With an unattractive appearance at the beginning of his lifeBulbous plants harbor spectacular flowers that fill our gardens with color and life. They are short-flowering, easy-to-grow, and ideal for beginner gardeners.
Bulbous plants are characterized by have an underground reserve structure of food and tissues. This characteristic element has made them true survivors, since thanks to this reserve they can organize their growth and flowering according to more favorable environmental conditions. Their underground storage allows them to remain dormant for long periods and begin to grow in periods with more suitable temperaturesThis function makes bulbous plants striking both for their way of life and for their ease of adaptation to different media and for its great variety and beauty.
Strictly speaking, bulbous plants are plants with bulbs, but in gardening all those plants that have bulbs are recognized by this name. underground storage organs such as bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, or corms. The growth cycle of bulbous plants is as follows: during the harshest seasons, they are dormant thanks to the amount of nutrients they have stored. When environmental conditions are favorable, they activate the nutrients and create leaves. Bulbs are key in the vegetative multiplication or asexual, a characteristic of these species. Depending on the species, we can find bulbs in bloom throughout the year.
Fennel bulb
Onions
There are two main morphological types of bulbs. Possibly the best known are the tunicates, that is, those that appear to have overlapping layers, like an onion. These layers are where nutrients are stored. Within this variety of bulbs, we find some of the most characteristic ones, such as tulips, Narcissus (daffodil), Hyacinthus (hyacinth), onion (Allium cepa) or garlic. The other type of bulb is the imbricate or scaly, in which the different scales appear to overlap like tiles. Imbricated bulbs are more fleshy and vulnerable, as they lack a continuous protective tunic. They must be kept slightly moist before planting to prevent the scales from dehydrating and becoming damaged. A classic example of a scaly bulb is the Lilium (lilies).
Lirio
Tulips and bulb growing
Of all the bulbous plants, the tulip is the most popular, which brings us to Holland, one of the largest international producers of bulbs and a great promoter of bulb culture. Chronicles tell that bulb cultivation in Europe began to gain prestige with the arrival of tulips from the East around the end of the Renaissance. The passion for bulbs grew among the upper classes for their exoticism and rarity.
Semper augustus
The famous tulip mania of the Modern Age became a social phenomenon: speculation on bulbs increased for centuries and there are cases of exorbitant exchanges for exceptional varieties, such as the famous Semper AugustusSome merchants were ruined by the fierce competition, and the authorities eventually intervened to curb speculation in bulbs.
What are the most spectacular bulbous plants?
In addition to tulips, daffodils, lilies, and daylilies, there are other lesser-known bulbs that stand out for their freshness and ornamental use. One of them is the agapanthus (Agapanthus), also called African lily or love flower, which has a striking blue color. In reality, the agapanthus reproduces and feeds by rhizomes, that is, a fleshy underground stem from which roots and shoots emerge. It is highly adaptable, tolerates varied soils and exposures, and requires little maintenance, which is why it is frequently used in parks and gardens.
Another bulbous plant that is not widespread but of great beauty is the genus Pushkin, native to Türkiye and Iran. They are plants deciduous Spring flowering with ribbon-shaped leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers reminiscent of small white grapes with blue veins. The puschkinia tends to naturalize easily (in addition to multiplying by separating bulblets), so in some environments it behaves as invasive. It is also a species toxic if ingested, which is why it is not widely distributed despite its beauty and ease of cultivation.
Puschkinia scilloides
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Crocus sativus. Image: Luca Nicola Bacciarini
Among the bulbous plants we also find the Crocus, of the family IridaceaeIn their case, they do not have a bulb or rhizome, but rather a corm (thickened underground stem with a swollen base and protected by dry layers). The genus Crocus It brings together dozens of species distributed throughout the Mediterranean basin, North Africa and Asia, highly appreciated in gardening for their early flowering and a varied palette of colors (yellows, reds, blues, violets, or whites). The species Crocus sativus It is famous because its dried stigmas are used to obtain saffron, a highly valued condiment.
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What are bulbs and their characteristics?
A bulb It is an underground reserve organ formed by a basal disk (from which the roots emerge), a central shoot and layers of modified leaves that store nutrients and water. This architecture allows the plant to enter latency during intense cold or heat and sprout vigorously when ideal conditions return.
In gardening, other reserve organs are grouped with bulbs: corms, tubers and rhizomes. They all share the storage function, but differ morphologically: the bulb has fleshy scales or leaves; the corm is a solid stem; the tuber is a thickening (of the stem or root) with buds; and the rhizome is a horizontal stem which sends out roots and shoots at intervals.
Parts of the bulbs
The main parts of the bulb include: basal disc (lower plate where roots are inserted), scales (modified sheets that store reserves), apical bud (future stem and flower), tunica or dry wrapping in tunicate bulbs, and bulbs or offsets (small adventitious bulbs for multiplication).
In the bulbs tunicates (tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, Allium) a dry skin protects the internal scales, making them easier to handle and store. In bulbs scaly (Lilium), the scales are exposed and dry out easily, so they require a more careful handling prior to planting.
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Examples of bulbous plants
Among the best-known bulbs are tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, lilies, Allium, lilies y anemonesIn the group of corms, the following stand out: crocuses y gladioli, while as usual rhizomatous they are agapanthus, calla lilies and irisesThey are also popular for their culinary or medicinal value. garlic, onion and saffron.
Types of bulbs and rhizomes
According to their storage structure, bulbous plants are classified into corms, tubers, bulbs and rhizomes.
- Bulbs: underground organ with scales and a central bud on a basal disk. Examples: tulip y narcissus. Allow force flowering and naturalize with ease.
