Bulbs For ALL Seasons
Yes They Exist!
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Okay, so maybe you are not as horticulturally ignorant as I am, but until recently I still conceived (even with all my vast training) of flowering bulbs as a spring and fall thing. There is, however, a whole series of options that add interest throughout the summer. Here are a couple of my current favorites found in Hershey Children’s Garden:
- Eucomis comosa is the pineapple lily. This semi-hardy South African bulb provides interesting spikes of color for a solid week (if I recall) and the broad, coarse leaves add great textural interest.
- Many lilies, Lillium sp., are wonderful to behold. An unknown orange cultivar, pictured above, is blooming as I write this article.
- Triteleia sp. is actually a cormous set of fourteen species, but it’s delightful summer blue is worth pointing out. The blooms last for approximately a week and definitely like more sun. Come see such a display as seen below.
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July 1st, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Hi Josh, I saw that you referred to it as “semi-hardy” in your post, so I have to ask: How touchy has that pineapple lily been for you at the CBG?
I can get many zone 6 plants to overwinter in my garden in Lakewood, but I do lose a few here and there. Last year my biggest gamble was on two different types of zauschneria (California fucshia) and I lost both of them. This year I bought, among other things, a ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ eucomis comosa to try. So I’m curious to hear how it has done for you, if you wouldn’t mind… :)