planting Tips

• Plant 2x deeper than bulb diameter.
• Dig area 7+ days ahead to dry soil; break clumps.
• Amend for drainage: sand for heavy soil, peat for light soil.
• Soak bulbs in liquid plant food 30 min before planting.
• Space large bulbs several inches apart; small bulbs closer.
• Water deeply after planting.
• Deadhead after flowering to direct energy to remaining blooms.
• Mulch 4+ inches for winter insulation.