Alexei Volkov
When it comes to gardening, creating a beautiful display of flowers involves both art and science. One way to achieve a vibrant effect is to interplant bulbs with perennial ground covers. While the bulbs bloom first in spring, adding a burst of colour to your garden, the ground covers emerge later, gracefully covering the fading bulb foliage. This combination works well with flowers like azaleas, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. However, the challenge lies in finding space for bulbs among the ground cover and low-growing plants. Additionally, timing is crucial—planting bulbs at the right time of year ensures they have time to establish roots before the ground freezes. So, can bulbs push through plastic ground cover?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bulbs that can grow through ground cover | Daffodils, creeping phlox, tulips, hyacinths, Spanish bluebells, alliums, dahlias, muscari, creeping sedum, deadnettle, leadwort, sweet woodruff, vinca |
| Best time to plant bulbs | In colder regions, September to November is the prime time to plant bulbs. In warmer regions, bulbs need to be pre-chilled |
| Preparation | Excavate the flower bed to a depth of 12", remove rocks and other blockages, mix in a 3" layer of compost, add bone meal to promote root development, sprinkle fertilizer |
| Spacing | Place bulbs far enough apart to prevent crowding but close enough to be regarded as a pair |
| Timing | Aim for plants that bloom at the same time, in mid-spring |
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What You'll Learn
- Perennials, shrubs, ground covers, and bulbs should be planted together for complementary foliage and blossoms
- Prepare the flower bed by removing rocks and other obstructions, then adding compost and fertiliser
- In cold regions, plant bulbs in pots in the fall and store them in an unheated garage for the winter
- In spring, bulbs bloom first, adding colour to the garden, before fading to let ground covers emerge
- Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, Spanish bluebells, and alliums are good choices for ground cover
Perennials, shrubs, ground covers, and bulbs should be planted together for complementary foliage and blossoms
Combining perennials, shrubs, ground covers, and bulbs in a garden bed creates a complementary blend of foliage and blossoms. This method of planting together can add colour and texture to your garden throughout the year. Here are some tips and plant combinations to consider when planting these groups together:
When choosing plants to pair with spring bulbs, select those with broad foliage, a dense habit, or leaves similar in shape to the bulbs. This ensures that when the bulbs start to go dormant, their companions will cover up any browning bulb foliage. For example, daylilies or irises have leaves similar to daffodils and can be paired together. Additionally, look for perennials and shrubs that tend to leaf out later in spring, so they don't compete for sunlight or space with your bulbs.
One advantage of planting companions with spring bulbs is that they help keep the soil around the bulbs drier in the summer. Some recommended perennials to combine with spring bulbs include catmint, with its beautiful lavender-blue flowers, and threadleaf tickseed, which produces large, deep yellow flowers. Geranium plants are also a good choice, as they are reliable stalwarts of the flower garden.
For a beautifully balanced garden, mix bulbs, perennials, annuals, shrubs, and flowering trees to have something new to discover each week, from the earliest days of spring to the last days of autumn. For instance, double pink-flowered Lenten roses (Helleborus) are one of the first perennials to bloom in early spring, along with spring bulbs.
Speedwell, sedum plants, and thyme herbs are also excellent perennial companions for bulbs. They offer a range of flower colours and foliage types that can enhance the beauty of your garden.
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Prepare the flower bed by removing rocks and other obstructions, then adding compost and fertiliser
Preparing the flower bed is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your garden. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Removing Rocks and Obstructions
Start by clearing the flower bed area of any large rocks, roots, or other obstructions. This will create a level surface for planting and ensure that your bulbs have room to grow without encountering any physical barriers. If you have clay soil, consider breaking up any large clumps to improve drainage and make it easier for roots to establish themselves.
Adding Compost
Compost is essential for improving soil health and providing nutrients for your plants. Before adding compost, consider covering the soil with several layers of newspaper (5-6 sheets). Avoid using slick, full-colour ads, as the ink can be harmful to the soil. The newspaper will block out light, killing any existing vegetation, and it will also decompose over time, adding organic matter to the soil. Next, add a thick layer of compost (2-3 inches) on top of the newspaper or directly onto the soil if you prefer. If your soil is particularly dense or lacking in nutrients, consider adding more compost over time to help improve its structure and fertility.
Applying Fertiliser
To give your bulbs an extra boost, apply a slow-release organic fertiliser. Sprinkle it evenly across the surface of the soil, using slightly less than the suggested amount on the package. Then, lightly work it into the top couple of inches of soil with your fingers. Remember to wear gloves during this step.
Final Steps
After adding the fertiliser, top off the flower bed with another layer of compost (1-2 inches). This will act as mulch, helping to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. Finally, water the soil thoroughly. This will help the fertiliser seep in, and it will continue to break down and release nutrients over time. Ideally, wait several days to a couple of weeks before planting your bulbs.
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In cold regions, plant bulbs in pots in the fall and store them in an unheated garage for the winter
In cold regions, it is possible to plant bulbs in pots in the fall and store them in an unheated garage for the winter. This method is ideal for those without garden beds to plant bulbs in. It is a fun way to add a pop of colour to your outdoor or indoor space in the spring.
