March 31, 2005 at 9:22 a.m.
Spring through fall blooming bulbs
Spring through fall blooming bulbs
However, according to Lynn Meyer, Landscape Gardener from the Arboretum, the bulb season can continue. Many types of bulbs bloom in the summer and even into the fall. Some of these that are planted will multiply and return year after year. Most require little space and while they need spring sunlight, will thrive in the shade of deciduous trees and shrubs later in the summer.
A relatively new bulb is the Camassia Leichtlinii. This bulb is native to North America and likes the moist meadows of the Northwest. The experts can’t even agree on its name. Some catalogs call it guamash, others simply camass, and still others wild hyacinth.
In late May or early June it appears with long, narrow, upright foliage and strong flower stalks standing 24-36 inches tall. Each flower raceme holds many star-shaped dark-blue flowers accented by prominent yellow stamens.
Unlike most bulbs, camassias tolerate damp soils and as well as heavy clay soils. They do well in full sun or partial shade. They are a great bridge between early spring blooming bulbs and later flowering perennials.
Hyacinthoides hispanica, commonly known as Spanish bluebells, is a wonderful addition to the early summer garden. It has 8-12 inch stems loaded with bell shaped flowers. These plants thrive in a wide range of soil and climate conditions. They bloom in late May and early June. Bluebells prefer well-drained soil and like more moisture in the spring while their leaves and flowers are developing. They will grow in sun or nearly full shade.
Eremurus, also known as Foxtail Lily or Desert Candle will brighten up your early summer border with tall bright yellow flowers. Each spire is packed with hundreds of starry florets that cover up to half its length as they open from bottom to the top.
Eremurus is not a true bulb but rather a series of thong-like tuberous roots that work their way to the soil surface over time. Once established, they prefer to remain undisturbed. Foxtail Lilies prefer full sun, rich, very well-drained soil and protection from strong winds. They may require staking if located in a windy area. Several varieties are hardy here, but many others are not, so be careful when shopping. Even the types that are hardy here are very shallow-rooted, thus a winter mulch is called for.
The best species for our area is Eremurus Bungei which has primrose-yellow flowers on 3-4 feet stems. This is hardy for zone 4, which is pushing it for our area. Maybe you can get by with this plant if you apply mulch as suggested earlier, and if you plant in a somewhat protected area.
Hopefully these suggestions can help you enjoy blooming bulbs from early spring until late summer.
The raspberry and asparagus plants have sold out, but there are a very few strawberry and blueberry plants left to preorder for spring planting. Call Jerry Vitalis at 651-257-4496 for more information or to place an order.
The Chisago County Master Gardeners are offering a new program this year; "Summer 2005 Flower Gardening Serie."Classes will be held the second and fourth Thursdays in June, July and August, from 6:30-8 p.m., at the Fairview Lakes Regional Health Care Center, in Wyoming. The cost is $4 per session or $15 for all six.
Schedule:
June 9––Perennials, A Garden's Backbone
June 23––Shrub Roses, Flowering Shrubs
July 14––Annuals, For Season-Long Bloom
July 28––Ornamental Grasses
Aug. 11––-Butterfly Gardening
Aug. 25––Attracting Beneficial Wildlife
You can call the Extension Office, 651-674-4417, to receive a registration form or download it at www.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago.
SUBMITTED BY, JERRY VITALIS
Chisago County Master Gardener
Ways to access information www.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago Check out the ‘Hot Topics’ box in the middle of the page for current Chisago County Master Gardener news and events. You can also click on ‘Ask a Master Gardener’ next to the cute little flower on the right hand side of the page. Here you can search 1000’s of answers from Master Gardeners around the state.
If you don’t find your answer you can submit a question online or search for University publications, Bell Museum of Natural History.
For information about snakes, skunks, raccoons or other wildlife around your yard, call the wildlife information line at (612) 624-1374 or www.bellmuseum.org
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