Bulbs in Longmont - Ask Extension
After removing a chinese elm tree, I surprisingly have previously unknown tulips and crocuses this spring in that area. I also have inherited irises t...
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Bulbs in Longmont #865574
Asked April 23, 2024, 11:27 AM EDT
After removing a chinese elm tree, I surprisingly have previously unknown tulips and crocuses this spring in that area. I also have inherited irises that have not bloomed yet but will need to be divided. A neighbor gave me daylilies, but they have never bloomed in 10yrs. Advice on where the bulbs will do best? Currently iris and daylilies are partial shade and tulips/crocuses are full sun. I have no sprinkler system and have never watered them or amended the soil etc, but I'd like to create a flower bed with these opportunistic pleasant surprises because they obviously do well despite my black thumb. Only other plants are opportunistic roses that grow like crazy as well as a pine tree. No real grass lawn, mainly weeds that I am going to cover with cardboard then mulch to eliminate the yard. Thank you!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Dori,
Thanks for your question.
Crocus and tulips do best in partial to full sun areas but aren't that picky. They usually get enough water from runoff and snow melt, but you could water them once a week for the first month after planting to get established. The bulbs could be moved in the fall for best results.
Irises thrive in full bright sun for 6-8 hours. The best time to divide irises is late summer/early fall. They don't need much water but will need to be watered and potentially fertilized after being divided to establish their new growth. The first year after being divided, they probably won't bloom.
Day Lillies love full sun but will survive in partial shade. If they haven't bloomed in 10 years, they are probably no longer viable. You could dig them up to check as it's possible that they aren't getting enough sun or are overcrowded. Day lilies need an inch of water per week, so if you wanted to replant them, you'd probably need to water them weekly.
Although it cab be a lot of work, gardening can also be a very rewarding past time if you're interested in it.
Best of luck and happy spring!
Thanks for your question.
Crocus and tulips do best in partial to full sun areas but aren't that picky. They usually get enough water from runoff and snow melt, but you could water them once a week for the first month after planting to get established. The bulbs could be moved in the fall for best results.
Irises thrive in full bright sun for 6-8 hours. The best time to divide irises is late summer/early fall. They don't need much water but will need to be watered and potentially fertilized after being divided to establish their new growth. The first year after being divided, they probably won't bloom.
Day Lillies love full sun but will survive in partial shade. If they haven't bloomed in 10 years, they are probably no longer viable. You could dig them up to check as it's possible that they aren't getting enough sun or are overcrowded. Day lilies need an inch of water per week, so if you wanted to replant them, you'd probably need to water them weekly.
Although it cab be a lot of work, gardening can also be a very rewarding past time if you're interested in it.
Best of luck and happy spring!
