Bursting with Colour: The Power of Planting Bulbs in Your Landscape

Sometimes, the smallest things create the biggest impact on the landscape. Bulbs are a perfect example of this. They start as small, dormant structures underground but explode into fields of colour at certain times of the year. To get the best effect from planting bulbs, they should be planted in large numbers—and the key to achieving this is understanding how bulbs grow, multiply, and thrive. 

Bulbs vs. Seeds: What’s the Difference?

Gardeners often wonder whether bulbs or seeds are better for planting. The answer depends on your goals and the time you’re willing to invest. 

• Bulbs are underground storage organs that contain all the nutrients a plant needs to sprout and bloom. They grow faster than seeds, producing flowers within one season. 
• Seeds require more time to establish, often taking multiple growing seasons before they reach full maturity and flower. 

For those looking for immediate seasonal colour, planting bulbs is the better choice. They store energy in their underground structure, allowing them to bloom reliably year after year with minimal care. 

Popular Bulb Plants

Choosing the right bulbs depends on the season, soil conditions, and desired garden design. Some of the most popular and reliable bulbs include: 

Spring-Flowering Bulbs (Plant in Fall)

• Tulips – Available in a variety of colours and bloom times, perfect for layered displays. 
• Daffodils – Hardy and deer-resistant, great for naturalizing. 
• Crocuses – One of the first flowers to bloom, signalling the end of winter. 
• Hyacinths – Fragrant and vibrant, ideal for garden borders. 
• Snowdrops – Delicate white flowers that thrive in cold climates. 

Summer-Flowering Bulbs (Plant in Spring)

• Lilies – Elegant and dramatic, ideal for cutting gardens. 
• Dahlias – Available in bold colours and large blooms, perfect for a showy display. 
• Gladiolus – Tall and striking, commonly used in floral arrangements. 
• Begonias – Ideal for shade gardens, offering months of continuous blooms. 

Fall-Flowering Bulbs (Plant in Late Summer) 

• Autumn Crocus – Similar to spring crocus, but blooms in fall. 
• Nerine Lilies – Exotic-looking flowers that make a garden look unique. 

Each bulb variety has different soil, sun, and spacing requirements, but all benefit from well-drained soil and proper planting depth to encourage strong root development. 

Planting Bulbs

Bulbs should be planted in good quality, well-drained soil. They need the right amount of sun and a planting depth appropriate for their species. While you can dig individual holes for each bulb, they usually prefer to grow in a planting bed where all of the soil has been tilled and prepared. That helps to encourage drainage and provides better conditions for root growth.  

If you are planting around existing trees or large shrubs, care should be taken not to damage their roots. 

Bulbs usually look best in loose, flowing drifts. Slightly irregular spacing will contribute to this informal, natural appearance. Bulbs should be planted at a depth two or three times the size of the bulb. For some bulbs, this means about eight inches deep. In addition to organic matter, bone meal or phosphorous is good for encouraging root growth. 

Storing Bulbs 

Some spring and summer flowering bulbs do best if they are dug up after their foliage turns brown and stored until it’s time for replanting, either fall or early spring, depending on the species. They need to be dried and stored in cool, dry conditions. 

Dividing Perennial Bulbs

As bulbs grow, they multiply underground, forming clusters that can become overcrowded over time. Dividing bulbs ensures better flowering, prevents competition for nutrients, and allows gardeners to expand their plantings without purchasing new bulbs.  

When to Divide 

Many perennials need to be divided every three to five years. If a perennial bed is packed full with some plants dying out and flower sizes smaller than usual, it’s time to dig and divide. Some perennials can be pulled apart by hand, some with a digging fork; others have to be cut. It depends on the size and species of the perennial and how dense their growth has become. 

• Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils and tulips should be divided in late summer or early fall after their foliage has died back. 
• Summer-flowering bulbs like lilies should be divided in late fall once the growing season ends. 
• Some bulbs, such as daffodils, may not need frequent division, while others, like tulips, benefit from more regular thinning. 

Benefits of Dividing 

Dividing perennials is a good way to generate plants for a new bed while reviving your existing planting beds. You won’t have to buy new plants, but you do have to put in the necessary work. Be sure not to plant the divided plants in a new location just because you have them. Put some thought into where the new perennials should go and how they fit with your overall landscape. 

Create a Stunning Garden Without the Hard Work 

Flowering bulbs and perennials take a lot of maintenance. Their impact is big, but so is the effort to maintain them. While many gardeners enjoy working with bulbs and flowers, many others do not have the time.  

Landscape design and maintenance companies like Lawrence Park Complete Garden Care provide the necessary planting and maintenance services. We know the best time to do the work needed and the specific requirements of each flower species. That takes the worry out of your work and gives you more time to enjoy your flowering landscape. 

Take a look at our services, and then give us a call today!