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Harlequins Gardens

Harlequins Gardens

Boulder's specialist in well-adapted plants

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Home | Plants | Bulbs

Bulbs

Bulbs for Colorado Gardens

At Harlequin’s Gardens, we have been experimenting for years with bulbs in our display gardens. Since our gardens are xeriscapes (by default even where not by design), we have had the pleasure of discovering that a great many delightful bulbs can thrive and naturalize in our conditions and enliven the scene in spring and fall. No surprise, really, since most of these hardy spring and autumn-blooming bulbs originated in parts of the world with conditions much like ours, such as Central Asia. Visitors to our gardens have been wowed by enormous Star of Persia Alliums and brilliant sapphire miniature iris, and charmed by perky miniature daffodils and starry species tulips and crocus. They (you) kept asking us “where can I get these?”, so in 2008, we carefully selected our first-ever offering of bulbs for sale at Harlequin’s Gardens.

Since then, we have added more than 30 wonderful varieties. The bulb list is what we are offering this fall.  Quantities are limited and often sell out quickly. We recommend that you purchase your bulbs in September and hold them for planting when the soil is cooler (except Saffron Crocus and Crocus speciosus, which should be planted in September).  Planting depths are to the bottom of the planting hole where the base of the bulb rests.  Planting depth can vary depending on how light or heavy your soil is – plant deeper in light soils, shallower in heavier soils. As a general rule planting depth is 3 times the height of the bulb. Single Early, Triumph, Darwin Hybrid, and Multi-flowering tulips should be planted 8″ deep to perform as perennials and fertilized each year just after bloom. Be sure to allow the leaves and stems to wither naturally before cutting them down.

Here are some ideas for ways and places to use bulbs that you may not have thought of. One idea is to plant small early-blooming bulbs, such as many of the species tulips, where the ground is exposed in spring but will be covered in summer by spreading herbaceous perennials like Desert Four-O’Clock (Mirabilis multiflora), ‘Orange Carpet’ California Fuschia (Zauschneria garrettii), or Wine Cups (Callirhoe involucrata). Also, meadows and drifts of ornamental grasses are usually dormant until mid to late spring, and present a perfect stage for a brilliant display of many types of early spring bulbs. Deciduous groundcovers that emerge in mid-spring, like Plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides), can partner nicely with Iris reticulata and small species tulips.

Amaryllis Bulbs have arrived!

We have some new varieties of Amaryllis, a long-time symbol of the holidays, as well as some classic favorites.  We’re offering traditional red, white, and several blended, pink, and apricot varieties – a fun way to change-up your holiday decorating!  (Pictured: Amaryllis Apricot Parfait, left, and Apple Blossom, right. Photo credit: Holland Bulb Farms.)

Our top-size Amaryllis bulb selections in bags include Apple Blossom, Apricot Parfait, Black Pearl, and Red Lion.

Our decorative gold-boxed holiday sets include the bulb, a white plastic growing pot, soil disc, and planting instructions. Boxed set options include Minerva, Mont Blanc, Red Lion, and Vera. Highly fragrant Ziva Paperwhite Narcissus are also available in gift-boxes and as individual bulbs.

Our spring flowering bulbs have been very popular and are moving quickly – stop by soon for the best selection!  See our 2020 selections.

Lycoris squamigera (Resurrection lily, Surprise lily or Naked Ladies)

The most cold-hardy of the species of Lycoris available in commerce today (Zone 5), L. squamigera is often called Resurrection lily because the leaves disappear in summer with the flowering stalks seemingly rising from the dead in late summer. Thick naked flower scapes rise to 18-24” tall in August or September, each bearing 4 to 7 large, showy, funnel-shaped, lilac-rose pink flowers that are very fragrant!

A member of the Amaryllis family, in appearance it resembles Belladonna lily (Amaryllis belladonna), but its flowering habit is reminiscent of Colchicum. Strap-like grayish-green leaves to 12” long and 1” wide appear in spring and must be allowed to die back in summer.

Though native to Japan, it is easily grown here in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Plant the bulbs 8-12” deep and 6” apart in fall and mulch well in winter. Resurrection Lily naturalizes by bulb-offsets. A low-maintenance beauty with no serious insect or disease problems, water sparingly during the rest period and moderately when growing. Avoid transplanting as this plant dislikes being disturbed. Use in borders or containers, or in open woodland gardens, meadows, or wild areas where the late spring foliage is not a concern.

