Getting Started with Perennials
Perennials are a varied group of plants that provide years of color and gardening pleasure. One of the key differences between perennials and annuals is that perennials survive winter outdoors then put out new growth and flowers the following season. Annuals, on the other hand, complete their life cycle in a single season. Annuals must be planted every year while perennials are more-or-less permanent in the garden after they are planted.
Another distinguishing characteristic of perennials is that most of them are herbaceous. Simply put, an herbaceous plant is a non-woody plant that dies to the ground each year and reemerges the following season from growth points below the soil. Peonies, iris and daylilies are well-known examples of herbaceous perennials. There are also a few evergreen perennials such as and Cheddar pinks (Dianthus gratianopolitanus), Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis) and Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) which survive winter above ground with green leaves.
Unlike annuals that flower continuously for several months, most perennials bloom for a few weeks. However, if you plan your garden based on bloom sequence, good looking foliage and winter interest, you can enjoy your perennial garden for many months. Perennial gardens are intriguing because they are never static. New plants come into bloom daily providing an ever-changing color and textural tapestry. You will also find that your perennial garden changes from year to year, especially during the first few years of its existence. A newly planted perennial garden looks pretty spare compared to the exuberance of a mature three- or four-year-old garden. And there is always the chance you will rearrange things over the years to emphasize particular color or texture combinations.
When is the best time to plant cannas?
Cannas should be planted in the Spring after danger of hard freezing has passed.They, like the glads, are not cold-hardy.
When is the best time to plant gladiolus?
The best time to plant gladiolus is in the Spring when danger of hard freezing has passed. If you live in the deep south, you can plant almost anytime. They are not cold-hardy.
Does a bigger bulb mean a better flower?
While a bigger bulb will most likely produce a bigger flower, it does not necessarily mean a better flower. The bulb of a smaller species will produce a smaller plant, but the quality may be equal, if not better than a bulb of a larger species.
What are "botanical" or "species" tulips?
Species tulips refers to those varieties which have not been bred or hybridized and remain essentially as they are found in nature. Botanical tulips are hybrids, but hybrids which remain very close to the original species. Neither of these terms refers to "wild" tulips. All tulips sold by the Dutch, including the species and botanical tulips, are actually propagated and grown in Holland. Species and botanical tulips are generally smaller than other tulips. They are especially prized for growing in rock gardens.
What bulbs are good choices for forcing?
Daffodils, Hyacinths, Dwarf Iris, Single Early Tulips, and Triumph Tulips
How do I "force" a bulb?
You will need: 1.) A high quality bulb. 2.) Well-drained potted soil. 3.) A container with drainage holes in the bottom. To force: Place bulb in planting container. Store in a cool spot, 42-48 F, for 10 weeks. Grow in sunny area and keep moist.
What is "Forcing"?
Tricking flowering bulbs to bloom in wintertime.
Where do I store my bulbs if I do not plant immediatelty?
Bulbs need air to breath. They will not grow if stored in an airtight package. Store "breathable" bulbs in room temperature 70-72 F
When do I plant Fall Bulbs?
Spring flowering bulbs should be planted from September through November. The bulb requires a period of cold temperature to stimulate growth rate. Golden Rule: Plant before the hard frost.
How do I get my amaryllis to bloom again next year?
1. After the flower fades, clip it off, leaving the green foliage. Treat the plant like any other houseplant. Water regularly and fertilize either with a slow release fertilizer which lasts several months, or a liquid fertilizer administered 2-4 times per month. In mid-to-late summer, stop watering and let the plant dry out. In the early fall, remove the bulb from the pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Store the bulb in a cool (48° F to 55°F), dark place for about 8 to 10 weeks. It is not necessary to let the plant go dormant. At the end of the 8 to 10 week period the bulb is ready to force into flower again. Repot the bulb in a pot only slightly larger in circumference than the bulb itself. Place it in a sunny spot and start watering. When the plant begins to grow again, start the feeding program again.
How long will it take for an Amaryllis to bloom indoors?
Once the Amaryllis has been planted in a pot it should be watered and placed in a warm , sunny spot. Under these conditions it should flower in about three weeks. As soon as the bud opens, the pot should be moved to a cooler spot so that you can enjoy the flowering process a little longer.
What should I do after tulips fade in spring? What about daffodils?
