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Daffodil- Narcissus, a popular harbinger of Spring, it’s a Fall planted bulb, and will also “naturalize” itself by multiplying underground. Daffodils should be planted in full sun, and watered intermittently, until the blossoms die and the foliage turns yellow. Like most Spring bulbs, the Daffodil does best in a pH of 6-7, with a single application of slow release bulb fertilizer once a season, usually in the Fall. Choose large, solid-feeling bulbs to start, as small bulbs may not flower the first year, and if they feel light, they may have dried up inside, or been eaten by an internal insect. Dig up and divide clumps of bulbs after they are done blooming, then replant. Can be grown in almost all zones.
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Tulip- This is likely the single most recognized floral sign of Spring. Long associated with Holland, the Tulip became a cultivated flower in the 16th century as more varieties arrived from Turkey and Iran. There are 100 species and hundreds of hybrids today, ranging in size from 6-24” high, single petals, doubled, smooth, ruffled, and ragged edged. Tulips look best in mass plantings in full sun. As with other bulbs, periodic digging up and division of bulbs, every 2-3 years, will keep them performing at their best.
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Hyacinth- Hyacinthus Orientalis is the species from which all modern versions of the Hyacinth were developed. Standard hyacinth bulbs grow to 8” and produce a spike of highly scented and decorative flowers in a wide range of colors. A favorite for forcing indoors, they grow best in full sun, in zones 4-9. The first year produces their finest blossoms, with subsequent years producing smaller and looser flowers.
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Crocus- Of the 80 species of Crocus, most are grown in colder climates, and are the first bulb out of the ground, in Springtime. However, there are Fall blooming and early winter varieties grown in warmer areas. A low plant at 6” high, it makes a good border or rock garden addition, planted in groups to maximize the effect of its colors, and green foliage. Can be naturalized on the edge of a field, or all over the lawn. Grows in zones 3-9.
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Anemone- also known as the Windflower, the shape of Anemones varies from a daisy-like narrow-petaled flower, to a cup shape, in a wide range of colors and bi-colors. The Anemone has a tendency to naturalize and grow lush carpets of flowers, every year. Does best in partial shade to full sun, and is a low growing plant at 4”. Grows in zones 4-8.
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Iris- The Iris actually comes as a “true” bulb, a globe-shaped storehouse that roots out the bottom, and also as a rhizome, the long root network that spreads horizontally under the ground and puts up new plants as it goes. Irises grown from the true bulbs, range in height from 8-24”, and typically have a different shaped leaf than the rhizome Iris. They come in almost all colors except true red, and do best in full sun. Grows in zones 3-9. In the coldest zones, some gardeners prefer to dig up their bulbs and store them inside for the winter.
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Giant Allium- Just one of the many varieties of allium, which are actually members of the onion and garlic family. The Giant Allium grows to a height of 40-60”, and produces a round, ball-shaped “bloom”, that can measure 10” across. Allium naturalizes well and is a good addition to gardens where deer or rodents are a problem, because they will act as a repellent. Comes in a variety of colors, weighted heavily to blue/purples, and grows best in full sun to semi-shade in zones 3-7.
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Snow Drops- One of the early flowers to greet the Spring sunshine these white, teardrop shaped petals and flowers, grow to a height of 5-6”. Naturalizes well in full sun and partial shade. Extremely hardy. Grows in zones 2-9. Can be dug up, divided and replanted after blooming.
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Striped squill- a delightful six-petaled flower that grows a mass of blossoms along the length of every 5-6” stem. Plant in full sun in the Fall, for early to mid Spring blooming. Comes in various colors with a darker stripe down the center of each petal. Makes a good border or rock garden plant. Excellent naturalizer. Grows in zones 4-8.
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Glory of the Snow-Chionodoxa luciliae, are a charming, low growing plant at 6”. Produces narrow, toothed edge leaves, and nodding white flowers. Excellent for borders and rock gardens. Does best in full sun, and will grow in most zones. Makes a better display when planted in clumps.
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