Tough Sepcies Tulips and Miniature Daffodils

By Kerry Mendez | October 9, 2017

This is the time of the year when gardeners are digging lots of holes in the garden, burying precious bulbs of various sizes and shapes. Sadly, there is usually an audience watching us with grins on their furry faces. I’m talking deer, squirrels, voles and chipmunks. GRRRRRR. (Right: Daffodil ‘Kokopelli’, Brent and Becky’s Bulbs)

Thankfully there are some long-lived, spring blooming bulbs that are typically ignored by these thieves. Two such champions are daffodils and species tulips. I prefer using miniature bulbs (also called minor bulbs) in smaller gardens, containers, and in areas viewed at close range. Their smaller leaves quickly ripen and disappear from view, versus their larger siblings with foliage that can look messy for months! Miniature bulbs usually reach a flowering height of 10” or less. Plus the petite size of these bulbs make them a breeze to plant (the rule of thumb for planting bulbs is to set them at a depth that is three times the height or width of the bulb).

If you simply cannot live without spring blooming bulbs that are critter candy, then protect your investment by using Plantskydd (save 10% on your online order by entering the special Perennially Yours discount code Pyours2017), an organic, OMRI approved animal repellant. Plus save a lot of effort and back pain by using a Bulb Bopper (save 20% on the auger from Gardener’s Supply by entering the special Perennially Yours discount code PYOURS17), an attachment for an electric or battery-powered drill that makes digging holes FUN!