KTRS 550 Inside Out Show Plant (s) of the Week Saturday February 19th 2011

Think Summer? (BULBS)

Well I know everyone is in a rush for Spring- but hold on-early springs have their own set of issues including the effect they have on the summer garden. One of the easiest quick fixes is to plan for having “extra inventory” such as summer bulbs, on hand growing in attractive pots. This gives you the pleasure of “growing on” some of your own favorites which should include a few of these novelty bulbs.

These "summer bulbs" include mostly not winter hardy but fast growing tropicals with bulb-like root structures. Some you may be familiar with as plants but perhaps you have never thought of them as bulb purchases.

To name just a few that are frequently listed: begonias, caladium, cannas, dahlias, gladiola, gloriosa lilies, elephant ears,and sometimes even liatris (although it is perfectly winter hardy for us). These end up listed in summer bulb catalogs, hense they end up grouped together under the term “Summer Bulbs”.

A few well chosen summer bulb combinations mixed with some summer show stopping annuals can play a leading role in carrying on color after the spring rush and during the lulls that can happen when Spring pushes everything along fast. Order now, start these in individual pots and then replant them combined with a few good annuals when warm air is the norm and keep them on your deck or patio where they can be enjoyed and still be promoted to stardom in the summer garden when openings finally do occur.

Because most summer bulbs grow slow till the heat kicks in, pot them with a few appropriately selected annuals. Use at least moderate size pots- and wait! Remember, keep the pots situated for easy access and viewing- once they start growing, the fun begins!

When the gaps open out in the garden (and they will) transport one of your “pot beautiful” successes to the vacant area and either situate the already growing potted container in the clearing or dig a hole and drop the whole combination planting into the ground!

Many are Missouri Botanical Garden favorites. These may also arrive as growing plants at your local garden center/ nursery. Take this short cut if it is offered as some summer bulbs can be challenging. Early watering and temperature requirements can be specific.

Here is a link and go ahead- think Summer-it will be here right on the heels of Spring!

www.bulb.com. And http://www.flower-garden-bulbs.com/summerflowerbulbs.html#ixzz1EcxcPvcY

pictured Canna 'Striata' / Mobot