Van Bourgondien

Garden Guide Bulbs and Tubers

Varieties

Iris hollandica

(Dutch Iris) Plant bulbs in the fall 4" deep and 3-6" apart in well-drained average soil in a sunny to shaded location. They'll bloom better when planted in full sun. In colder regions, mulch after ground freezes. Allow foliage to ripen through summer and then gently remove. For greater impact, plant several bulbs in an area. They do best when allowed to form thick clumps over 3-5 years, after which flowering will diminish. Lift while dormant and remove and replant offsets that form along mature bulbs. Grows 24" tall and 12-18" wide. Blooms May-June. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Iris reticulata and danfordiae

Plant in welldrained soil in full sun. Space the bulbs 3-4" apart and 2" deep in clumps of 4-6. Water well during their growth period. Mulch lightly over the winter for protection. Leave undisturbed after foliage dies back. Reticulata blooms February-March, and Danfordiae blooms late January-early February. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Ismene festalis

(Peruvian Daffodil) Plant in sandy, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered spot. Space 6" apart and 6" deep. Keep lightly moist. Fertilize once a month. Dig before frost. Leave the roots on and store upside down in a dry medium such as peat moss or perlite. Grows 18-24" tall. Blooms June-July. Hardy in zones 8-10.

Ixia

(Corn Lily) In late spring, plant corms 2-3" deep and 3-4" apart in sandy, well-drained soil in a sheltered area with full sun. In autumn, dig and store the bulbs indoors for winter. Grows 12-18" tall. Blooms April-May. Hardy in zones 7-10.

Ixiolirion

(Sky Blue Lily) In fall, plant 6" apart and 4" deep in a sunny, warm, sheltered area. Fertilize lightly after planting and again in the spring. In frost area, mulch with straw or evergreen branches. Naturalizes easily. Grows 14-16" talll. Blooms May-June. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Kafir Lily

See Clivia minata

Leucocoryne

(Glory-of-the-Sun) Plant bulbs in spring after all danger of frost has passed and ground is warm. Grow in very well-drained, sandy soil in full sun to light shade. Plant corms 3-6" deep and 6-8" apart. In fall, dig and store bulbs indoors for the winter. Grows 24" tall. Blooms June-July. Hardy in zone 10. Indoor Culture: Grows well as a potted plant indoors in a sunny greenhouse. Plant 4-5 corms 2" deep in a 6" pot in a well-drained, sandy mix.

Leucojum

(Spring Snowflake) In fall, plant bulbs in well-drained, sandy, organic loam, or any other welldrained soil in full sun to partial shade. For best effect, plant in large drifts of 12 or more bulbs, 4-5" deep and 4-6" apart. Do not disturb the bulbs after planting and they will multiply and naturalize. Grows 12" tall. Blooms end of April to early June. Hardy in zones 4-10.

Lilium

(Lily) Plant lilies as soon as they arrive. Take care not to break off any stalks or growth that may be on the bulb. Choose a sunny spot, with light, porous, sandy soil enriched with compost. The ideal site is one where the plants get full sun at the tops and are shaded at the soil level to keep the ground moist. Plant 6-8" deep and 6" apart in clumps of 3 or more bulbs. In the spring, fertilize the bulbs monthly until the plants finish blooming. After flowering, remove only the blooms, NOT the stems or leaves. Allow the foliage to die back naturally. The stalk can be cut back carefully when the foliage has died back completely. See below for height and bloom times. Hardy in zones 3–8.

Lycoris

(Magic Lily) Plant in an open, sunny, welldrained area. Space 8" apart and 4-6" deep. Water frequently during the growth cycle. Let the bulb dry out during its dormancy in the summer. Do not disturb the bulbs after planting and mulch lightly over the winter. Hardy in zones 5-10.