Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Bulb planning and planting: bulbs for the middle of your border

These taller bulbs can hold their own in the middle of your perennial border.

Daffodils 'Thalia'


Daffodils 'Thalia'
Height: 14"
Blooms very late spring.

When gardeners ask for a white daffodil, this is the one we recommend. The exquisite narcissus is the snowiest white of all the white daffodils. It produces 2-3 fragrant blossoms per stem.


Daffodils 'Fragrant Rose'


Daffodils 'Fragrant Rose'
Height: 16"
Blooms late spring.

Large-cupped Daffodils are the workhorses of the Daffodil world. The beauty of this flower is in its peachy pink, goblet-shaped cup and its exceptional fragrance, which reminds some folks of old garden Roses.


Daffodils 'Parisienne'


Daffodils 'Parisienne'
Height: 16"
Blooms mid-spring.

'Parisienne' is a delightful bi-color daffodil that has white petals and a deep orange cup.


Daffodils 'Delnashaugh'


Daffodils 'Delnashaugh'
Height: 18"
Blooms Late spring.

I don't know that the picture does these ruffley beauties justice. 'Delnashaugh' produces large and lovely double white flowers with a delicate salmon heart.


Daffodils 'Petit Four'


Daffodils 'Petit Four'
Height: 18"
Blooms early spring.

A unique daffodil voted the Number 2 Show Flower at the 1983 Narcissus Show at Keukenhof, Holland. Beautiful contrast between the white petals and the apricot-rose crown.


Allium 'Purple Sensation'

Shown here in a lovely combo with Hesperus.



Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Height: 30"
Blooms very late spring.

Big bang for your buck, and look how great they look in big numbers. The photo above shows a grouping of 25. The 'Purple Sensation' are so affordable, you can do that too!


Fritillaria 'Ivory Bells'




Fritillaria 'Ivory Bells'
Height: 32"
Blooms mid-spring.

Also known as Fritillaria of Persia, Ivory Bells is a rare and unusual variety. It bears white bell flowers on tall spikes that grow up to 3 feet high. The mid-Spring flowers are deliciously fragrant and exude a natural old-fashioned charm. Matte green foliage creates a base that showcases the flowers.