You’ll create colorful containers of bulbs by planting multiple species in a single pot, crowding in more plants than is usually done for inground use, and layering shallow-planted bulb species with those that are more deeply buried. Follow these easy ideas as you plan your container plantings of spring, summer and autumn bulbs:
Grouped container plantings filled with bulbs are a great choice for both indoor gardens and small-space outdoor landscapes. They can fill a corner, accent a balcony or deck, or bring interesting height, as shown with this simple ladder grouping.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
The best spring bulbs for containers are anemone, crocus, daffodil, hyacinth and tulips. You can force early blooms out of these bulbs by chilling them before planting. Bulbs that have been forced, if kept, should be transplanted into the garden after they’ve finished blooming, although it may take several years for them to regain strength and bloom again.
Extend the brilliant color of bulbs through summer and into autumn. Good choices for summer bulb plantings in containers include tuberous begonia, caladium, dwarf dahlia varieties and lily. For blooms later in the year, plant autumn crocus, cyclamen and meadow saffron.
Regardless of the season, either massed plants of a single bulb species in a single color or a mix of several species of varied height make for striking container plantings. Very tall bulb varieties require lattice, stake or wire supports, while midsized species create multiple levels in a large, deep container. For best appearance, flowers and foliage should stand at least one-third to one-half the container’s vertical height above its rim. To keep the flowers coming along, use early and late varieties of the same or different species, layering the bulbs so that the late-flowering species (say, tulips) are beneath the early ones (like grape hyacinth).
Plan to plant your spring-blooming bulbs in autumn. Place the containers in a dark, cool, dry location where they’ll be protected from freezing temperatures, watering them weekly and allowing them to completely drain.
Summer-blooming bulbs can be planted as soon as the weather remains above 50 degrees F at night, usually mid- to late spring.
Place the container in a location with filtered sunlight for 2-4 weeks before moving it into a spot that gets full sun. This method allows the bulbs to root fully before their foliage shoots and flower stems appear from the soil and begin to grow.
Small containers look best when arranged in groups. Creating mixed floral displays of potted bulbs is easiest when containers with the same general appearance are planted with either a single species or layered multiple species that bloom in succession. Choose tall containers for deeply planted bulbs and shallow ones for smaller varieties. First, plant your bulbs. When they begin to sprout, just take the easy steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions.
Arranging Bulb Containers - Step 1
Evaluate your site, marking its boundaries with masking tape. Mark a circle, rectangle or triangle to define the outer perimeter of your pending display.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Arranging Bulb Containers - Step 2
Line your tallest container bulbs in front of green foliage or along a wall, or arrange them in an L-shape in a corner.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Arranging Bulb Containers - Step 3
Divide mid-height plants into two groups, placing one at each side and slightly in front of the tall-plant row.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Arranging Bulb Containers - Step 4
Fill the spaces between and around the containers with short container plants.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Arrangements In Open Areas
If you want your container grouping to stand in an open area – like in the middle of a large deck – place the tallest plants in the center of the arrangement in a triangle or diamond shape. Place your smaller container plantings along the perimeter.
Photo Credit: ©2002 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
