Victoria Gardens' Favorite Spring Bulbs

We believe when you plant into fall, you spring into color. Few things are as satisfying to a gardener as the green tips of spring bulbs emerging from the sleeping soil - except perhaps the colorful blooms that follow! Click the link below for:

Ten simple ways to stop wild animals from digging, eating or stealing your newly planted tulips & crocus.

When we choose which spring-blooming bulbs to bring into stock, we choose the flowers that have performed the best year after year here in Ulster county. We have the benefit of field-testing new varieties and watching some varieties naturalize and bloom again and again for the past twenty years. Here are just a few of our favorites:


Antoinette is a wonderful tulip for cutting. Each petal is a painterly springtime combination of butter yellow, white, and Easter pink. The bulbs are multiflowering, which makes Anntoinette a must have. If you like cutting from your garden, you will love this tulip.

Fantasy, Lambadda, and Apricot Parrot are exotic feather-edged, multi-colored tulips that will dress up your garden or your table. Tulips, unfortunately need to be protected from critters and deer, so if you don't have a fence you will have to diligently spray deer repellent.

For those of you with gardens in the middle of deer territory, not to fear, we have a wide assortment of deer resistant bulbs. One of the most under-used (but awesome) deer resistant bulbs is Allium 'Ivory Queen.' Every May when they bloom at the nursery, everyone asks, What's that plant? We planted three bulbs in this spot three years ago in full sun, and every year they have multiplied and the foliage and flowers have gotten bigger.


Fritillaria persica and Fritillaria persica 'Ivory Bells'

Fritillaria persica (also deer resistant!) is very sculptural with tufts of green pineapple-like leaves on top of the large (2' to 4' tall) hanging bell-shaped flowers. A stunning companion to white tulips, hellebore or the coveted, greenish-white Fritillaria persica 'Ivory Bells.'

Camassia 'caerulea'

Another deer resistant beauty, Camassia 'caerulea' which put up lovely spikes of lavender blue flowers. Ideal for heavy clay to loamy soils! Camassia can tolerate full sun to part shade and can grow pond side or stream side. The flowers are very long lasting making them ideal for cut flowers to be used in flower arrangements. Camassia 'Semiplena' produces tall spikes of large, white, semi-double flowers.

Both naturalizing and deer resistant, Daffodils are the reliable gold standard. Diminutive varieties like Tete a tete and Bellsong can planted at the front of beds while taller varieties like Dutch Master and Hawera can be used throughout your perennial border. And not all Daffodils are gold in color, white, peach and and soft pink are also available.


Daffodil Delnshaugh

Not all bulbs bloom at the same time, so you can choose a variety and have a constantly blooming show of bulbs from early spring to early summer. Stop by the nursery and we'll help you plan your spring blooms.

Bulbs Arrive September 15th!

Spring blooming bulbs arrive September 15th.

Many Deer Resistant Spring and Early Summer Flowering Bulbs! Here are a few:



GRAPE HYACINTH (Muscari)

Sweet fragrance and a brilliant blue color have made Grape Hyacinth long standing favorites. This is the perfect little bulb for massing under trees that haven't yet leafed out. And it doesn't take many bulbs to rapidly spread into a mass planting. For more information read this article from Fine Gardening.

* Height: 4 - 7"
* Bloom Time: Mid-Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 3 - 9



SCILLA, SQUILL or STAR OF HOLLAND (Scilla siberica)

These little charmers work best when allowed to naturalize in the lawn. They surprise you every year with a carpet of dazzling blue. If you find yourself looking out the window, searching for signs of spring, scilla won't disappoint.

* Height: 4 - 6"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones 1 - 9



SNOWDROPS (Galanthus nivalis)

They look like snowdrops and they bloom while the snow is still dropping. If Galanthus has a drawback, it's that it can't take any heat. But just like crocus, Galanthus lets us know that ground is warming. Plant them near a door or walkway for the best view.

* Height: 4 - 6"
* Bloom Time: Very Early Spring
* Exposure: Sun
* Zones: 3 - 9



WINTER ACONITE (Eranthis cilicica)

With its upturned petals and down turned foliage, Eranthis can form a thick clump fast. The yellow flowers generally bloom at the same time as Scilla and dwarf iris and make a nice complement.

* Height: 2 - 4"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 4 - 7

ALLIUM

Ornamental onions are among the most deer resistant flowering bulbs. The most commonly know alliums have pom pom like blossoms on top of single, straight stalks. There is, however, a fair amount of variation in the species. Allium schubertii looks like a fireworks sparkler. Others, like Allium unifolium and Allium bulgaricum are bell shaped. You can find alliums in almost every color and height and their bloom times vary throughout the season. Allium are also rodent resistant.

