Spring bulbs: perennialize vs. naturalize?
Christine Yesko
Many gardeners treat these two terms as though they are synonymous. Although they are not quite the same, both will get better every year.
Perennialize means that the bulb will grow and rebloom for several years. New bulbs will be formed, increasing the size of the clump, and eventually may benefit from dividing.
Naturalize means that the flowers also set seed, multiplying somewhat more quickly. Bulbs to naturalize are ideal for ground cover or to fill large open spaces. There are also certain varieties that fade after the first year, requiring replanting every one to three years. These are usually cross-bred and hybridized bulbs and will not state “good for perennializing” or “good for naturalizing” on the package.
These are just a few bulbs suited to perennialize or naturalize:
Bulbs for perennializing: Allium, Purple Sensation; Allium, Globemaster; Crocus, chrysanthus; most Daffodils; Hyacinth; Darwin Tulips; and Asiatic Lilies.
Bulbs for naturalizing: Most Daffodils; Daylily; Iris; Grape Hyacinth; Wild Tulips; Wood Hyacinth and Chionodoxa.
Most bulbs will require full sun to bloom well, but some will take partial shade. If you are in a region that experiences high winds, choose a short variety to minimize breakage. Just remember: Bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes, usually into early December.
Article obtained from the “Klein’s Newsletter”. Try to stay warm.
