Culture Notes

Spring Flowering Summer Flowering

Spring Flowering Bulbs

ALSTROEMERIA

Alstroemeria tubers require a moist, well drained soil and should be planted in a sunny or semi-shaded position with a mulch added in warm climates to keep the root system nice and cool. The tubers need to be planted a. s. a. p. after arrival and should never be allowed to dry out. Excellent cutflowers which grow to a height of 100cm.

BEARDED IRIS & PSEUDACORUS

Tall Bearded Iris are very hardy and should do well in any garden. Plant in a sunny position during Autumn. Do plant them with the base of the rhizome just below the surface. Bearded Iris can be left in the ground for many years, but can be divided every 2-3 years. They prefer to be kept free of grass and weeds. PSEUDACORUS, Yellow flag water Iris is very easy to grow and extremely vigorous. Plant in wet place or put rhizome in pot and place in pond. Summer flowering.

CHIONODOXA Glory in the Snow

These will flower early in Spring and can be planted 10cm deep and 15cm apart either in full sun or semi-shaded position. The bulbs do well under shrubs and trees and can be left in the ground to naturalize.

CYCLAMEN

These should be planted just below the surface and 10 cm apart in a fertile, well- drained soil in late February- March. All varieties should do best in a semi- shaded position in the rock garden, under trees or in pots. Only C. greacum requires a sunny position. Flowering time from Autumn to Spring ( C.coum ) depending on variety. These cyclamen prefer to be left in the ground to naturalize.

CROCUS SATIVUS Saffron Crocus

Plant in March, 7-10 cm deep in a well drained garden soil (with only a small amount of blood and bone and/or organic manure added (to it). Crocus sativus can be grown in a sunny position and can be left in the ground for several years and can be divided every 2-3 years. The corms do need time to adapt to local conditions and will generally multiply rapidly. Other Autumn Crocus require similar conditions.

CROCUS VERNUS, SPECIES

May be used for naturalizing in gardens and rockeries, but prevent excessive irrigation during dormancy. Plant approx 8cm deep and 10 cm apart in a well drained garden soil.

EREMURUS

Grow in a fertile, sandy well drained soil in full sun with shelter from strong winds. Mulch with compost is recommended but not close to the crown.

ERYTHRONIUM

Trout Lily: This plant does best in a wood land setting perhaps together with Cyclamen and Scillas. Plant bulbs 10-12 cm deep in a moist, but well drained soil in a semi shaded position. Added peat will enhance the moisture holding capacity of the soil. Bulbs should remain slightly damp during storage and before planting time or leave bulbs in the ground.

FREESIAS

These corms grow to height of approx. 35 cm and should be planted about 5 cm deep and 10 cm apart in a well drained, but moist soil. They prefer a sunny position and can be left in the ground for many years, but can be transplanted as soon as the foliage has died down. Freesia's are sensitive to frost, so it is advised that the corms are mulched with straw or similar to protect them from frost or alternatively the corms may be planted in pots.

FRITILLARIA

Fritillaria's do not have a skin, so please handle with care and do not let the bulbs dry out. It's best to leave them in the ground to naturalise or alternatively (F. imperialis) dug up and stored in a dry, dark and cool place. Bulbs left in the ground should be mulched during dormancy to prevent them from drying out and to keep the ground nice and cool.

FRITILLARIA IMPERIALIS

Dry and cool are the key words for these rare beauties which are native to the Middle East therefore require a rather poor, dry but well drained soil. It is advised to plant bulbs in a layer of sand/ on a slope to ensure a minnimum of moisture. Plant a least 15 - 20 cm deep and 20 cm apart in full sun keeping the soil nice and cool at the same time. In warmer climates some late afternoon shade may be provided. When dormant and left in the ground make sure to use a mulch and not to water them at all or alternatively dig them up and store in a dry, dark and cool place and replant as soon as the roots start to move usually during late Feburary. Alternatively the bulbs may be placed in the fridge. for 6 weeks before planting in April. Plant them somewhere apart in the sheltered part of the garden . If the bulbs fail to flower the bulbs may have been planted in a too warm a position i.a.w. always try and keep the soil nice and cool. Always handle with great care, just like eggs. May grow up to 1m + tall. May also be grown is a large pot with a sandy type potting soil or pure sand. Water when in growth and store when dormant.

