Time is ripe for summer bulbs
Considering the weather, it’s a stretch of the imagination to
think about spring, let alone summer.
Time is ripe for summer bulbs
Considering the weather, it’s a stretch of the imagination to think about spring, let alone summer.
Still, this is the time that smart shoppers scoop up bunches of summer bulbs. Planted now, they will bloom through October. Among the top summer bulbs for South Valley are tuberous begonias, dahlias, lilies, caladiums, cannas, elephant ears, gloriosa lilies, gladioli, callas, pineapple lilies, agapanthus, tuberose, crocosmia and others.
Summer bulbs are available at garden centers as bare bulbs for planting from late winter through late spring, and as pre-grown bedding plants in pots in late spring through summer. Some – particularly calla lilies – get greenhouse treatment and show up almost year round as potted plants.
Most summer bulbs are native to tropical and sub-tropical regions. Their heritage endows them with exotic good looks and strong need for warm weather.
But wait a minute. In USDA zone 9 and above, summer bulbs can be planted any time. And isn’t that nice that South Valley – in fact almost all of California – is zone 9? So there is no problem in planting these summer wonders any time, and leaving them in the ground year round.
Although the calla lily is not as exotic looking as some other summer bulbs, it is still my favorite. Why? Because it is remarkably hardy, grows without much effort, and the big bold white flowers are blooming their hearts out when there is little else flowering. Although callas are called summer flowers, they start blooming in late winter – you can seem them in yards all around the South Valley – and will be with us into summer.
The real show stoppers in summer, though, are the “other” lilies – those exotic flowers that are collectively known as Asian lilies. As with most plants, there are more to these lilies than a catch-all name:
– Asiatic hybrids: With lots of buds and bright spotted blossoms, these are the type most often found in florist shops and flower stands. The flowers grow closer together on the stem than do other lilies, making them perfect for use in large flower-filled bouquets. They can be grown in the garden in sunny locations, and are good bets for beginners.
– Oriental hybrids: Known for their flamboyant appearance, they are superstars among the lilies. Oriental lilies have large lucious highly scented flowers. They are usually more expensive than Asiatic lilies, but it only takes a few to fill a vase.
– L/A hybrids. This is the newest category of lily, introduced in 1992. Don’t be fooled by the familar initials. These lilies weren’t name for our Southern California neighbors, but for their parentage. They are a cross between Longiflorum lilies (L) and Asiatic hybrids (A). The result: new brightly colored trumpet-type lilies.
What to do: These lilies are hardy bulbs that require minimum care. At the garden center, choose firm, plump bulbs with roots attached. Most are sold pre-packaged as single bulbs or groups of three.
The bulbs will rot in poorly drained soil, so pick a sunny spot with good drainage. Dig deep planting holes, enrich the spot with compos, and add a slow-release fertilizer. Plant the bulbs in groups of three or five, spaced 1 foot apart Put the next group 3 to 5 feet away. Follow planting instructions on the package. If no instructions, then plant the large bulbs 6 inches deep, measuring from the top of the bulb.
These lilies are mostly disease resistant. Water by soaking the base of the plant, and keep water off the leaves. Pick off (deadhead) the spent flowers as they die back. The bloom period is through October, after which the plants can be cut down for next season’s growth.
If you want to know more about lilies, check the Website of the North American Lily Society, www.lilies.org. This site includes lily bulb sources beyond the common ones found in garden centers.
A Reader Wants to Know: I’ve been waiting for the weather to warm up to overseed my lawn. Do you think it’s OK to do it now?
Joan Says: Yes, this is a good time. Pick a low-water-using blend to overseed the worn patches in your lawn.
