The Garden Gazette

The Daffodil ‘Mount Hood’, ‘Narcissi trumpet’, a fall planted bulb, is an old-time favorite, introduced in 1937, and it is unsurpassed for its length of bloom. They exhibit enormous flowers, pure as fresh-fallen snow. When the flower opens, it is at first creamy yellow, and as it matures, it turns into pure white. They are highly recommended for your early spring garden. The blossoms last up to 4 weeks and appear in mid spring. They are great for mass plantings, containers, and borders. Mount Hood Daffodil bulbs, once planted, can remain in the ground for many years. They will multiply and produce the most abundant flowering results in the 2nd and 3rd year. If necessary, very large clumps of bulbs can be lifted as soon as the leaves wither, and then they can be divided and replanted as soon as possible. After flowering, let the leaves yellow before cutting them back. The plants are deer, rabbit, and squirrel resistant.

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The Daffodil ‘Paperwhite Chinese Sacred Lily’, ‘Narcissi tazetta’, is a fall planted bulb. Ward off winter blues by growing paperwhites indoors. Paperwhites are exceptionally fragrant flowers, that can be cultivated in pots or dishes containing either pebbles and water, or soil. They are one of the easiest bulbs to grow indoors, since they do not require any precooling. Each stem produces a perky cluster of pure white flowers with golden yellow bells. Store the pots in a cool (50-60?F), dark place. Water once a week until the bulbs begin to grow. When the sprouts emerge, move the pots to a sunny location. Try growing in a variety of decorative materials, or adding seashells or colored stones for interest. These fast growing Daffodils are great for containers and southern climates.

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The Tulip ‘Monte Beau’, ‘Tulipa double early’, is a fall planted bulb. Monte Beau has light yellow petals with dark yellow petal veins. As their name implies, double early tulips bloom early in the season with long-lasting, rose-like double flowers which open flat in the full sun. When planted in a compact group, these short-stemmed tulips develop into a magnificent carpet of color. Combine them with early daffodils and hyacinths for a wonderful welcome to spring. These tulips bloom in early spring for a 3 week period. For the best effects, plant the bulbs in clusters of 5 to 15 bulbs of one variety, or scatter clusters throughout the garden or flower border. Tulips do best in well-drained soil. It is advisable not to plant tulips in the same location in the garden year after year. If possible, plant in a somewhat sheltered location. Tulips are excellent for mass planting, rock gardens, containers and borders.

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The Peruvian Daffodil, ‘Ismene Festalis’, produce large flower clusters that rise from Amaryllis-like foliage. This daffodil may be started indoors and it is very fragrant. The 4-inch flowers are borne atop 2-foot, leafless flower stalks in midsummer. Each stem may hold 2 to 5 flowers, which are white with green stripes. The leaves are strap-like and may be up to two feet long. Peruvian daffodils are hardy in zones 8 to 10, but can be grown outside this range if the bulbs are dug and stored in a frost-free location over winter.

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