Fall flower bulbs shine brightly come spring

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | By Elizabeth Licata

Published October 13, 2016 at 4:41 AM EDT

1 of 11

Bulbs work well with emerging perennials, like hosta (shown here) which eventually covers declining bulb foliage. This is species tulip clusiana.

Elizabeth Licata

2 of 11

Hybrid tulips should be planted in groups of at least 30. Shown here are Single Late ‘Queen of the Night’ and Triumph ‘Prinses Irene,’ planted in a tight circle for maximum impact.";s:3:"u

Elizabeth Licata

3 of 11

This Linwood Avenue gardener has two large drifts of tulips, creating a magnificent spring display.

Elizabeth Licata

4 of 11

The larger the property, the larger the bulb display, as in this Southtowns garden. Deer are common here, so the owners plant many different types of hybrid daffodils, which deer don’t like.";

Elizabeth Licata

5 of 11

Deer also dislike alliums, which come in interesting short varieties, as well as the more common tall ones, shown here. Other bulbs deer leave alone include snowdrops, hyacinths, camassia, and scilla.

Elizabeth Licata

6 of 11

These daffodils will be hidden by emerging perennials and nearby shrubs when they start to decline.

Elizabeth Licata

7 of 11

Another species tulip: humilis ‘Persian Pearl”";s:

Elizabeth Licata

8 of 11

Brunnera (Siberian bugloss) is a great companion for bulbs.

Elizabeth Licata

9 of 11

A few tulips have beautiful foliage, as with greigii ‘Mary Ann,” shown here.";s:

Elizabeth Licata

10 of 11

Tulips work well in pots. The pots (containing Triumph varieties Prinses Irene and Passionale) can be planted in fall and kept in an unheated garage until spring. If sprayed well with a repellent such as Plantskydd, deer will not bother these.

Elizabeth Licata

11 of 11

Erythronium (Trout Lily) has attractive foliage as well as flowers. It emerges in early April.

Elizabeth Licata

This is a key time of year for gardeners who are already looking ahead to next spring. The planting of bulbs now can reap big rewards when winter comes to an end. Buffalo Spree editor Elizabeth Licata, a WBFO contributor, spoke with fellow garden writer Sally Cunningham about bulbs, and why they're a must for any serious gardener.

Both Elizabeth and Sally have both written extensively about planting bulbs. You can learn more here and here.