Bulbs—the Best of Plants, the Worst of Plants
Courtesy photo
I have a deep admiration for plants that sprout from bulbs, whether they come from a bulb, tuber, or rhizome. These plants are typically easy to care for and have a long lifespan. My fascination with bulb plants began when I witnessed my great-grandmother's daffodils blooming and multiplying year after year. Even to this day, her daffodils and other bulbous plants continue to thrive, four decades after her passing.
Fall Delights
Some of the most beloved bulb plants blossom in the fall season. Spider lilies (Lycoris radiata) emerge from the soil like works of art, enticing bees with their vibrant colors. Oxblood lilies (Rhodophiala bifida) sport a darker shade of red but are equally captivating.
Enduring Beauty
Several years on, my great-grandmother's naked ladies (Nerine Bowdenii) still grace her garden. The sight of rain lilies in white (Zephyranthes candida), pink (Zephyranthes grandiflora), or miniature copper hues (Habranthus tubispathus va. texensis) never fails to bring me joy.
Summer Splendor
While bulb plants also bloom in the summer, the white Texas spider lily (Hymenocallis liriosme) and 'Casa Blanca' oriental lilies are among my personal favorites. The sight of tiger lilies and the tall Formosa lily in full bloom is truly a sight to behold. Although not true lilies, daylilies are favored for their reliability.
Spring Bloomers
Spring is the peak season for bulb plants, and now is the perfect time to secure your spring-flowering bulbs before stocks run out. Daffodils, muscari, leucojum, irises, and hardy amaryllis are known to return year after year. Tulips, hyacinths, alliums, crocuses, scillas, and various fritillarias are also delightful additions to any garden.
Shade-Friendly Options
For those with predominantly shady yards, purple shamrocks (Oxalis triangularis) can be grown from bulbs and have graced my garden for multiple seasons.
The Dark Side of Bulbs
Despite their longevity and reliability, why do some consider bulb plants a nuisance? Like any asset, these plants have their drawbacks. Weeds that sprout from bulbs, such as false garlic in spring or dayflower (Commelina) in summer, can be a nightmare to eliminate from your garden unless the bulb is uprooted. While some welcome dayflowers for their beautiful blue blooms, I find their tendency to multiply rapidly and create messy tangles frustrating.
If you find yourself battling a persistent weed that keeps coming back, you may be dealing with a bulbous plant. In such cases, digging out the bulb may be the only effective solution. However, one must act swiftly to prevent the weed from spreading faster than you can remove it.
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