Narcissus, forcing ‘Ziva’ (high scent) Paperwhites

Potted Paperwhites bring intoxicating fragrance to your home in winter, and make wonderful holiday gifts. Bears trusses of heavily-scented, pure white flowers on up to three stems per bulb. They may be planted in all kinds of decorative pots, vases and trays, either in soil or pebbles, September through February. Rodent-proof.

Place the bulbs about 1” apart and cover 2/3 of the bulb with stones, marbles or pebbles, or completely cover the bulbs with potting soil. Water, then place them in a light, cool place in indirect sunlight until the foliage stands 3” to 4” high. Move to a sunny location at room temperature and keep them well watered. They will bloom in four to six weeks from planting. If not potting immediately, store bulbs in a dry, dark spot at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Available as individual bulbs and in our decorative gold-boxed holiday sets, which include the bulb, a white plastic growing pot, soil disc, and planting instructions.

Bulbs, for a Fragrant & Colorful Spring

One of the earliest harbingers of spring are flowering bulbs, which people and bees all seem to welcome. One aspect of bulbs that may be underrated is their scent. Many bulbs are fragrant, bringing an added dimension to their enjoyment.  Some of our most fragrant bulbs include:

  • All Hyacinth varieties
  • Iris reticulata Blue Hill, Carolina, and Harmony
  • Lycoris squamigera

[Read More]

2020 Bulbs

We are filling our shop with new bulbs for fall planting, including lots of new varieties! We have nearly all of our bulbs in stock,  and will let you know as the others arrive.  Supplies are limited and some bulb selections are selling out fast, so although it’s best to wait to put most in the ground, come and get them while they last!  

Listed below are all the selections we’re expecting this year. Click on names for descriptions and photos, or scroll down past Eve’s “Bulb Tips” article for a comprehensive alpha display.

2020 BULB LIST

ALLIUM

aflatunense ‘Purple Sensation’

caeruleum

christophii

‘Graceful’

moly[Read More]

Declining Daffodils

Have you noticed that your daffodils and narcissus have been struggling and lost their vigor?  Here are several possible reasons why and ways to address reviving them.

FERTILIZER ISSUES

As with perennials, many flowering bulbs do best with fertilizing when planted, as their leaves emerge, and as they bloom, with a slow-release organic fertilizer such as Root Rally, from Age Old. [Read More]

Bulb Tips from Eve

Species Crocus are the earliest Crocus to flower, at least two weeks before their Large Flowering siblings, and are the best for early spring lawn tapestries: hold off mowing the lawn until the foliage has died back. Drifts are also lovely in garden borders and rock gardens. Plant 4” deep and 3”- 4” apart, about nine bulbs per square foot for a dense planting. (Crocus are also good for forcing indoors over the winter. Pot them up in mid-October and pre-cool them at a consistent, dark 38 to 45 degrees F for eight to ten weeks with moderate watering. Bring them into the house ~ they will bloom about four weeks later.)

 

Narcissus (Daffodil) Culture

Narcissus are easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in organically rich, sandy to loams that drain well. Plant bulbs 4-6″ deep and 3-6” apart in fall. After the flowers have bloomed, the top portion of each flower stem may be removed, as practicable, to prevent seed formation, but foliage should not be cut back until it begins to yellow. Flowers usually face the sun, so bulbs should be grown with any shade areas at the rear of the planting. Bulbs can be left undisturbed for a number of years.

Allium aflatunense ‘Purple Sensation’ (Giant Purple-flowered Onion)

Dense, four-inch diameter globes of starry red-purple florets atop stems up to 24” to 36” tall. Very showy, and the earliest large-flowered ornamental onions, blooming in mid-spring. Thrives in full sun to part-shade, and naturalizes by self-sowing. Stunning, long-lasting cut-flower. The dry seed-heads are also highly ornamental in the garden and in flower arrangements.

Grow amid perennials that will mound over the foliage when it has dried, such as Saponaria ‘Max Frei’, or among tall, ‘architectural’ perennials such as ‘Moonshine’ Yarrow. Alliums are resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Plant 6-8″ deep, 6-12″ apart. Zone 4.  18”-36” tall.

Allium caeruleum (aka A. azureum) Blue-flowered Ornamental Onion

Inch-and-a-half globes of gorgeous true-blue flowers are borne abundantly atop 12”-18” stems in May and June.  Native to Siberia, this easy-to-grow flowering onion is very accommodating, and will grow in sun or part-shade almost anywhere, including xeriscape gardens and at high elevations. Dry seed-heads are also attractive in the garden and in dry bouquets, but this flower re-seeds readily, so if you want to maintain population control we recommend dead-heading.

Looks great planted with Aquilegia chrysantha (Denver Gold Columbine), Pineleaf Penstemon, or Malva moschuta ‘Alba’.

