Combining bulbs in pots allows the gardener to create real pieces of art in a small space. One of the most common combinations is the planting of spring flowering bulbs, where tulips, daffodils, hyacinths or crocus are combined.
One of the methods is called “lasagna planting of bulbs” which consists of planting several layers of bulbs and soil in the pot. This will create an incredible succession of flowering. Don’t be afraid to plant what appears to be too many bulbs for the pot; the more you plant, the more spectacular the effect will be.
Given the variety of bulb cultivars available, in color and shape, it is up to the gardener’s creativity to mix and create schemes for his joy. Harmonious, monochromatic or vibrant, there is room for all tastes.
In this case, we are planting a pre-made combination. We bought this bulb pack at Lidl and let’s try it out. The soft pink of the ‘stunning apricot’ tulips should go very well with the white and dry pink of the Narcissus ‘pink charm’.
One of the most important factors when planting bulbs is providing good drainage. For this, the pot must have adequate drainage holes and the compost to be used must drain well.
The planting of tulip and daffodil bulbs is done in autumn. We are using a terracotta pot that provides better air and moisture permeability between the exterior and the compost. In our experience, bulbs grow better in terracotta pots than in plastic pots.
Plant Narcissus ‘pink charm’ bulbs
We put crocks in the bottom so that the drainage hole can fulfill its function and then add a layer of soil. We first plant the pink charm daffodil bulbs that prefer to be deeper.
We are planting in a generic garden compost mixed with sand to improve drainage.
Plant Tulipa ‘stunning apricot’ bulbs
Then we add another layer of soil over the daffodils and plant the tulip ‘stunning apricot’ bulbs. They are about halfway down the depth of the pot. As a general rule, the bulbs should be planted at a depth of 3 times their height. But in a pot, they can be planted at a shallower depth.
Finally, we cover the tulip bulbs with a layer of soil and water.
Tip: add a layer of coarse sand or light gravel to the top of the pot. This will prevent the soil from splashing when watering and from damaging the flowers and leaves.
As far as tulips are concerned, the result was not exactly identical to that announced in the packaging image, but in my opinion, it was even better. The tulips bloomed in white with a slight shade of pink and were huge. I wasn’t expecting it and just loved it. This color variation can occur due to several factors, the characteristics of the soil in which they grew is probably the factor that most influenced it.
The daffodils bloomed slightly later, but as the tulips lasted a long time they still opened in time to show themselves together. The trumpet of daffodils ‘pink charm’ is yellowish inside and opens in a soft pink that combined well with the tulips.
Better than the description is to see the images.
Conclusion
The ‘stunning apricot’ tulips surprised me for their size and durability. It was probably the tulips that were in the best shape for the longest time. Its color, although not what I originally expected, turned out to be a good surprise.
The daffodils bloom as expected, produced well and on the whole I was quite satisfied with the result. A combination to repeat.
