Van Bourgondien

Garden Guide Bulbs and Tubers

Varieties

Magic Lily

See Lycoris

Mariposa Lily

See Calochortus venustrus

Mexican Shell Flower

See Tigridia

Michael’s Flower

See Fritillaria imperialis

Mirabilis

(Mirabilis jalapa, Four o'clocks) This heirloom, tuberous perennial quickly develops into a bushy plant that is covered with fragrant, trumpetlike blossoms; Carrot-shaped, top sized tubers; 1 plant per sq. ft. ; blooms mid summer to frost; overwinterize in zones 7-9, with extra winter mulch. Hardy in zones 8-10.

Montbretia

Plant in spring in well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. After last frost, plant corms 3-5" deep and 6-8" apart. Keep well-watered throughout the growing season. In colder areas, mulch thickly or dig in fall and store indoors over the winter. Grows 15-18" tall. Blooms June-July. Hardy in zones 8-10.

Muscari

(Grape & Feather Hyacinth) Plant in fall in well-drained soil in full sun to light shade 3-4" deep and 3" apart, preferably in clumps of 10-12 bulbs. Do not fertilize. They multiply freely and can be left undisturbed for years. Height depends on variety. Blooms April-May. Hardy in zones 3-9. Indoor Culture: Plant 5 or 6 bulbs in a 6" pot. Plant 1" deep and 2" apart.

Narcissus

(Daffodil) In fall, plant bulbs in deep, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to light shade. Plant 6" apart and 8" deep in groups of 5, 7, 9 or more. Consider planting them under deciduous trees that will not leaf out until after the Narcissus have bloomed. Water during their growth period. After flowers bloom, let the foliage die back naturally. Once the foliage fades, cut it back. Narcissus can be left undisturbed to naturalize for years. To transplant, dig and divide the bulbs after the foliage has turned brown and replant at once. If you cannot plant bulbs immediately, store in a cool, airy place. Height depends on variety. Some species bloom in February, others March-May. Hardy in zones 3–8.

Narcissus Paperwhites

See Narcissus

Nectaroscordum siculum

Plant bulbs in the fall 4" deep and 18" apart in ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun. Bloom best when clumps are undisturbed. Readily reseeds and forms colonies. Plant dies down after flowering. Propagate by dividing the clumps in the fall or by collecting and sowing the seeds in the fall. Grows 36" tall and 24-36" wide. Blooms May- June. Hardy in zones 6-10.