Plant 3″ deep, 2″-4″ apart. 12’-18” tall, Late Spring, Summer (May-June), hardy to Zone 3.

Allium christophii (syn. Allium albopilosum) (Star of Persia)

A most surprising, outrageous flower for xeriscapes! The giant globes, to 10” diameter or more, are held on fairly short stems, 8”-18” tall, blooming in mid-spring. The hundreds of starry, silver-lavender florets each have a green ‘eye’ are arranged so that their petal-tips touch to form a perfect sphere. This easy naturalizer has been highly successful in our xeriscape display gardens, eliciting lots of interest. Also spectacular in large flower arrangements, fresh or dried.

Deer and rabbit resistant, and very drought-tolerant. If you don’t want it to naturalize, dead-head before the seeds mature.

Zone 4.  14”- 24” tall. Plant 6”-8” deep and 8”-10” apart.

Allium amplectens ‘Graceful Beauty’

Circa 1857, this delicate-looking yet easy-growing North American native has composite 3″ globes of star-shaped, sparkling white flowers with pale lavender stamens tipped with purple anthers and sturdy stems.

Bloom time: May/June. 12″ to 16″ tall. Zone 4-8.

Allium moly (Golden Garlic or Lily Leek)

Known as Golden Garlic or Lily Leek, this species is an exceptionally cheery border perennial. Its golden yellow, starry flowers appear in clusters on 10-15″ stems above handsome, dark green foliage. The late May bloom is a burst of sunshine regardless of the weather. Plant closely together in clumps (5-10 bulbs per sq ft.) among perennials. The leaves of the Allium will go dormant later in summer when the perennials are in their prime.

Cold-hardy to Zone 3.

 

Anemone blanda ‘Blue Shades’ (Blue Grecian Windflower)

An enchanting, early-blooming member of the Buttercup family that grows from a tuber. Where happy, it spreads to form a carpet-like groundcover with ferny deep green foliage and 1”- wide open-faced sky-blue daisy flowers with yellow eyes. Provides a long-lasting display in early spring.

Works well under daffodils and tulips, in rock gardens, or in masses under deciduous shrubs and trees. Prefers a humus-rich soil, average moisture and good drainage in a sunny or partly shaded location.

Hardy to Zone 5, 3-4” tall.

Camassia leichtlinii caerulea

A large and beautiful species native to western N. America, Leichtlin’s camass is a spring-flowering bulbous perennial that typically grows wild on moist slopes and moist mountain meadows but can be allowed to go quite dry after flowering. The bulbs were an important food source for native Americans and early settlers.

Strap-shaped leaves form a 2’ by 2’ clump of foliage. Stout flowering stems tower above, densely clothed in showy purple-blue 2” wide six-petaled star-shaped flowers.

Plant bulbs 4-6” deep and 6” apart in full sun or morning sun. Camass tolerates a wide range of soils including clay, but prefers fertile, humusy soil. They are low-maintenance and best left undisturbed.

Chionodoxa forbesii

Blue Glory of the Snow is a deer proof bulb with compact 6-8” spikes of cheerful, white eyed, bright blue flowers in early spring. Chionodoxa is very attractive when planted in large drifts of many bulbs, and naturalizes readily.

Plant in full sun or morning sun, 2-4” deep, 16 bulbs per sq. ft. or 4” apart. Cold hardy to Zone 3.

 

Crocus chrysanthus ‘Gipsy Girl’

In full bloom mid-February through mid-March, this heirloom variety with golden-yellow blossoms, feathered on the outside with bronze or plum markings, sports one of the toughest blooms of any crocus cultivar. It is “bunch flowering” in that more than one flower arises from a single corm, and a handful of corms can look surprisingly flowery right from the first year. One of the least floppy, with stronger flower stems.

It will naturalize well, and increase in number for years to come, being especially long-lived, persistent and hardy to Zone 3, 2-3” tall.

 

Crocus chrysanthus, mixed

A cheerful mix of many colors and forms of super-early ‘snow crocus’!

Hardy to Zone 3.

Crocus isauricus (or biflorus ssp isauricus) ‘Spring Beauty’

Spring Beauty is an elegant and hard-to-find variety with bright lavender blue flowers marked with striking deep violet flames on the outer petals, a paler lavender-purple interior, pale yellow anthers and grass-like foliage with narrow, median silvery stripes.

Outstanding whether planted in large drifts or small clumps in the rockery. Late winter/early spring blooming. A bit shorter than other Species Crocus, Spring Beauty stands about 3-4″ tall with graceful six-petaled flowers that open and close on sunny days.