After tulip flowers have faded, "dead-head" them by clipping off the faded blooms so that they won't go to seed. Narcissi/Daffodils do not require dead-heading, just leave them as is. The main requirement for bulb flowers in the post-bloom period is to leave the leaves alone so the plant can put its energy into "recharging" its bulb for next spring's performance. This "energy charge" is gained through photosynthesis as the plant uses the suns energy to turn basic elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium into food. This food is stored in the bulb's ""scales,"" the white fleshy part of the bulb, for use next spring. It is necessary to leave the green foliage exposed to the sun until it turns brown or six weeks have elapsed since blooming. Fight the urge to trim back or constrain the leaves during their die-back phase after blooming. Don't bunch, tie, braid or cut bulb plant leaves during this period. Dealing with the fading foliage is basically one of those things that lovers of spring bulbs must deal with. The only management tip is camouflage. Try interplanting bulbs with annuals or perennials. Plant them strategically nearby so that the latter mask the declining bulb foliage as best as possible. As a planting strategy, plant clumps of bulbs instead of full beds. This way you will have a lovely spring show, and plenty of room to plant camouflaging companions.
What is "Naturalizing"?
Naturalizing bulbs will reproduce and come back every year.
What is "Perennializing" ?
Perennializing bulbs will return several years in a row.
It's February and I just found a bag of bulbs that I forgot to plant. Do I save them till next year?
No! If they are still plump and firm, plant them now. Bulbs are living plants, they cannot wait, they will dry out. Either chill them in the refrigerator for use indoors as forced bulbs or somehow get them into the ground outside. Because they are so tough and contain a full storehouse of food, your bulbs will try their best to bloom no matter how late it is in the season. Chances are you may still get some results, even if you plant them late.
How do I know that my bulbs are healthy?
Bulbs should be plump and firm.
What type of soil and fertilizer do bulbs require?
A majority of bulbs prefer rich, well-drained soil. The PH range should be between 6 and 7. Use a well-balanced fertilizer like Bulb Booster.
When can I expect blooming, if bulbs are planted in fall?
All Spring Long! 3 Major Bloom Periods: 1." Early" February through March 2."Mid" March through April 3."Late" April through June
What type of bulbs deter birds, deer, and rodents?
Daffodils, Galanthus Nivalis, Fritillaria Imperialis, Muscari Armeniacum, and Scilla
How do I keep squirrels from digging up bulbs?
The only sure-fire way to protect tulips and crocuses and other tasty bulb treats from squirrels is to lay wire mesh such as chicken wire on top of the bed. The squirrels can't dig through the mesh and the flowers will grow neatly through the holes. A favorite Dutch remedy is to interplant Fritillaria imperialis. This tall dramatic plant gives off an odor that squirrels (and deer too, reportedly) find repellent.
About Van Bloem Gardens
With our customers in mind, we strive to be the best.
We are one of the world's leading wholesalers of Flowerbulbs, perennials and horticulture products for the home gardener and the professional grower.
Van Bloem products are distributed throughout the United States.
We have just what you're looking for!
In our Grower Source Program, we broker for some of the best dropship growers in the country. Let us help you find not only the popular varieties, but the latest introductions and hard-to-find plants as well.Van Bloem Gardens programs....
- Spring and Summer Flowerbulbs for retail sale
- Spring and Summer Flowerbulbs for growers and greenhouse forcing
- Fall Flowerbulbs for landscaping
- Caladiums for landscaping, retail sales and growers
- Water Plants for growers and retail sales
We are leaders in the marketplace with new introductions, outstanding varieties and a comprehensive selection. Ask about the complete range of products and services we can offer you.
Why our Perennials Are So Good
We select our perennials from among the best growers in Europe and North America. They are grown, harvested, graded, packed and shipped with the highest standards in the industry. Dutch Production:Many of our perennials are grown in the famed horticultural fields of Holland and processed for export through our facility in Sassenheim. The growing conditions in Holland are cold with sandy soil and plenty of moisture. In short, it's ideally suited for growing perennials. Plants are specially inspected for export to the United States and Canada. West Coast Production: We have 300 acres of domestic perennial production, mostly in Oregon and Washington state. Growing conditions are similar to Holland which helps us to produce large, lush perennials.