Bulbs With a Purpose

Whether you’re seeking more fragrance or want to plant bulbs the deer won’t eat, we’ve put together some of our best bets for bulbs that serve a purpose in your garden!

Naturalizers 

Bulbs that ‘naturalize’ are those that, in a nutshell, spread and regenerate naturally throughout an area. Inexpensive, easy, and beautiful are three words to associate with them. These ‘no-fuss’ flowers are especially important if you don’t have a lot of time to fiddle about! 

• Winter Aconites  
• Anemone blanda  
• Chionodoxa  
• Crocus  
• Muscari  
• Narcissus ‘Tête à Tête’  
• Puschkinias  
• Scilla  
• Snowdrops  
• Species Iris

Pest Resistant Bulbs 

Gardeners are sharing types, but sometimes we want to keep a few things to ourselves! The following bulbs (more the blooms) are less appealing to the critters identified, but if you do find them mysteriously disappearing, it may be a squirrel problem that you’ve got. They tend to move them instead of eat them, so if you do have a problem, you can plant your bulbs, then lay down and anchor chicken wire over top of the soil. The bulbs will grow through the wire in the spring.  

Rabbit Resistant 

• Winter Aconites 
• Allium 
• Chionodoxa 
• Fritillaria 
• Hyacinthoides 
• Hyacinths 
• Muscari  
• Narcissus species 
• Scilla 
• Snowdrops

Deer Resistant 

• Winter Aconites 
• Alliums 
• Anemone 
• Chionodoxa 
• Fritillaria 
• Hyacinthoides 
• Hyacinths 
• Iris reticulata and Dutch iris 
• Muscari  
• Narcissus species 
• Puschkinia 
• Snowdrops 

Vole Resistant 

• Camassia 
• Chionodoxa 
• Fritillaria 
• Muscari 
• Narcissus species 
• Snowdrops

Fragrant 

Whether you cut the stems to add perfume inside your home, or leave them in the garden to enjoy every time the breeze blows, don’t miss out on a wonderful sense experience next spring! 

• Hyacinths 
• Muscari  
• Select Daffodils, like ‘Thalia’ and ‘Bridal Crown’ 
• Select Tulips ‘Angelique’ and ‘Ballerina’

Pollinator Magnets 

There are many bulbs that provide pollen or nectar for bees, hummingbirds, and/or butterflies, so having a variety in your garden is a good thing! 

• Fritillaria imperialis and meleagris  
• Hyacinthoides 
• Hyacinths 
• Muscari 
• Scilla 
• Snowdrops 
• Species tulips 

Shade Tolerant

Sunny spots are preferred for bulbs, but if you have an area with bright shade (i.e. it may not get direct sunlight, but it’s nice and bright!), these bulbs will stand up a little better: 

• Camassia 
• Chionodoxa 
• Crocus 
• Hyacinthoides  
• Scilla 
• Snowdrops 
• Some early tulips and early miniature daffodils will tolerate a little less light too.
  
  

Produce Something Edible 

• Garlic, of course (though it needs to be planted quickly!) 
• Saffron crocus 

Whatever your garden needs, there is a bulb to help you achieve your goal!