a bulbous spring-flowering plant of the lily family, with boldly colored cup-shaped flowers
We recently received this question from one of our clients:
“For how many years will tulips perform well after they are planted?”
Unfortunately there is not a short, concise answer to this question. Much of their success is based on where they are planted...
Tulips planted within a perennial flower planting
Image courtesy of DeVroomen Garden Products
First year – great display
Second year – minimal display
Third year – maybe 5% will bloom
In general, tulips are sensitive to wind and rain (color petal drop) and have a short bloom period when there is variation in weather conditions. When not properly protected, tulips are sensitive to winter salts and critter damage. Deer eat them like lollipops!
(Example of tulip bulb performance after second season)
Bulb displays within perennial flower plantings can be accomplished with daffodils instead, as they last for decades and multiply as they age. For best results, interplant them among daylilies to hide the “ripening” foliage after flowering. There are many varieties of daffodils available with variations in height, flower size, and color in both the trumpet as well as the cup.
Tulips planted in a seasonal color display bed
First year – great display
Second year – nothing
Seasonal color display beds typically have multiple season change-outs throughout the landscape seasons. For best results, tulips are planted 6” or less in depth. If a tulip bulb is bumped, nudged or displaced in any way, they tend not to bloom the following season. The amazing tulip displays you see now, are the result of a one time/year color event.
There are additional options for spring bulbs to give you that early color show. Hyacinth, allium, snow drops, crocus and many others can be planted before the winter chill to give you that early spring color that we all enjoy.
Call us to plan ahead for your fall bulbs now while you can see what the possibilities are in real life.
**QUICKTIP: Do not plant your summer annuals or vegetable plants before May 15th. This is the date that historically the threat of a late frost is removed.**
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