* Height: Varies (4" - 4')
* Bloom Time: Late Spring - Early Summer
* Exposure: Full Sun
* Zones: 4 - 9

CROCUS

The bright colors of crocus are a welcome sign that the soil is starting to warm. Crocus will even bloom in the snow. This versatile little spreader can be used as a ground cover or as an accent. Plant a few by your mail box to make the walk down to collect your mail worth it.

* Height: 4"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones 3 - 9

DWARF IRIS ( Iris reticulata )

You get the familiar iris flower on a low growing, spreading plant that blooms early in the season. What's not to like. You can find Iris reticulata in blues, purples and white. They all blend extremely well with other spring bloomers.

* Height: 4 - 6"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 5 - 9

Fritillaria

Fritillaria add a touch of drama to your spring garden. From the dramatic, loud colors of 'Crown Imperial', to the speckles of 'Guinea Hens' (Fritillaria meleagris ), the deep purple of Fritillaria persica, the bi-colors and the creamy white 'Ivory Bells", Fritillaria will be noticed. They look exotic, but they are fuss-free, easy growers. Fritillaria are also rodent resistant.

* Height: Varies (10 - 24")
* Bloom Time: Mid-Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Shade
* Zones: 4 - 9

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.

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

Obviously our favorite shorty for the front of your perennial bed:

Allium 'Ivory Queen'


Allium 'Ivory Queen'
Height: 8"
Blooms very late Spring.

Why do we love them so much: the low, shapely leaves and the compact, long lasting white flowers.


Muscari armeniacum




Muscari armeniacum
Height: 6"
Blooms Mid-spring

Why do we love them: bright blue flowers edged with a very thin line of white. (They are inexpensive and they naturalize.)


Scilla siberica


Scilla siberica
Height: 6"
Blooms in early spring

Why we love them: naturalizing and delicate downward facing flowers wave in the early spring breeze.


Daffodils 'February Gold'


Daffodils 'February Gold'
Height: 10"
Blooms early-spring

Why we love them: they naturalize and spread effortlessly.


Daffodils 'Tete a Tete'


Daffodils 'Tete a Tete'
Height: 10"
Blooms early-spring

Why we love them: sooo fragrant!


Daffodils 'Jack Snipe'


Daffodils 'Jack Snipe'
Height: 10"
Blooms Mid-spring

Why we love them: they are rock garden rock stars.

Bulb Planting: Top 3 Bulb Planting Tips!

#1 Bulb Planting tip: Mix Bulb-tone in with your soil when you plant your bulbs and sprinkle established bulbs with Bulb-tone in the fall! (See Bulb-tone note below*)

#2 Bulb Planting tip: It is easiest to plant bulbs after you cut your perennial garden back. Squeeze bulbs into the spaces in between all your perennials (remember that your bulbs are up and over before your perennials have filled in.)

#3 Bulb Planting tip: Plant in groupings of seven and nine for dramatic impact.



*Bulb-tone info:

Espoma Bulb-tone 3-5-3 fertilizer for flowering bulbs.
A Complete Plant Food with All 15 Essential Nutrients

Perfect for all bulbs including tulips, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths
Complex blend of natural organics provide complete & balanced feeding of all 15 nutrients.

Environmentally safe. No sludges, hazardous or toxic ingredients.
Long lasting, slow release. Won’t burn or leach away.
Contains organic matter rich in vitamins and beneficial microbes to improve soil.

1 pound equals approx. 3 cupfuls

New Plantings

Row Plantings: Apply Bulb-tone at the rate of 1 lb (or 3 cupfuls). for each 25 ft. of row. Mix Bulb-tone well into the soil. Place bulbs at proper depth and cover with soil.

Individual Bulb Planting: Dig hole to proper depth. Mix 1 heaping teaspoonful of Bulb-tone in bottom of hole with soil. Cover this mixture with a small amount of soil. Insert bulb at correct depth and cover with soil.

Bed Plantings: Spade the soil deeply and mix 5 lbs. of Bulb-tone into 100 sq. ft. of soil (or 1 cup for every 7 sq. ft.) of soil. Plant bulbs at proper depth and spacing and cover with soil.

When spring or summer plantings reach a height of 6 inches, a side dressing of 1 lb. (or 3 cups) to each 25 feet of row or 5 lbs. to each 100 square feet of bed. Individual plants may be fed by applying a heaping teaspoonful around and 2 to 3 inches away from each plant. Dahlias and gladioli may be fed monthly.