Deer-resistant, they naturalize readily in well-draining soil and in full to partial sunlight. Hardy to Zone 4

Crocus sieberi ‘Firefly’

Crocus seiberi ‘Firefly’ is a tiny treasure 2-4” tall that multiplies rapidly and lights up the late-winter garden with lilac-violet flowers accented by golden throats and orange anthers.  The grass-like foliage has narrow, median silvery stripes.

Plant ‘Firefly’ corms 3″ deep and 2″ to 3″ apart, in full sun to part shade. ‘Firefly’ is among the earliest-blooming crocus, a great performer that naturalizes quickly. Cold-hardy to Zone 3.

Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus, fall flowering)

This fall-blooming crocus emerges as a cheery surprise in October or November with bright violet-purple open cupped petals and brilliant orange stigmas, the source of the precious spice, saffron. The blooms are accompanied by short blades of dark green, grass-like foliage which elongates after the flowers have finished and may re-appear in spring.

Wonderful in the sunny rock garden, and among low, xeric groundcovers such as Turkish Veronica or ‘Tough-as-Nails’ (Paronychia kapela). Saffron Crocus prefers a location that is warm, sunny and dry, with very good drainage and only wants moisture when it is in flower and active growth.

Plant 2-4″ deep, 3″ apart. Zone 6.   4”-5” tall

Crocus speciosus ‘Conqueror’ (‘Conqueror’ Autumn Crocus)

A superb selection of the blue Fall Crocus, Conqueror blooms in early to mid-autumn, arriving to brighten the garden at a time when many other plants have finished blooming.  Conqueror’s very large, deep sky-blue flowers with golden-orange stigmas and anthers stand 5 or 6” tall and emerge without the narrow grassy foliage that will follow bloom. They will naturalize, and over the years, the clumps increase in size and duration of bloom.

‘Conqueror’ provides a stunning surprise rising out of a mass of perennial groundcover such as Plumbago, Evergreen Candytuft, ‘Harlequin’s Silver’ Teucrium, or any of the Geranium x cantabrigiensis selections!

Average soil and moisture, full to part sun, most soils except heavy clay, cold-hardy to Zone 4.

PLANT THESE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE to enjoy flowers this fall! For drifts, plant 10 bulbs per square foot.

Crocus vernus Flower Record

‘Flower Record‘ Dutch Large-flowering Crocus has large six-petaled flowers with deep purple petals that form a cup around a ruffled bright orange pistil. It blooms in March or early April for ~3 weeks and grows 4-6” tall and wide, increasing and spreading easily. Flowers close at night and open up in the morning, but usually remain closed on rainy/cloudy days.

Plant 5″ deep and 4″ apart. Cold-hardy to Zone 4.

Crocuses are among the most widely grown early spring bulbs (actually corms). The genus name comes from krokos the ancient Greek name for saffron (Crocus sativus.) It is one of the most ancient plant names.

Crocus are also good for forcing indoors over the winter. Pot them up in mid-October and precool them at a consistent, dark 38°F to 45°F for eight to ten weeks with moderate watering. Bring them into the house, where they will bloom about four weeks later.

 

Crocus vernus Giant Mixed (Large-flowered ‘Dutch’ Crocus, mixed colors)

Crocus vernus varieties bloom later and have larger flowers than ‘botanical’ crocus.  They create a big, cheerful splash of color in the spring garden that few hardy plants can achieve. This mix contains a compatible blend of purple, yellow, white and striped varieties that will all bloom at the same time.

Grow in masses or drifts for the best effect.  The display will grow more spectacular every year, and is sure to cure your winter blues!

Plant 8 to 10 bulbs per square foot.

Crocus ‘Golden Yellow’

‘Golden Yellow’ (Crocus × luteus) is a cheerful, large-flowered bright yellow cultivar that grows 4-6” tall. Each corm produces several upright, cup-like, yellow to orange-yellow flowers with thin olive-green striping on the outside. It blooms in early spring shortly after snowdrops (Galanthus) and naturalizes readily.

Cold-hardy to Zone 4.

Crocus Pickwick

This distinctive large-flowered “Dutch” crocus bears goblet-shaped blooms with prominent white petals with vivid and intricate purple stripes. Stunning in drifts or mixed with Botanical Iris, Pickwick is a great favorite for early spring. Extremely cold-hardy, easy to plant, and naturalizing readily, it reliably returns every spring in increasing numbers.

4-6″ tall, hardy to Zone 3.

 

Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)

Pendant, bell-shaped white flowers with green-tipped petals are a classic harbinger of spring. They look wonderful planted in groups and may bloom as early as February. Commonly called snowdrop, this bulbous perennial is native to Europe and southwestern Asia.

