Finding the right xeriscape bulbs for your fall garden

Photo: Judie Steeves

Bulbs such as these different varieties of narcissus must be planted now for a beautiful spring show, but they are good xeriscape plants as they store nutrients in the bulb and are dormant during the hot, dry summer months so require little supplemental irrigation.

I’m like a kid in a candy store

Every fall I eagerly look forward to perusing bulb catalogs and touring local nurseries and garden centres to see all the different racks of bulbs available to buy—just like a kid in a candy store.

As autumn leaves begin to fall, savvy gardeners turn their attention to a task that promises vibrant spring colours while conserving precious water resources—planting xeriscape bulbs.

Bulbs that push up leaves and other growth in spring, when the ground is most likely to be moist from winter snow melt and spring rain, store nutrients in an underground bulb or corm during the hot, dry summer months, ready for their next above-ground performance after winter is past, are considered good candidates for the xeriscape garden.

Some notable exceptions in the bulb world are Calla and Canna lilies, and Ranunculus, which bloom in summer and require plenty of water during the dry summer months. But, planting xeriscape bulbs that do not push growth during hot, dry summers, are a water-wise approach to gardening without sacrificing beauty. It’s about working smarter with nature to create stunning, low-maintenance landscapes.

Xeriscape, derived from the Greek "xeros" meaning dry, is a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Bulbs that thrive in xeriscape conditions are perfect for regions prone to drought such as our Okanagan valley or for gardeners looking to minimize their water footprint.

When selecting xeriscape bulbs for fall planting, consider some of the following excellent choices including, but not limited to:

Alliums—With their globe-shaped flowers, alliums add architectural interest and come in various sizes, most commonly in shades of purple and white. Alliums are an excellent choice for gardens visited by deer as their onion smell acts as a deer deterrent.

Muscari (Grape Hyacinth)—These diminutive charming blue flowers naturalize easily and return year after year.

Narcissus—Daffodils and their cousins are not only drought-tolerant but also resistant to deer and rodents and are available in a variety of shades, one if my favourites which is planted in the demonstration garden is Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus.

Iris—Bearded irises and smaller species like Iris reticulata are excellent xeriscape choices and are available in a dazzling array of colours.

Crocus—These early bloomers signal the end of winter and thrive in well-drained soil, available in purple, lavender, yellow, white, cream, and orange.

Tulips—Although tulips are a favourite of deer, if you don’t have deer problems or have a spot they can’t access, tulips are very diverse and colourful in the spring garden.

To ensure success with your xeriscape bulbs, proper planting techniques are crucial. Start by choosing a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Most xeriscape bulbs prefer areas that are sunny and dry during their dormant summer period. Well-draining soil is essential as many bulbs are prone to rot if they are overly irrigated while dormant.

When planting, dig holes to a depth of about three times the height of the bulb. Space them according to their mature size, allowing room for naturalization. It is not necessary to add a handful of bone meal or bulb fertilizer as often suggested on bulb packaging, These beauties can flourish in poor, lean soils. Place the bulbs with the pointed end up, cover with soil, and water thoroughly to settle them in.

One of the beauties of xeriscape bulbs is their low-maintenance nature. Once established, they rarely need supplemental watering except during prolonged dry spells. Mulching around the plantings with an organic mulch will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

As you plan your xeriscape bulb plantings, consider creating drifts or clusters of single varieties for maximum impact. Interplant with other drought-tolerant perennials and ornamental grasses to create a layered, textured landscape that evolves through the seasons.

By embracing xeriscape bulbs, you're not just planning for a beautiful spring display, you're participating in a broader movement towards sustainable, environmentally-friendly gardening practices. These hardy plants prove that water conservation and stunning floral displays can go hand in hand.

As you plant your bulbs this fall, envision the tapestry of colours and textures that will emerge in spring, a testament to nature's resilience and your foresight in choosing plants that harmonize with, rather than fight against, their natural environment. With xeriscape bulbs, you're planting more than flowers; you're sowing the seeds of a sustainable, beautiful future for your garden.

Visit our website at www.okanaganxeriscape.org and peruse our plant database for more suggestions for different drought-tolerant bulbs which you can plant now for a fantastic show next year.

If you are interested in learning more about xeriscape attend the class I will be giving on Oct. 16, details of which are on our website.

The Okanagan Xeriscape Association is grateful for the ongoing financial support of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and is proud to be collaborating with them on their Make Water Work campaign.

Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.