Layering Bulbs in Containers
Bulb Layering
Fall is when spring blooms are planted. But why settle for just Tulips, when you can also enjoy Daffodils, Crocus , Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) and other miscellaneous bulbs planted in the same spot to produce three waves of bloom, brightening your spring scene for weeks and weeks on end?
The technique is called layering. It involves planting layers of different types of bulbs in the same spot, with the various types blooming in secession. By overlapping their bloom times you can create spots of seemingly “perpetual color” featuring double-decker and two-tone color effects.
Following are instructions for planting bulbs in layers The instructions feature Crocus, Daffodils, Grape Hyacinths and Tulips as the early, mid and late blooming bulbs, but any early-mid-late combo that pleases you will work..
For three waves of bloom, you’ll need bulbs that bloom in early-spring, mid-spring, and late-spring. Different types of flower bulbs bloom at different times. Bulb packages list this information on the labels. When making selections, choose some with overlapping bloom times so that the planting remains colorful all season..
Minimize Cold, Wind Exposure
Choose large containers to plant in, the larger the better to minimize the effects of wind and cold exposure. In colder climates, freezing can be an issue so you must choose either a very large container to protect the bulbs (whiskey barrel-sized and up) or place containers in protected areas away from extreme cold and wind (against a house foundation, for instance).
Another technique is to group large containers close together in an area protected from wind and extreme cold, and then wrap the whole grouping with burlap or other insulating material.
If it’s simply too cold in your area to protect containers from freezing, regardless of size, don’t try over-wintering bulbs in outdoor containers. Those in USDA zones 6 and colder should be wary, though local microclimates and heavy-duty protective measures may make a difference.
Choose Early, Mid, Late Blooming Varieties
Excellent bulb choices for layering would be Crocus (early-season), Daffodils and Grape Hyacinths (mid-season), with the same Grape Hyacinths still there in bloom with the Tulips (mid to late season).
Positioning the Bulbs
To picture planting in layers: pretend you are making lasagna! You’ll plant the largest bulbs approximately 8-inches (20 cm) deep, smaller bulbs 4-inches deep. Potting soil provides the layers under, over and in-between. This layout positions the smaller bulbs above the larger bulbs, which is convenient as the Crocus and Grape Hyacinths sprout and bloom earlier than the Tulips and Daffodils.
Fill the base of the container with potting soil. Measuring from the container top rim, allow two to three inches for mulch or open space to retain water, then measure 8 inches deeper to position your first layer of bulbs.
The first layer will sit about 11 inches below the container rim. Here you put the Tulips and Daffodils, pointy end up. Intermix the bulbs so Tulips and Daffodils are fairly evenly distributed overall. Position the bulbs close together, even touching, as you want maximum bloom from this container.
Leave several inches open around the perimeter of the container. No bulbs should touch the container sides, as this area is most vulnerable to freezing. Add three inches of soil around and above the first layer (think sauce!).
Now comes your second layer: the smaller bulbs including Crocus and Muscari. Again, intermix the bulbs so the Crocus and Muscari are evenly distributed, packing them in close together. Don’t worry that the growing sprouts will bump into one another when they come up next spring. Bulbs tend to grow around one another! Top off with five inches of potting soil and water well.
For top dressing, add mulch and, perhaps, colorful pansies, too, for an appealing touch of additional color in fall and winter.
Three Waves of Color
As spring arrives, sit back and watch the show as three waves of colorful bulb flowers come up, bloom and move on:
1st Bloom Wave, Early Spring: Crocuses bloom, then fade away.
2nd Bloom Wave, Mid-Season: Daffodils and Grape Hyacinths bloom, then Daffodils fade away.
3rd Bloom Wave, Late Season: The same Grape Hyacinths keep on blooming, now joined by blooming Tulips, then both fade away. it’s all done!
As each wave blooms, then fades and dies back, that wave's leaves will remain. Crocus leaves are attractive, slim and grass-like, just let them be. Daffodil leaves are also nice but you may want to snip off the faded flowers. Tulips are the grand finale, which is a good thing as fading Tulip leaves are unattractive.
Once the Tulip flowers fade, it is time to dig up the whole lot and replant everything in the yard or garden in a "less-than-primetime" location. Choose a spot where the bulbs can die-back in place.
Daffodils, Crocuses and Grape Hyacinths are bulbs that naturalize well. If you choose a well-drained, sunny spot to replant these bulbs, there’s a good chance they’ll come back in future years to bloom again and even multiply. Tulips are not as adaptable but may surprise you.
Don’t be tempted to leave the bulbs in the same big container if summer flowers will be planted there next. Routine watering and fertilizing over summer will damage bulbs that originate in areas with harsh winters and hot dry summers. Better to heel them into the ground, along a path or in the side yard perhaps, where they can naturalize if possible.
Questions about gardening or your bulbs? Ask a Question or Get in touch!