Check out 'bulbs' for spring planting

By Kathy Hatfield
Gardening Columnist

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As you peruse early spring merchandise at the local nursery, you're likely to see bulbs, corms, tubers, roots and rhizomes for sale. These are ready to be planted now, for blooming this season.

All of the aforementioned plant parts are actually modified stems that grow underground. Some, like the bulbs, have embryonic plants within papery protective scales. Others, like the corms, tubers and rhizomes, are just thickened stems with growing points ready to burst forth when conditions are right. Fortunately, we don't need to know the botanical distinction between them to grow beautiful flowers.

Some of the species you're likely to find are discussed below, but whichever you choose, be aware that many of these are native to tropical parts of the world, so they will need extra water and well-amended soil. Check the packages for specifics on flower color, plant height, blooming time, exposure, soil and moisture preferences so that you will fit them into your garden in the best possible location. Also, most of these are not hardy in our zone, so unless you dig them up in the fall and place them in frost-free storage, they will not survive the winter.

When purchasing these plants in packages or from bins, be sure to check that the bulbs are healthy looking, not moldy or shriveled. Choose the largest and firmest specimens available.

Planting ideas

Amaryllis is the common name for Hippeastrum, with flowers that rise fountain-like from linear basal leaves. The flower colors range from white to pink to red to salmon. These are the flowers that some people like to force into bloom inside in the winter. They are sensitive to frost and cool soil. Also, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, so use caution if you have small children or pets.

Caladiums are grown for their intricately patterned leaves, rather than their flowers. The leaves are shades of green, white, pink or red, with many combinations of these colors. They like high heat and humidity. Most of these will grow best in a shady to semi-shady location. The sap of caladiums can cause swelling of the throat and mouth, so again, plant with caution if you have small children or pets.

Callas (or Zantedeschia) are available in spring colors: pinks and yellows with rich green foliage. They will need some shade during the hot summer and like very moist soil. The unusual blossom is a single spike covered with tiny flowers and surrounded by a colorful bract, or spathe.

Cannas have spikes of showy flowers in hot colors, creamy whites, and bicolors, which bloom summer and fall. Some gardeners plant these as much for their rich green and bronze foliage as for the flowers. They like our summer heat, but not our winter cold.

Dahlias are available in just about any color but blue, and a wide variety of flower shapes as well. This diverse group includes cactus, anemone, orchid, peony, ball and waterlily forms, with the name of the group giving a clue as to the shape of the flower. They prefer a well-drained soil, slightly on the acid side. Dahlias not only add spectacular color to the garden, but they make great cut flowers too.

Gladiolus is also a great cut flower, available in nearly any color you might want. The grandiflora hybrids are the best known, but some of the more diminutive types, such as the baby gladiolus and the butterfly hybrids, will bloom earlier in our climate.

Lilies add a touch of elegance to a garden with their gracefully curving petals and striking colors. The Asiatic hybrids are the easiest to grow in the average garden and are the earliest to bloom. Aurelian hybrids generally bloom mid-summer and have trumpet-shaped, sometimes scented flowers. Oriental hybrids are often exotic looking and bloom midsummer into fall. Lilies are perennial; many, but not all, will survive Colorado winters.

Tuberous begonias are generally grown in containers because of their need for rich, moist soil and shady conditions. There are both upright and hanging types; usually the upright strains have larger flowers, but the hanging types produce more blossoms. They are also available in a variety of flower shapes: frilly, single, double, and rose or carnation-like. A daily misting helps to keep these in blooming condition.