Flower Bulb Care and Propagation

Bulb plants aren’t merely a “set it and forget it” variety of plants. A little care in tending and propagating them may yield great rewards in terms of increased beds and improved quality for your plants. Whether they belong the iris or amaryllis family, or represent a classic tulip or lily variety favorite, each bed needs special attention to reach its peak quality.

Vibrant day lilies are strong, tolerant, and easily spread. Leaving the beds thick doesn’t add any benefit to the existing lilies, however, so consider digging up some of the plants and dividing the beds. The reward is a new lily bed gained in whatever location you prefer, as well as more space and ground for the plant roots in your original bed. The same is true of narcissus varieties, with their thick green stems and leaves overcrowding each other if left untended for several seasons.

Dividing plants like lilies and iris may require some skill and practice, but the plants benefit by gaining room and shedding younger selections which can be moved to a new locations. Other “bulbs” like crocuses may also need thinned to remain healthy and active plants. Extras and divided plants are perfect for creating a new bed, increasing the number and strength of your favorite plants at the same time.

Despite the hardy nature of tulips and a few other tough varieties, their reputation doesn’t always secure survival in the harshest winter temperatures, so consider moving their bulbs to a place where digging them up will be easy. Storing delicate varieties during the winter months can protect your investment in the bulbs for years to come.

Use your best judgement when determining the condition and quality of your bulbs and lily beds, in order to decide what steps will be best for your plant’s future seasons.