Plant some Fall Bulbs for Added Color in Your Garden

My garden is beginning to show the strain from the hot August days.

I needed something new to add some color. Fall periennels would probably not bloom this season and I wanted immediate color. So I think I am going to try some Fall blooming bulbs.

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)

The most commonly found plant is C. autumnale which blooms from from September to late October
• The flowers come up in the fall without leaves. The leaves grow in the spring and then go summer dormant - then the flowers come in the fall.



• Height:6-12 in
• Spacing:3-6 in
• Hardiness: Zone 5A-9B
• Sun Exposure:Full Sun
• Blooms in: Pale PinkWhite/Near White
• Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Fall Crocus (Crocus kotschyanus)

• This is the most hardy of the fall crocus which blooms in Mid Fall
• This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Also deer resistant
• Other more tender fall crocus are C. niveus, C. sativus, C. ochroleucus.
• Height:under 6 in.Spacing:3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
• Hardiness: Zone 3A to 9B
• Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade/Light Shade
• Blooms in: Pale Pink & Violet/Lavender
• Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. Water regularly; do not overwater
• Note: Colchicum corms are poisonous so do not allow children to play or handle these corms.

Hardy cyclamen (C hederifolium)

This fragrant flower grows well in shady garden beds that are well drained but rich in organic matter

This plant doesn't want standing water (or almost any water at all) and requires protection from the sun.

The leaves will disappear during the summer months so do not panic when you see them dying. That's what they do. The flowers will appear without leaves in mid fall but independently from the leaves.

• Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

• Sometimes you may have a problem finding in local garden centers

• Height: under 6 in

• Spacing:9-12 in

• Hardiness: 5A to 9B

• Sun Exposure: Light Shade

• Bloom Color:Pink
  
  

Lycoris, Naked Ladies & Surprise Lily

• One of the problems with this family of plants is that the names are terribly messed up. The best thing to do is to buy based on color rather than species
• Flowers are produced on leafless stems, in clusters of 6-12 blooms in late summer or early fall. The flower stalks come first and then the leaves come afterwards.
• This plant loves rich, well-drained soils and doesn't do well in sandy or clay soils.
• There are up to 19 species to choose from in various colors
• Height:18-36 in depending on the variety you choose
• Hardiness range: zones 6-10
• Sun Exposure:full sun or part shade
• Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

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Other postings that may be of interest:
When and How to Prune Roses for the Novice
8 Plants that Flower in the Winter
Great Fall Plants for your Containers and Planters