FRITALLARIA ACMOPETALA, AFFINIS, BYTHINICA, CONICA, DAVISII & GRAECA

These plants require similar conditions as F. Imperialis, so these bulbs also need a well drained soil and be planted in full sun, about 10 -12 cm deep. May also be planted in pots using a sandy type potting mix. Protect the pot from overheating by the hot afternoon sun.

FRITILLARIA GRAYANA, FRITILLARIA CAMSCHATCENSIS & FRITILLARIA MELEAGRIS Snake's Head

The bulbs should be planted in the full sun to partial shade immediately after bulbs have been received. They prefer a moist sandy type soil and it is advised that peat be added to the soil. They should be planted 12.5cm deep and 5cm apart. The bulbs should be left in the ground to naturalize and the leaves, once yellow, cut off. The bulbs can also be successfully grown in pots.

FRITILLARIA MESSANENSIS & FRITILLARIA PONTICA

These also require similar soil conditions as F. Grayana and F. Meleagris. But these bulbs are in need of more semi shaded position. Excellent for naturalizing under trees or shrubs . Plant 12 cm deep surrounding the bulbs with some sand. Also suitable for potculture.

GALANTHUS NIVALIS Original Snowdrop

These bulb should be planted in the coldest part of the garden, preferably under deciduous trees where the plants receive only filtered sunlight. Bulbs planted in tubs and positioned under trees are also a good way of growing Galanthus Nivalis. A well drained soil is essential. Bulbs can be left in the ground to naturalize.

HYACINTHS
Plant in April-May in well drained garden beds, 10 cm deep and 15 cm apart. The growing conditions are similar to that of tulips. See also under tulips and growing bulbs in pots and water.

IRIS

Iris hollandica or Dutch Iris prefers a sunny position in a fertile well-drained garden soil (see under tulips). Plant bulbs about 10 cm deep and 10 cm apart in the months of April and May. These bulbs are best planted in clumps. After flowering, the dead flowers or seed pots should be removed to promote bulb growth. Iris reticulata and Iris danfordiae. also called miniature Iris are excellent for use in rockeries and pot culture. The bulbs should be planted about 10 cm deep and 5 cm apart in a sunny or semi-shaded position and can be left in the ground to naturalize.

IRIS TUBEROSA HERMODACTYLUS

Plant 12cm deep in a moderately fertilised soil in full sun to partial shade. Excellent for rockgardens and potculture. This bulb also needs a well drained soil, so sandy soils are preferred. Mix heavy soil with sand to improve drainage.

LEUCOJUM

Grow in moderately fertile soil in a well drained soil and in full sun.

MARIPOSA TULIPS

CALOCHORTUS Plant in full sun during Autumn 10 - 12 cm deep. Well drained, sandy type soils are best. Water sparingly when the plant is in growth, but almost no water at all when leaves of the plants start to become yellow. The plant defenitely requires warm and dry conditions when dormant.

NARCISSUS Daffodils

These bulbs are very hardy and easy to grow and can be left in the ground for many years to naturalize. Plant in a sunny position during April-May, preferably in clumps, 10 cm deep and 15 cm apart.

SCILLA

Grow in a well drained soil in full sun or dappled light. Easy to grow.

TULIPS

Tulips required a sunny well drained position in the cooler area's of Australia, while in the warmer parts a semi-shaded position is best. For a good effect plant bulbs in clumps. Plant the bulbs in may in well drained or built up bed, 10 cm deep and 15 cm apart. Work in plenty of well decayed manure, compost or blood and bone, while in acid soils a little lime or dolomite should be added a few weeks before planting. Spray with a fungicide to prevent fungus disease and use an insecticide to prevent the occurrence of bulb aphids. Bulbs may be cooled for 6-8 weeks in the crisper of the refrigerator before planting. Rockery and Specie Tulips do not need refrigeration and can be left in the ground for many years provided that no excessive irrigation takes place during the dormancy period. Tulip bulbs should be dug when leaves become yellow and start to die off. The bulbs can then be dried, peeled and stored (at room temperature) until cooling or planting time.

NARCISSUS PAPERWHITE IN GRAVEL

Place up to 5cm washed gravel on the bottom of a decorative container without a drainage hole. Place the bulbs on top of the gravel, the roots of the bulbs will soon anchor the bulbs to hold them in position. Maintain water level at the base of the bulb and keep the temperature around 16-18 degrees Celsius for best results.