- Corms: A thickened, solid underground stem with buds on its surface. Examples: gladioli y crocuses. They are renewed every cycle creating cormillos.
- Tubers: Stem or root thickenings that accumulate reserves (with sprouting buds). Examples: dahlias (root tuber) and tuberous begonias.
- Rhizomes: An underground or surface horizontal stem that sends out roots and shoots at intervals. Examples: lilies e creek. They allow a rapid expansion.
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Buy bulbs and rhizomes online
In our online store, we offer a wide selection of bulbs and rhizomes so you can choose the best one.
- Amaryllis: easy-to-grow bulbous plant that responds well to most environments.
- Inlets: a plant that grows directly from an underground rhizome and requires specific care.
- Hyacinths: A bulbous plant with a strong fragrance emanating from its flowers, it's excellent for growing in pots or planters. You'll find the most outstanding varieties, such as the Delfts Blue Hyacinth and the Jan Bos Hyacinth.
- Tulips: A bulbous plant that requires special care and dedication. Among the main species are the Flaming Flag tulip, the Purple Prince tulip, and the Stresa tulip.
- Daffodils: easy-care bulbous plant that requires a warm climate and good light.
- Cannas: Rhizomatous plant often used in the garden to form single clumps. They come in a wide range of colors.
- Dahlias: long-flowering bulbous plant, usually found in various shapes, sizes and colors.
- Gladioli: bulbous plant that is easy to grow and adapts to various types of soil.
- Hostas: A bulbous plant that is best grown in pots to prevent pests. Hosta varieties include Hosta Hacyon and Hosta Patriot.
- Iris: plant that can be rhizomatous or bulbous, although the latter is used more as a cut flower.
- Peonies: plants that have a short flowering period. However, they are used to produce flowers and as garden plants.
- Lilium: scaly bulb plant that is usually located in sunny places and protected from the wind.
The bulbous plants They are very intelligent species that have evolved to adapt to their environment and obtain the nutrients they need. In this article, we explain what the bulbs, what are the most popular varieties of bulb flowers, the advantages of planting bulbs, and when and how to do it. Whether you're a gardening expert or not, the following information is of interest to you. Keep reading!
- Characteristics of bulbous plants
- Five varieties of bulb flowers
- Advantages of bulbous plants
- Basic tips for planting bulbs
Characteristics of bulbous plants
The bulbs, planted individually, can be annual, biennial or perennial, and produce a wide variety of flowers and foliage. They function in flowerbeds or pots, as an accent or in impact masses. The file for each species indicates climatic zone, sun/shade, planting and flowering season, bearing and usage suggestions.
Five varieties of bulb flowers
The bulbous plants They are common in parks and gardens. Some of the most popular are:
- Tulip: spring flowering and good cold tolerance. Ideal for masses due to its intense colours.
- Narcissus: white or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers; admits sun or light shade.
- Hyacinth: highly appreciated for its fragrance and colorful; perfect in pots.
- Gladiolus: In temperate climates it can be programmed to bloom for much of the year.
- Dalia: spectacular for its great diversity of shapes and prolonged flowering.
Curiosities about bulbs
Bulbs are present in our daily lives Since ancient times, potatoes, sweet potatoes, garlic, onions, and saffron have been staples of food and culture. In religious symbolism, they are iconic. lilies and irises.
Advantages of bulbous plants
- They are very versatile and intelligent: they adapt their cycle to the season and the climate.
- They flourish in conditions and very different places.
- Little care and they multiply by themselves.
- Its economical and easy to cultivate.
- There are hundreds of varieties and many are groceries.
- May plant in water or soil.
Basic tips for planting bulbs
Choose loose, well-drained soils, avoid waterlogging, plant at a depth equivalent to 2-3 times the height of the bulb, water after planting and then moderately, and remove only the foliage when it turns yellow to replenish the bulb's reserves. In humid climates, add sand or gravel; in pots, use a well-aerated, well-drained substrate.
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What are bulbs?
The bulbs They are a specific type of plants whose main characteristic is that they live from an underground stem and protective fleshy layers. They are highly valued for their diversity and its ability to survive, which ensures its flowering.
The bulbous plants are perennials, but they tend to lose their aerial parts when conditions are adverse. Their dormancy can coincide with cold or warm months, and most bloom in springalthough there are exceptions.
Its underground organs store water and nutrients to overcome drought or dormant cold. When conditions become favorable again, they begin a new flowering cycle.
This fast cycle of budding and flowering provides a great visual impact; after the flower, they enter dormancy again.
Different types of bulbs
Popular knowledge of bulbs is broad, with preference for well-known species, but there are thousands of cultivars and horticultural groups. In tulips there are groups by petal shape, height, season or similarity to botanical species, which offers almost unlimited options for design.
Other notable bulbs: imperial crown (Fritillaria imperialis), with tall spikes; cyclamen y snow flower, capable of flowering in winter. Depending on the climate, there are tropical and mountain bulbs, and many thrive in Mediterranean climates of dry summers and wet winters.
How are they grown?
Information and advice on growing bulbs
- Ground: Due to the importance of the underground organ, the ideal is well-drained and loose soils. Prevents moisture buildup. In clay soils, it improves drainage with sand and gravel.
- Depth: plant to 2-3 times the height of the bulb. In containers, choose deep containers for proper development. Plantings that are too shallow or too deep can compromise flowering.
- Irrigation: water is key, but in the right measure: excess = rot. After flowering and when the foliage dries, reduces or suspends irrigation.
- Light: Many fall bulbs require full sun, but they are adaptable: they can flourish with half shadow according to species.