NATURALIZING BULBS RHIZOMES AND TUBERS FOR THE HOUSTON AREA

By Dodie Jackson Garden Club of Houston

Our changing temperature extremes (colder winter spells, hotter summers, flooding rains, potential droughts) are triggering adjustments in our planting strategies with naturalizing bulbs, rhizomes and tubers.

Hard freezes will only make these hardier. However, with the increasing temperatures, bulbs need to planted in partial shade with good drainage. Do not overwater. Two notes:

• Scadoxus thrives on full sun, poor soils and good drainage with little water.

• Gloriosa Lily, in particular, should be planted so the base of the vine is shaded.

Plant beneath ground cover or behind a shrub. For early to mid-Spring blooms consider planting any of the following:

• Daffodils: Avalanche, Carlton and Fortune

• Paperwhites: Italicus, Galilea and Chinese Sacred Lily

• Tulip: Clusiana and Lady Jane

Smaller bulbs: Lucojum, Ipheon, Ixia, Scilla, Spraxis and Roman Hyacinth

For late Spring and Early Summer try planting: Amaryllis, Calla Lily, Byzantine Gladiola, Gloriosa Lily, Bearded Iris, Louisana Iris, Watsonia, Scadoxus, Triumpator Lily

For late Summer and into Fall plant: Oxblood Lily, Lycoris, Day Lily, Crinums, Gingers For year round color try: Rain Lily.