Lesser Known Autumn Bulbs
By Brenda Hyde
We all love tulips, daffodils and crocus, but there are
some charming bulbs that aren't as well known, but add
just as much beauty to your spring garden!
-Scilla siberica (Squills)-These charming little flowers grow
from 4-6 inches tall, and will grow in Zones 3-8. Plant them in
sun or partial shade about 4 inches deep. They will bloom in
early spring. Squills look like dainty little bells and work great
in rock gardens, under trees or in your perennial beds. They
are best planted in larger groups because they are so tiny.
-Fritillarias are a unique bulb, steeped in rich history back to the
Greek times. The blooms are oddly colored and seem to be
upside down or drooping. They should be handled carefully with
gloves because they may cause a rash in some people. They
also have a strange smell, which many people hate-I think for
this reason you may want to put them in a back corner or an
out of the way place. However, they are so unique don't skip
them because of these quirks! The regular varieties such as
crown imperial grow up to 24 inches tall. They like well drained
but fertile soil, so prepare your bed well. Sun or light shade is
fine-shade is better if you have hot temps in the spring.
-Allium-Yes, these really are flowering onions! They are unique
and rodent resistant-always a good thing in my book. The flowers
can be used for cutting or drying, and they come in various colors,
shapes and sizes.You've probably seen the large purple balls in
flower beds, but there are beautiful varieties with sprays of nodding
flowers in pinks, purples and creams. Depending on the variety,
they will grow in Zones 3-10 and will bloom in May through July.
A good soil, well-drained, in full sun is the best location.
-Anemones Blanda-a small, daisy-like spring tuber in pinks, white
and purples. In Zones 3 and 4 you can grow with a good
mulching for protection. It does need protection in temps
below about 23 degrees. Well drained soil with sun is the
best location, but you can try afternoon sun only. They have
fern like foliage and look best in clumps of 6 or more, spaced
only about 2 inches apart. Because they are so tiny, try
planting them near the house-somewhere you will be sure to
see them in the spring-in front of evergreens in always good.
-Galanthus-know as the snowdrop, is such a charming plant
It's the first to peek out of the snow and greet us in the spring!
Plant in full sun to light shade in soil that is fairly moist-it can
even be on the heavier side, unlike some bulbs require. Space
the bulbs about 4 inches apart, and plant 4 inches deep. The
average height is about 10 inches. They do spread, and grow in
clumps, and do look better in groups. Again, under trees, or in
front of evergreens is a good location.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is an avid gardener, freelance writer and
editor living in the Midwest with her husband and three
children.
BULB & PERENNIAL RESOURCES:
Spring Hill Nursery
Gurney's Nursery
Nature Hills Nursery
Pacific Callas
Bloomingbulb
National Gardening Association
DirectGardening.com 
Jackson & Perkins
White Flower Farm
Dutch Gardens
