Last fall, we decided to plant naturalizing bulbs and see how they fared.
In a word: gorgeous.
In December, we tucked in about 100 reliable, low-water beauties that are recommended varieties for Dallas. Now we are checking the north field compulsively to see what’s up and blooming. We haven’t been disappointed.
Steve Huddleston, senior horticulturist at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, has found selections from the jonquil and tazetta families of smaller, multi-flower daffodils are the most dependable for years of color. Huddleston is slated to speak on “Perennials and Bulbs” for the Master Gardener School Class on March 28.
‘Cragford,’ a pre-1930 Heirloom with white petals and reddish orange cups falls in the tazetta classification. The first to bloom in our garden, it grows to 14” -16.”
‘Falconet’ is another dazzling tazetta with three to five flowers per stem. The petals are a bright gold with a rich orange cup. Like ‘Cragford,’ it has a nice musky sweet perfume. Other tazettas you might try are ‘Avalanche’ and ‘Geranium.’ We also planted ‘Hillstar,’ a jonquil variety which is not yet in bloom.
‘Carlton’ has a larger bloom, but only one per stem, placing it in the Division II category. The two-toned yellow daffodil dates from 1927 and is the second most popular daffodil in the world, according to Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. You might want to plant ‘Gigantic Star,’ ‘Ice Follies,’ or ‘Saint Keverne’ in the Division II category.
Tiny Tete-a-Tete daffodils are showing their buttercup yellow petals and slightly darker yellow cup. This popular miniature daffodil usually has two flowers per stem and reaches 4-6 inches.
We also planted Dutch iris, grape hyacinths, and tulips.
Inspired? All our bulbs came from Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, one of the country’s respected bulb retailers. The Raincatcher’s Garden receives a portion of your order at the company’s fundraising site Bloomin’ Buck$ (www.bloominbucks.com). If you’re looking for summer bulbs for your garden, Brent and Becky’s carries elephant ears, ground orchids, and more.
Elizabeth
Pictures by Starla and courtesy of Brent and Becky’s Bulbs
DALLAS GARDEN BUZZ 
I also purchased a truck load of bulbs from Brent and Becky. Stunning! I am extremely pleased!
Love that you share our bulb fever! Thank you for letting us know. Ann
Hi Elizabeth, I couldn’t find the Raincatcher’s Garden on Brent & Becky’s list. Kiki Paschall
Kiki, Look for Dallas County Master Gardeners : ) and swing by to see the bulbs in bloom. We were delighted with the size and quality of our order from Brent and Becky’s.
See you soon, Elizabeth
I totally relate to checking emerging bulbs compulsively!
Then, your one of us!