Firstly, choose large, firm bulbs that are free of blemishes, as larger bulbs produce more impressive blooms. Check for mould, damage, or excessive dryness. Then, select a container with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Plastic, ceramic, or wooden pots are all suitable materials, with plastic pots being okay to leave outside in the elements. The pot should be big enough to hold the bulb roots but not oversized. For most bulbs, a container that is 8-10 inches wide and at least 6 inches deep is sufficient.
Fill the pot with a potting mix that drains well to avoid rotting. Combine equal parts potting soil, perlite, and vermiculite or sand. Soak the potting soil thoroughly when you plant the bulbs and don't let it dry out, as it can be difficult to rewet. For bulbs to establish roots, they should be planted in the fall before the ground freezes, usually 4-6 weeks before the first frost date. Bigger bulbs should be planted 6-8 inches deep, while smaller bulbs like grape hyacinths, crocus, or miniature irises should be planted 3-4 inches deep. After planting, water the containers and let the soil dry slightly between waterings while the roots develop.
To store the potted bulbs in an unheated garage for the winter, group the containers together and cover them with mulch, leaves, or burlap for protection from the cold. Ensure the garage does not freeze, and the bulbs will remain dormant yet alive until it is time to replant them in the spring.
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In spring, bulbs bloom first, adding colour to the garden, before fading to let ground covers emerge
In spring, bulbs are the first to bloom, adding a burst of colour to your garden. Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, Spanish bluebells, and alliums are all good choices to welcome the new season. Their vibrant blossoms range from light pink to white and yellow, with some cultivars growing up to 5 feet tall. If you're looking for something more unique, try Muscari, which produces clusters of blue flowers on stalks. For a more formal and decorative look, dahlias offer a wide array of bell-shaped blossoms in various colours, including white, yellow, orange, pink, and red.
To create a colourful spring display in your garden, you can interplant bulbs with perennial ground covers. As the bulbs begin to fade, the perennial ground covers will emerge and spread, covering the spent foliage of the bulbs. This creates a harmonious dance between the two, ensuring your garden always has something new and beautiful to offer.
When selecting plants to bloom with your bulbs, choose ones that will flower at the same time. Consider the height of both plants while they are in bloom to prevent cross-coverage. Place them close enough to be regarded as a pair, but with enough space to prevent crowding. If you're planting bulbs that come back year after year, select ground cover plants that don't need frequent division to avoid disturbing the bulbs.
Some ground cover plants that pair well with bulbs include creeping phlox and its hybrid relatives, which grow thick cushions of finely textured foliage covered in vibrant pink, purple, or violet flowers. Brunnera is another excellent companion for spring bulbs like tulips, as it blooms simultaneously and has large leaves that gracefully hide the bulb foliage when they are dormant. If you're looking for early-blooming perennials to coordinate with your bulbs, try combining April-blooming pink tulips ('Christmas Pearl') with perennial foamflowers (Tiarella), which have pinkish-white flowers blooming in the same month.
Even with ground cover in place, bulbs can still be inserted right into the ground. Simply use a bulb auger or slender trowel to create space for the bulbs to grow through. With careful planning and experimentation, you can create stunning combinations of bulbs and ground covers that will leave your garden looking like a vibrant work of art.
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Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, Spanish bluebells, and alliums are good choices for ground cover
Daffodils are a particularly good choice for early spring colour, as they bloom when many flowering shrubs and perennials are just waking from their winter dormancy. Their bulbs also contain a toxin that deters deer, rabbits, and other rodents. Squirrels may dig them up, but they don't eat them. Their bright yellow flowers and grassy green foliage are complemented by the deep purple blooms and dark green leaves of violets, as well as other spring-flowering plants.
Hyacinths are another colourful option for ground cover, and they are also available in a variety of colours, including blue, purple, pink, white, yellow, and orange. Like daffodils, hyacinths are deer and rodent resistant.
Tulips are a beautiful choice for ground cover, but they are susceptible to being eaten by mice. They blend beautifully with the silvery foliage and baby blue blossoms of perennial brunnera plants and bleeding hearts.
Alliums are another option for ground cover, and they can be planted alongside daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips.
When planting bulbs for ground cover, it is important to consider the height of the plants and space them accordingly. It is also beneficial to choose perennial companions that don't require frequent division to avoid disturbing the bulbs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, bulbs can grow through plastic ground cover. In fact, bulbs can be inserted right into the ground through the foliage, even if a thick ground cover is already in place.
Throughout most of North America, particularly in colder regions, September through November is the prime time to plant bulbs. In warmer regions, you can buy and plant pre-chilled bulbs like tulips and hyacinths.
Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, Spanish bluebells, and alliums are good choices for bulbs that can grow through ground cover.
Timing is crucial when cultivating a mix of flowering bulbs and ground cover. In the fall, prepare your flower bed by excavating to a depth of 12” and removing any rocks or other obstacles that could block the growth of bulbs and roots. Mix in a layer of compost for drainage and organic elements, and sprinkle fertilizer over the top layer of soil.