GROWING BULBS IN POTS

Tulips, Hyacinths, Crocus and Ins Reticulata are excellent for use in pot culture and here are some hints to make sure you will have a magnificent display. Pot size; 10cm is the minimum pot size for Crocus and Iris Reticulata while tulips require a 12 cm pot or larger. Make sure the pots you use have good drainage holes. Big pots and tubs are excellent and different varieties are kept apart in clumps. Planting tulips in window boxes is an attractive way to add colour to your house, garden or balcony. However, it is important to choose the right variety for your window box. Varieties that are suitable are the shorter varieties, especially the so called potting tulips, like the Early and Triumph tulips. For the best results place pots of tulips in window boxes and cover the pots with soil rather then planting the tulips directly in the window box. This method provides you with the opportunity to place other potted tulips or plants in the box when the tulips finish flowering, so you will have a continuous flowering display. Pots taken out can be cared for else where.
SOIL: A good potting soil will be available from your nursery. If you would like to make your own potting mix: One part composted pinebark, one part coarse river sand and one part peat with a little lime arid blood and bone added.
AFTER PLANTING: Put pots in a cool dark place such as under the house or similar, to ensure darkness pots can be covered with newspaper. The best way is to put the pots in a well drained position in the garden and to cover the pots with soil for approx. 8 weeks when the shoots are about 5-6 cm high, the pots can be moved to a warmer semi-shaded place. After approx 7-14 days the pots can be put inside for flowers to bloom. Always place the pot in a cool position and water regularly.
AFTER FLOWERING: Move pots outside to a semi-shaded position and cut off the dead flowers. Keep soil moist until the foliage has died down. Bulbs can then be removed and should be planted out in the garden the following season.

GROWING BULBS IN WATER

Hyacinths and Crocus on Glass: Fill the lgass with water but so that the water just does not touch the bottom of the bulb/corm, then place the glass in a dark, cool to cold place, cellar or similar ( the fridge is a must for Crocus ). Do this late April, beginning of May. When the shoot is about 4/5cm out of the bulb/conn (after approx. 10-12 weeks) and the glass is filled with roots you may bring them into a cool position in your living room. Always maintain the water level in the glass. In warmer area's of Australia the Hyacinths may be pre-cooled in the fridge.

Summer Flowering Bulbs

ACHILLEA

These perennials should be planted in late winter about 30 cm apart, in a moist but not wet soil. They prefer a sunny position. They can be lightly pruned after flowering and cut back during late Autumn/early winter.

AGAPANTHUS

These hardy plants prefer a sunny or semi-shaded position and grow up to a height of 120 cm Plant 30 cm apart ensuring the base of the plant is just below soil level.

ANEMONE NEMEROSA and A. PULSATILLA

Both plants require a fertile, well drained soil and prefer to be grown in the coldest part of the garden. A. nemerosa prefers a semi shaded and A. pulsatilla a sunny position.

ANIGOZANTHUS (Kangaroo Paw)

Grow in a moist but well drained, humus. rich, sandy loam in full sun. Water freely during dry periods. Mulch with straw or bark chips . Avoid wet areas.

AQUILEGIA

Plant in a moist soil/ partial shaded position. These are easy to grow plants. Remove old flower stems after they have faded.

ARUM ITALICUM

Grow in a humus rich, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Prefers a sheltered position.

BEGONIA TUBEROSA

Tuberous Begonia's like a humus rich, well drained soil. A mixture of old leaf mould, coarse sand and well rotted sheep manure is ideal. A little slow release fertilizer may be added. The tubers require a semi-shaded position. They can be grown in pots on a patio, balcony or planted out in the garden where they can create a dazzling display of colour. If your area is frost free or an occasional very light frost the tubers can be left undisturbed for many years. Otherwise they should be dug when the leaves start to die down and be stored in a cool, dry, dark place.

CAMPANULA

Grow these in a fertile, very well drained soil with a neutral to alkaline ph. Varieties listed do well in a moderately dry, sunny to semi shaded position. Avoid wet soils.

CLETHRA ARBOREA Lily of the Valley Tree

These small trees require a fertile, moist, well drained acid soil with lots of humus and potting compost added. Water well during summer, sparingly during winter. Clethra prefer a position in partial shade or in dappled light. Protect from frost!

