Texas Tough Spring Perennial Flowering Bulbs

November 5, 2018 | By webadmin

While tulips first to come to mind when discussing spring flowers, there are many other Texas tough bulb choices. Instead of replanting annual bulbs (such as tulips) every single year - why not give perennial bulbs a try? Perennial bulbs keep on giving – and spreading – in your garden year after year.

Grape Hyacinth

One of the hardiest, and dare we say cutest, perennial bulbs is the grape hyacinth. Also known by its genus Muscari, these little guys grow from quarter sized bulbs to heights for 6-8”, blooming early in the season with daffodils. These should always be planted en masse to experience the full effect in the landscape. Muscari comes in white, purples, and light blue but the stunning cobalt blue is a favorite among most gardeners. They should be planted 3-4” deep in sun or shade, and do best when let naturalize.  

Grape Hyaciths are great as a border.

Daffodils

Sunny and happy daffodils are the classic harbingers of spring. One of the easiest Texas-tough bulbs to grow, they come in many sizes, colors, and types. Some of our favorites include double ‘Tahiti’, late-bloomer clear white ‘Thalia’, large-cupped classic ‘Carlton’, sweet little yellow ‘Tete-a-Tete, and bright salmon-cupped ‘Chromocolor’. Large cupped daffodils also naturalize easily and should be planted at least 6” deep. Bonus: many daffodils provide wonderful fragrances in your garden and as cut flowers.

Container tip: Daffodils and grape hyacinth even work great paired with tulips in pots – extending the bloom season a bit earlier and longer.

'Tete-a-Tete', 'Chromocolor', and 'Thalia'

Spanish bluebells

Hyacinthoides hispanica, or Spanish bluebells are native to Spain, but are tough enough to thrive here in Texas. There are a super easy bulb to plant & forget! Spanish bluebells naturalize in full sun to part sun conditions quickly and bloom a lovely light blue in mid to late spring. They work well in woodland settings or as front border or even in a rock garden. Plant a handful of bulbs 3-4” deep and watch them spread each year.

Dutch Iris

There are many types of iris, but Dutch Iris (Iris hollandica) are the species to plant with your other spring blooming bulbs, such as tulips. They bloom at a height of 18-24” and make wonderful cut flowers. Flower colors vary from clear white and yellow, to blues, purples and bicolors. Since Dutch Iris are on the tall side, they work well planted behind smaller perennial bulbs and plants. The bulbs should be planted 4-6” deep, and as with most bulbs, plant in clumps for the best show.

Stunning blue and yellow Dutch Iris.

If you love spring blooming bulbs, but don’t want the maintenance yearly tulip plantings require, make sure to incorporate some of these perennial bulbs into your landscape beds. Call us for help with bringing your spring garden to life!