Rodent-Proof Flower Bulbs: Beautiful Spring Blooms That Squirrels and Mice Ignore

Tired of tulips and crocus disappearing to hungry rodents? Plant these bulbs instead—listed in bloom order—to extend the show from late winter into summer.

• Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) – early spring; 'Flore Pleno' double variety blooms through snow.

• Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) – ferny leaves, bright yellow buttercup flowers right after snowdrops.
• Glory of the Snow (Chionodoxa) – 6" tall, star-shaped pink/blue/lavender/white sprays. Squirrels won't touch it! Forms colorful drifts.

• Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) – hardy, clustered bell-shaped white/sky-blue flowers, lightly scented. Stunning with early daffodils.
• Daffodils (Narcissi) – pest-resistant, reliable, countless varieties. Try 'Spring Cheer' (15–20 fragrant double blooms per stem).
• Fritillaria – skunky bulb odor repels rodents. Range from 3' 'Crown Imperials' to 6" F. pudica. Favorite: F. meleagris (Guinea-hen flower) with checkered purple/white nodding blooms.

• Alliums – onion-family smell/flavor repels voles, chipmunks, squirrels. Types range from 10" A. moly (yellow stars) to 3' A. schubertii (purple fireworks).
• Camassia – native to NW marshy meadows; edible tubers (quamash) eaten by Lewis & Clark. Rodents ignore them. Perfect for soggy spots, naturalizing by streams/ponds. 24–32" tall, lavender flowers.

Plant before ground freezes for cheerful April/May blooms!

By Robin Sweetser