CLIVIAS

Require a fertile, humus rich, well drained soil in partial shade. Clivias resent root disturbance but do require a restricted root zone to promote flowering and are therefore excellent plants for potculture.

COREOPSIS

Grow in a moist, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Take off dead flowers to promote flowering. Easy to grow.

DAHLIA'S

Dahlia tubers should be planted in Spring, after the frost have disappeared. They prefer a sunny position protected from strong winds. Plant the tubers about 5-10 cm deep and about 60 cm apart in a rich, well drained soil using plenty of well decayed manure, compost and/or blood and bone. Make sure that the 'buds' or' eyes' of the tubers are placed upwards. Always ensure that the soil is nice and moist during the growing period. Removing old flowers will promote further flowering. Dahlia's can be harvested and divided every 2-3 years during winter, by cutting the stems to 15 cm, then allow to dry before digging. Store the tubers in a cool, dark and well ventilated place.

DAYLILIES Hemerocallis

Daylilies are very hardy and tolerant of most soils and flower for a long period during summer. They prefer full sun and some irrigation is necessary during the growing period. Best results with Daylilies will be achieved after second or third year of flowering, therefore they are best left in the ground to naturalize.

DIETES

Grow in moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Will tolerate poor, dry soils. Protect from heavy frosts.

ECHINOPS RITRO Globes Thistle

Are easy to grow, also on dry, poor, well drained soils. Full sun preferred. Dead head to prevent self seeding!

CAMELLIA

Require a moist well drained, humus rich, acid soil. Mulching with leaf mould or chips. As with Rhodo's, do not plant to deep, with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface. Camellia's will tolerate hard pruning. Irrigate in the dry warm periods.

DECIDUOUS TREES Quercus robur (English or European Oak) are large trees and do require moist, well drained soil conditions. Cool climates preferred. Betula pendula or Silver Birch will also tolerate drier positions and are suitable for the smaller garden too. Liriodendron or Tulip Tree is a large, fast growing tree which requires a moist, well drained, slightly acid soil.

FERNS Generally require a moist, well drained soil in full or partial shade. When the plants are well established these will tolerate somewhat drier conditions for a while. Well aerated humus rich soils are preferred. These may be grown as pot plants as well.

FORSYTHIA

Grow in a moderately fertile, moist and well drained soil. They should be planted in full sun or light dappled shade. Prune during Winter.

GLADIOLI

Because Gladioli grow taller than I meter in height they should be planted in a sheltered part of the garden where they receive full sun. The corms can be planted from August-December in a well drained soil. However, it is important to plant the corms after the danger of frost is over. Light soils, sandy soils, with added manure or compost, are best, but heavier soils can be improved somewhat by including peat and compost. It is important to keep the soil moist at all times during the growing period. Closer to the harvest, when the leaves start to yellow and die off (4-6 weeks after flowering) irrigating should cease and the corms should be dried properly, dug, peeled/ cleaned and stored in a cool, dark, dry and ventilated place. Dust with an insecticide to control thrips.

GYPSOPHILLA

Gypsophilla are easy to grow plants which require a moist, well drained, alkaline in full sun. Avoid wet soils.

HEDYCHIUM Ginger Lily

Produces highly fragrant flowers from 90cm-150cm in height. Suitable for sunny and semi-shaded positions. Keep moist. Very hardy.

HELLEBORUS

Requirements are a moist, well drained soil. Very easy to grow!

HOSTA

Hosta's require a fertile, moist , well drained soil and a semi shaded position. The plants require moist conditions (not wet) at all times and don't tolerate drought.

HYMENOCALLIS

Hymenocallis prefers a light soil (sandy soil) with well rotted manure or compost added. Heavier soils can be improved by adding compost, peat or sand. Plant them in a sunny position and keep up the watering during dry periods. Very cold and wet soils are not recommended. Many flowers will appear on 40-80 cm stems. Some smaller bulbs might take a little longer to come into flower.

IRIS, INOMINATA , FOETIDES, SIBERICA & TECTORUM

Require a well drained position in full sun, but Iris Ensata prefers a moist to wet position in full sun. Iris Pseudacorus prefers to be grown in a pond.