Established Fall Plantings

Apply Bulb-tone at the rate of 5 lbs. to each 100 square feet (or 1 cup per 7 sq. ft.) after plants have bloomed. This will provide plant food for strengthening the bulbs for the following years growth.

Fall Bulbs: Plant into Fall, Spring into Color

When we choose which spring-blooming bulbs to bring into stock, we choose the flowers that have performed the best year after year here in Ulster county. We have the benefit of field-testing new varieties and watching some varieties naturalize and bloom again and again for the past twenty years. Here are just a few of our favorites:

For those of you with gardens in the middle of deer territory, not to fear, we have a wide assortment of deer resistant bulbs. One of the most under-used (but awesome) deer resistant bulbs is Allium ‘Ivory Queen.’ Every May when they bloom at the nursery, everyone asks, What’s that plant? We planted three bulbs in this spot three years ago in full sun, and every year they have multiplied and the foliage and flowers have gotten bigger. Read more about Allium 'Ivory Queen'.

Allium ‘Purple Sensation’, ‘Gladiator’, and ‘Globe Master’ stand as tall as their masculine names imply. Plant in groups of five or seven and the spherical clusters of blooms will be a focal point in your garden late spring to early summer.

Fritillaria persica (also deer resistant!) is very sculptural with tufts of green pineapple-like leaves on top of the large (2’ to 4’ tall) hanging bell-shaped flowers. A stunning companion to white tulips, hellebore or the coveted, greenish-white Fritillaria persica ‘Ivory Bells.’

Another deer resistant beauty, Camassia 'caerulea' which put up lovely spikes of lavender blue flowers. Ideal for heavy clay to loamy soils! Camassia can tolerate full sun to part shade and can grow pond side or stream side. The flowers are very long lasting making them ideal for cut flowers to be used in flower arrangements. Camassia 'Semiplena' produces tall spikes of large, white, semi-double flowers.

Both naturalizing and deer resistant, Daffodils are the reliable gold standard. Diminutive varieties like Tete a tete and Jet Fire can planted at the front of beds while taller varieties like Dutch Master and Hawera can be used throughout your perennial border. And not all Daffodils are gold in color, white, peach and and soft pink are also available.

Banja Luka is a wonderful tulip for cutting. The flower is incredibly, enchantingly big. Last year Victoria was stunned when the blooms opened even bigger as they sat in a vase on her desk. If you like cutting from your garden, you will love this tulip. Fantasy, Green Wave and Texas Gold are all exotic feather-edged, multi-colored tulips that will dress up your garden or your table. Tulips, unfortunately need to be protected from critters (see sidebar) and deer, so if you don’t have a fence you will have to diligently spray deer repellent.

Not all bulbs bloom at the same time, so you can choose a variety and have a constantly blooming show of bulbs from early spring to early summer. Stop by the nursery and we’ll help you plan your spring blooms.

Ten simple ways to stop wild animals from digging, eating or stealing your newly planted tulips & crocus.

Ten simple ways to stop wild animals from digging, eating or stealing your newly planted tulips & crocus. Save your bulbs from hungry wildlife or destructive critters!

Here are some suggestions for how to prevent wild animals such as mice, voles, moles, woodchucks, chipmunks, skunks, and deer from digging up or eating or otherwise destroying your newly planted bulbs (without the benefit of Ewoks to stand guard of course).

1. Dip your bulbs in animal repellent before planting. We carry an organic animal repellent liquid that smells like peppermint, so it will keep the critters away, but it won’t make you gag.

2. Plant pellets of mole and vole repellent in the hole with your bulbs. The organic pellets contain castor bean oil, which keeps the critters at bay.

3. Water well to firm in the soil around newly planted bulbs. Nothing calls to chipmunks like soft, freshly dug ground.

4. Another strategy to guard your bulbs from scavenging chipmunks is to trim the stakes of a gridded peony support and push the shorted plant support into the dirt over your bulbs, so the metal grid is flush with the soil. You can leave it in the ground all year long, and your bulbs will grow up in between the grid.

5. Line your planting hole with old window screen or chicken wire, cover with a layer of soil, and plant your bulbs within the protected hole.

6. Plant sticks with your bulbs, criss-crossed and pointing in all directions to discourage tunneling moles and voles.

7. Get rid of moles and voles permanently by killing the grubs they feed on. Use Milky Spore (organic, kid-safe, pet-safe) on your lawn. The spores kill the grubs, and as the grubs decompose, the spores multiply. One application of Milky Spore will stay active in your soil for years to come. This has the added benefit of reducing the Japanese Beetle population.

8. Plant your bulbs in a pot in your garden. By sinking a plastic pot into your garden soil, you can deter moles and voles from getting at them them from below.

