There are also varieties of flower bulbs that have the potential to delight us with their flowers for several years. So it may be worth keeping an eye out for them when buying onions. Find out what's going on with them at home here.
What are perennial flower bulbs and how do I care for them?
Perennial flower bulbs bloom for several years in a row without a drop in performance by regenerating themselves in the same place. Popular species include snowdrops, March cups, crocuses and daffodils. For long-lasting flowering pleasure, they need loose, permeable soil, a sunny location as well as fertilization and occasional watering.
Difference between annual and perennial
When it comes to flower bulbs, we often speak of annual and perennial varieties. In fact, bulbs from both groups bloom for more than a year. Why they are still classified in this way has something to do with their flowering behavior.
Once the bulbs have been planted, annual varieties bloom particularly magnificently. In the second year, however, the flowering is more modest. At some point there will be no more flowers at all. You've exhausted yourself, so to speak.
There is no noticeable difference in flowering among the perennial varieties. They are able to continually regenerate in the same place. So they bloom for several years in a row to the satisfaction of the property. It is usually the hardy spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils that are cultivated per year.
Tip
So that the flower bulbs actually live for several years, you should plant them with wire baskets (€11.00 on Amazon) and thus protect them from voles.
Propathetic onions
Among the perennial flower bulbs, there are species that reproduce happily on their own. They remain in the soil, where a mother bulb produces many daughter bulbs over the course of its life. These so-called naturalization flower bulbs can be wonderfully planted in the lawn, where they spread over the years and create real carpets of flowers. The most popular are:
- Snowdrops
- Märzenbecher
- Crocuses
- Daffodils.
Offer ideal location
So that you can enjoy flowering for several years, you must offer all flower bulb varieties optimal growing conditions. For example, flower bulbs and shade are not such a good combination.
For a multi-year existence, loose, permeable soil is also important. When waterlogged, the onions rot. This means the flower splendor will be over next year.
Fertilize and water for flowering continuity
A flower bulb is full of nutrients. A beautiful flower can grow from it without further fertilization. However, flower bulbs that remain in the garden for several years should bloom equally beautifully every year. Therefore, it is necessary to fertilize the soil for flower bulbs in spring.
The perennially cultivated spring bloomers are perfectly adapted to our climate. The rain is usually enough for them to survive. You should only water additionally, but cautiously, during long periods of drought.
Tip
It is important that you leave the perennial flower bulbs with their plain foliage after flowering until it has wilted. The onion draws energy from it for the following year.
The “inevitable” cold
All perennial flower bulbs have to survive cold periods. But that doesn't mean that overwintering them is difficult for us. Hardy spring bloomers can overwinter outside in the garden soil. In rough locations it doesn't hurt if they are covered with brushwood in autumn.
Perennial flower bulbs in pots must be protected with fleece or Styrofoam. It is also possible to temporarily bury them in the garden together with the pot. A cellar with 0 to 8 degrees Celsius is also suitable for overwintering flower bulbs in pots.