IRIS ENSATA (Japanese Iris)

The tubers of this Iris are formed below the surface unlike that of Bearded Iris which are partly visible. For cultural information see under Bearded Iris

LAVANDULA

Grow in a moderately fertile soil and in a sunny position. Lavandula should be pruned or cut back to with in 1.5 - 2.5cm of previous growth.

LIATRIS

Plant these in a moist and well drained position. Avoid heavy clay soils.

LILIUMS

Lilium bulbs need to be planted immediately after arrival and should not be allowed to dry out. Plant the bulbs in winter or early Spring, 20-30 cm apart, in a well fertilized and drained soil with some mulch added to provide cool growing conditions for the root system. They prefer a sunny or semi shaded (filtered sunlight) position. Excellent cutflowers. It's best to remove old flower heads. Bulbs can be left in the ground and should be fertilized during late winter. Transplant the bulbs (if needed) during winter taking care not to let them dry out.

LUPINS

Lupins are easily grown in a well drained soil in a sunny to partly shaded position. Cut back after flowering and apply mulch to protect the crowns from frost damage.

HERBACEOUS PEONY ROSES

Peony rhizomes are planted during the winter months in a rich, well fertilized, well drained and slightly alkaline soil. Plenty of compost or well decayed chicken manure with blood and bone is used with a little lime added beforehand. Plant the rhizomes in a sunny or semi shaded position 60 cm apart and only 5 cm below the surface. Take off old flowers. Try not to harvest too many cut flowers when the bush is young and trying to establish itself. Better to wait 1-2 years. Best to leave in the ground for many years, although the rhizomes can be divided / transplanted after a few years.

MAGNOLIA

Requires a moist, humus rich will drained soil with a neutral to acid pH. Full sun to partial shade. Apply a mulch annually, especially in dry soils.

OLIVE

Grow in deep, fertile , sharply drained soil in full sun. Minimal pruning required. May be grown in large tubs.

PHORMIUM OR NEW ZEALAND FLAX

Grow these in a fertile, moist, well drained soil in full sun. Easy to grow, suitable for almost any site, including coastal gardens.

PLATYCODON( Balloon flower)

Grow these plants in a fertile, well drained soil in full sun or in a semi shaded position. Attractive balloon type flowers.

POLYGONATUM Solomon's Seal

Solomon's seal is an excellent plant for cool and shady conditions. They grow to a height of about 60 cm Plant rhizomes in winter 3-5 cm deep and 25 cm apart. leave them in the ground to naturalize into clump.

PROTEA, LEUCADENDRON AND LEUCOSPERMUM

Require a poor , neutral and acidic, well drained soil in full sun. Minimal pruning required. When established these plants will tolerate the dry spells with ease. Leucospermums will need protection from frosts!

RHODODENDRONS

A well drained, acidic soil is essential for these magnificent plants. Plant in large whole filled with humus but at the same time plant them shallow, not deep. A shady position is preferred but in cooler mountain areas more sun is allowed to reach the plant. Mulch annually.

SPREKELIA (Jacobean Lily)

Plant the bulbs with the neck and shoulder above soil level. Excellent for use in pot, use a loam based potting compost.
In the garden these bulbs should be grown in a moderate fertile, well drained soil in full sun, protected from frosts.

SYRINGA

A moist, humus rich, well drained, neutral to alkiline soil is preferred. Mulching is recommended.

TELEOPA or WARATAH

Are native to our shores and don't require any artificial fertilizer. Grow these in a moist , slightly acid, but well drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. The Tasmanian Waratah requires somewhat cooler conditions so, always, try and keep the base of the tree nice and cool (shady) while growing in full or partial sunlight. Water during the dry periods, especially when the plants are small.

TUBEROSES

Tuberoses can grow up to 1.2 meter in height and should be planted during late winter and early spring after the danger of frost is over. Space them about 15 cm apart with the top of the bulb just level with the surface. A well drained loam with plenty of well decayed manure or compost added to it is best. The soil conditions should be from dry to slightly moist during the growing period. Tuberoses prefer a sunny position. The bulbs can be left in the ground and can be divided every 2-3 years.

VIBURNUM

Require a fertile, well drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

ZANTEDESCHIA'S Calla Lily

Zantedeschia's prefer a rich, moist soil with plenty of old, well rotted manure added. However nitrogen rich and fresh animal manure are not recommended. They thrive in warmer weather , so plant these in full sun, but water well during the dry periods. Plant the tubers/rhizomes 10 cm deep.