9. Plant sharp shards of broken terracotta pots in the hole with your bulbs.

10. Plant Daffodils instead. Daffodils are toxic (when ingested) and that’s why the deer also leave them alone.

In the spring, as soon as you see green breaking through the soil, spray deer repellent and enjoy your spring blooms!

Try one or all of theses organic, kid-safe/pet-safe techniques to guard your precious spring color from the wild animals and hungry critters!

For more Star Wars vs. Chipmunk images: http://www.parsingnonsense.com/ttdnst-chipmunk-whimsy/

Spring-Blooming Bulbs Have Arrived!

We have many Deer Resistant Spring and Early Summer Flowering Bulbs! Here are a few:



GRAPE HYACINTH (Muscari)

Sweet fragrance and a brilliant blue color have made Grape Hyacinth long standing favorites. This is the perfect little bulb for massing under trees that haven't yet leafed out. And it doesn't take many bulbs to rapidly spread into a mass planting. For more information read this article from Fine Gardening.

* Height: 4 - 7"
* Bloom Time: Mid-Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 3 - 9



SCILLA, SQUILL or STAR OF HOLLAND (Scilla siberica)

These little charmers work best when allowed to naturalize in the lawn. They surprise you every year with a carpet of dazzling blue. If you find yourself looking out the window, searching for signs of spring, scilla won't disappoint.

* Height: 4 - 6"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones 1 - 9



SNOWDROPS (Galanthus nivalis)

They look like snowdrops and they bloom while the snow is still dropping. If Galanthus has a drawback, it's that it can't take any heat. But just like crocus, Galanthus lets us know that ground is warming. Plant them near a door or walkway for the best view.

* Height: 4 - 6"
* Bloom Time: Very Early Spring
* Exposure: Sun
* Zones: 3 - 9



WINTER ACONITE (Eranthis cilicica)

With its upturned petals and down turned foliage, Eranthis can form a thick clump fast. The yellow flowers generally bloom at the same time as Scilla and dwarf iris and make a nice complement.

* Height: 2 - 4"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 4 - 7

ALLIUM

Ornamental onions are among the most deer resistant flowering bulbs. The most commonly know alliums have pom pom like blossoms on top of single, straight stalks. There is, however, a fair amount of variation in the species. Allium schubertii looks like a fireworks sparkler. Others, like Allium unifolium and Allium bulgaricum are bell shaped. You can find alliums in almost every color and height and their bloom times vary throughout the season. Allium are also rodent resistant.

* Height: Varies (4" - 4')
* Bloom Time: Late Spring - Early Summer
* Exposure: Full Sun
* Zones: 4 - 9

CROCUS

The bright colors of crocus are a welcome sign that the soil is starting to warm. Crocus will even bloom in the snow. This versatile little spreader can be used as a ground cover or as an accent. Plant a few by your mail box to make the walk down to collect your mail worth it.

* Height: 4"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones 3 - 9

DWARF IRIS ( Iris reticulata )

You get the familiar iris flower on a low growing, spreading plant that blooms early in the season. What's not to like. You can find Iris reticulata in blues, purples and white. They all blend extremely well with other spring bloomers.

* Height: 4 - 6"
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 5 - 9

Fritillaria

Fritillaria add a touch of drama to your spring garden. From the dramatic, loud colors of 'Crown Imperial', to the speckles of 'Guinea Hens' (Fritillaria meleagris ), the deep purple of Fritillaria persica, the bi-colors and the creamy white 'Ivory Bells", Fritillaria will be noticed. They look exotic, but they are fuss-free, easy growers. Fritillaria are also rodent resistant.

* Height: Varies (10 - 24")
* Bloom Time: Mid-Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Shade
* Zones: 4 - 9

GLORY OF THE SNOW (Chinodoxa forbesii )

Similar to Scilla siberica, Glory of the Snow works best as a ground cover or naturalized in the lawn. Each bulbs provides multiple blue, star-shaped blossoms with white centers, that start to bloom as the snow is melting.

* Height: 4 - 8 "
* Bloom Time: Early Spring
* Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
* Zones: 3 - 9

What is that plant?

Every spring we get asked over and over again, "What is that plant?"

It is an Ivory Queen allium. We planted three bulbs in this spot three years ago, and every year they have multiplied and the foliage and flowers have gotten bigger. They are very happy in full sun, and they are deer-resistant!

We carry these as bulbs in the fall, but everyone always forgets to come back for them. So, this year we are making a list of people who want to preorder the "Ivory Queens." You can call us (845-658-9007), stop by, or email us and let us know how many of these stunning spring-blooming bulbs you want.