Types of Flower Bulbs
While we speak generically about a whole family of flowers as "bulbs", chances
are the one you are thinking about just might not be a "bulb". For those
who really want or need to know the difference, here they are:
Bulbs
Flower bulbs are generally teardrop shaped, with a pointed top and a round
bottom. The outer skin is dark brown and paperlike.
Propagation is accomplished by division. Baby bulbs are produced and are
attached closely to the mother bulb, at the bottom of the bulb. Baby bulbs
are produced rapidly each spring. If not separated after a few years, the
size of the flowers and plants diminishes as they compete for space and
nutrients.
| Common Name |
Botanical Name |
When to Plant |
When in Bloom |
| Allium |
Allium |
Fall |
Late Spring |
| Amaryllis or Lily |
Hippeastrum |
Summer |
Later Summer |
| Daffodils |
Narcissus |
Fall |
Spring |
| Grape Hyacinth |
Muscari |
Fall |
Spring |
| Hyacinth |
Hyacinthus |
Fall |
Spring |
| Iris |
Iris |
Fall |
Spring |
| Lily |
Liliun |
Fall |
Summer |
| Snowdrops |
Galanthus |
Fall |
Early Spring |
| Tulips |
Tulips |
Fall |
Spring |
Corms
Corms are similar to bulbs, and most people do not know the difference. The
bulb is shorter and rounder than bulbs, with a concave bottom. The outer
skin is brown, and hard. It does not separate easily from the rest of the
bulb. They usually have a flat top.
Corms propagate like bulbs, but the baby bulbs grow from the top of
the mother bulb. The mother bulb usually dies in one season ,after producing
it's offshoot.
| Common Name |
Botanical Name |
When to Plant |
When in Bloom |
| Autumn Crocus |
Colchicum |
Summer |
Fall |
| Crocus, Snow Crocus |
Crocus |
Fall |
Early Spring |
| Elephant's Ear |
Colocasia |
Spring |
Summer |
| Freesia |
Freesia |
Fall |
Spring |
| Gladiolus |
Gladiolus |
Spring |
Mid Summer |
Rhizomes or Tubers
Rhizomes are plants with a root like stem. The enlarged stem grows underground,
sending roots down and stem and leaves upward. Propagation is by dividing
the tubers into separate parts with at least one eye.
In the vegetable world, examples are Potatoes,
Yams,Ginsing, Ginger Root, and Jerusalem Artichoke.
| Common Name |
Botanical Name |
When to Plant |
When in Bloom |
| Tuberous Begonia |
Begonia |
Spring |
Summer |
| Cabba |
Canna |
Spring |
Summer |
| Caladium |
Caladium |
Spring |
Summer |
| Iris |
Iris |
Fall |
Summer |
| Lily of the Valley |
Convallaria |
Fall |
Spring |
Tuberous Roots
Tuberous roots are similar to Rhizomes. Except it is a true root. The enlarged
root sends out stems and leaves. Propagation is accomplished by separating
the roots.
| Common Name |
Botanical Name |
When to Plant |
When in Bloom |
| Clivia |
Clivia |
Anytime |
Spring |
| Dahlia |
Dahlia |
Spring |
Summer |
| DayLily |
Hemerocallis |
Spring |
Summer |
More Information:
Flower
Bulbs - Buy all of your favorite spring and fall bulbs
now.
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