Planting Flower Bulbs for Insects and Beauty
I feel it is timely to dive into more insights about bulbs and how best to plant them for a beautiful show of flowers in late winter and spring.
In a biodynamic garden we are concerned to create biodiversity and nourish all insects throughout the year and bring beauty into our lives at the same time.
In my memory the crocuses and snowdrops used to bloom first in February, bringing nourishment to the early insects. Then the daffodils from February onwards, the tulips, grape hyacinths and Lily of the Valley in April and May.
Make sure though that you best plant snowdrops and other small bulbs immediately after purchase.
Traditionally, crocus and narcissi were planted at any point until early December. Tulips were planted until late autumn.
Tips for most favourite bulbs
Plant in October and November:
Snowdrops, (Galanthus nivalis): are the first bulbs to flower, usually in February, and are often hailed as the first sign of spring. They flower whatever the weather – even in snow. Plant them 10 cm (4 “) apart into a moist, well-drained soil in partial shade – they look particularly good under shrubs and trees. Snowdrops can also be grown in pots.
Winter Aconites, (Eranthis hyemalis): cheerful yellow flowers of winter aconite, Eranthis hyemalis, are a welcome sight in early February. They look best grown en masse in a natural setting, under deciduous trees or shrubs, and combine beautifully with snowdrops. They can be tricky to establish but once settled they will spread naturally. Ideally, grow 10cm (4”) apart in a spot that is sunny in winter but shaded in summer, as aconites will not thrive in dry soil.
Plant in September and November:
Reticulate Iris, (Iris reticulata): are fabulous bulbs for small pots, window boxes and raised beds, plus other sunny and free-draining spots in the garden, such as the front of a border.
Plant 5cm (2”) apart. They bring much-needed colour in February and March, and their mostly blue and purple flowers have beautiful, intricate markings. They are extremely popular with early bees.
Hyacinths, (Hyacinthus): are highly fragrant spring bulbs that flower in March and April. They come in a range of colours, from the traditional blue, pale pink and white to more contemporary dark purple, magenta and even pale yellow. Plant hyacinths at the front of garden borders or in pots 10 cm (4”) apart for a fragrant splash of colour nearer the house.
Grape Hyacinth, (Muscari): have flowers that look like a cross between a bunch of grapes and miniature hyacinths in April and May. They are known for their flowers in brilliant shades of blue, but white, pink and purple varieties are also available. They look good at the front of a border, naturalised in grass or under deciduous shrubs. They spread easily so if you don’t want them to do this, grow them in pots or window boxes.
Plant in September & October:
Crocus, (Crocus tommasianu): Carpets of small purple, yellow and white crocus flowers are a highlight in the garden from late winter onwards. They also provide a much-needed source of nectar and pollen for pollinating insects just emerging from hibernation. Crocuses are easy to grow and are well-suited to growing in pots or at the front of borders and naturalising in grass. They like a sunny spot.
Daffodils, (Narcissus): brighten our gardens throughout spring. There are many different varieties, some flowering as early as February and others as late as early May. Daffodils range in height from about 10cm up to 45cm and come in a variety of colours and forms. In addition to the usual yellow, flowers can be white, cream or lemon, with trumpets of contrasting shades. Some are scented. Daffodils grow brilliantly in pots and look great in borders. Some are suitable for naturalising in grass, too. Depending on size plant 5-10 cm (2-4”) apart.
Plant in November:
Tulips, (Tulipa): The beautiful flowers of these showy bulbs come in almost every colour from pale pastels to deep, rich shades and in a variety of flower shapes, too, from simple goblets to showy frilled blooms in all colours. They are perfect for adding spring colour to borders in April and May and grow very well in pots. Tulips are technically perennial, but years of breeding to get the most beautiful blooms means that many varieties only flower reliably for one year. Many gardeners plant new bulbs each autumn to ensure a good display. If you’re growing tulips in pots, you need to plant fresh bulbs each year.
My personal favourites are:
Lily of the Valley, (Convallaria majalis): is a low-growing, spreading perennial plant, bearing arching stems of bell-shaped, white flowers with a wonderful perfume. It makes good ground cover in shady spots. It’s a fantastic choice for a woodland garden or shady border, as well as planting beneath shrubs. It also makes a charming addition to a spring posy. Grow lily of the valley in moist soil in partial shade. Mulch annually with leaf mould or other organic matter and propagate by dividing clumps in autumn.
Plant May to September
How to prepare the soil for planting
Rule of thumb: Plant your bulbs 2-3 times deeper than their diameter in garden beds and 2 times deeper than their diameter in lawns.
If I plant in a lawn, I just poke the spade in to 1 1/2 inch (3.5 cm) deeper than the depth of planting, rock the spade back and forth to compact the soil around the planting hole.
Then prepare planting holes with ½ inch (1 cm) of sharp sand at the bottom, add another inch of well-rotted biodynamic compost, place a bulb or two into the compost in the hole and cover them with more well-rotted bio-dynamic compost.
After planting, it would be a wonderful gift for the garden and the soil to receive sprinkling of the horn manure preparation (Soil-activator) to encourage the humus formation in the warm autumn soil.
There is nothing as joyful and uplifting for our spirit than the continuous beauty unfolding in our gardens, becoming food for daring insects, coming out in late winter or even during mid-winter.
So, please, share with us your experiences of growing bulbs and flowering shrubs and ornamentals.
Happy autumn gardening
Hans-Günther