Snowdrops will naturalize where happy. thrives in rich garden loam in part shade, making it perfect under deciduous trees and shrubs.

Zone 3,  3” tall.

Hyacinth ‘Aiolos’

 Dense columns of waxy, pure white florets appear in mid-spring on sturdy stems. Aiolos has an intense, sweet fragrance and is a long-lasting cut flower.

Grows 10” tall. Plant 6” deep and 6” apart. Hardy to zone 3.

Hyacinth ‘Delft Blue’

All these highly fragrant Dutch Hyacinth varieties are perfect for spring gardens and for forcing indoors in pots or hyacinth glasses. They are long-lived in the garden if fertilized after blooming, and after the first year they will produce more flower spikes that are less densely packed and more natural-looking. Hyacinths are quite easy to grow in a sunny or partly shaded spot.

Hyacinth Mixed Colors

Description and photo coming soon!

Hyacinth ‘Peter Stuyvesant’

All these highly fragrant Dutch Hyacinth varieties are perfect for spring gardens and for forcing indoors in pots or hyacinth glasses. They are long-lived in the garden if fertilized after blooming, and after the first year they will produce more flower spikes that are less densely packed and more natural-looking. Hyacinths are quite easy to grow in a sunny or partly shaded spot.

Ipheion uniflorum ‘Jessie’ (Spring Starflower)

A spring gem for dry or moderately watered gardens in shade and part-shade. This long-blooming bulb from Chile and Uruguay sends up a mound of grassy foliage in autumn that persists over winter and begins blooming in early spring, producing a long succession of sweetly fragrant starry cobalt blue flowers through late spring, each atop its own 3”-6” stem. Multiplies to form a groundcover until summer when the foliage goes dormant. Also lovely planted under taller mid-spring bulbs such as ‘Tete a Tete’ miniature daffodils.

A member of the Onion family, the foliage smells like garlic when crushed (which makes it resistant to deer and rabbits!).

Succeeds in a wide range of soils, but like most bulbs, requires reasonably good drainage. Hardy to Zone 5,  3”-5” tall

Iris bucharica – NEW!

Photo Credit: Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

Iris bucharica (also known as Bukhara iris, Corn-leaf iris and Horned iris) is a bulbous herbaceous perennial, in the Juno iris group, from Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This stand-out species has arching blue-green leaves and a long succession of 2-3”-wide flowers in mid-spring, greenish white ‘flags’, and chrome yellow with green veins for the falls. Bukhara iris has a longer blooming and more solid presence in the spring garden than the reticulata/histrioides types.

Plant in a sunny or partly shaded position in soil that provides quick drainage year-round. Iris bucharica appreciates a hot, dry ‘baking’ in summer, but tolerates normal soil moisture during the cool and cold months.  8-12” tall x 8” wide, April, Morning sun or full sun, Hardy to Zone 5.

Iris x histrioides ‘Katharine’s Gold’

‘Katherine’s Hodgkin’ is a classic, award-winning, super-early, reliable, and tough botanical Iris that persists and increases for many years. Her flowers are larger than other miniatures, but still on stems only 3-4” tall. The soft powder-blue falls are decorated with distinctive deep blue veining and indigo and gold markings, while the standards are a couple of shades darker blue. Flowering soon after the snowdrops (often in February or early March), botanical iris quickly develop into gorgeous, densely floriferous clumps and excel in the rock garden or perennial bed.

Plant in part to full sun, in well-drained soil. Planting in very hot locations will shorten the duration of bloom. In heavier soil, add expanded shale to improve drainage. Cold hardy to Zone 5.

Iris reticulata ‘Blue Hill’ – NEW!

Iris Blue Hill is an outstanding recent introduction. This sweetly scented little gem has good-sized saturated blue flowers with darker blue and prominent yellow blotches on the falls. Flowers are held on strong 4-5” stems, and each bulb will produce a succession of blooms over a couple of weeks in late winter.

Botanical Irises form beautiful, floriferous clumps and can be divided every 3 or 4 years to maintain vigor. They mix well with other late-winter/early-spring flowering bulbs and are ideal for the front of the border, rockery or container planting.  Hardy to Zone 4.

Iris reticulata ‘Carolina’ – NEW!

Phot Credit: Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

This brilliant, fragrant beauty has bright sky-blue standards, while the violet-blue falls with deep blue tips sport canary-yellow centers edged in white ‘eyelashes’. Iris ‘Carolina’ will pop from the cold frozen earth in February or March.

5-6” tall clumps can grow to 12” across. Hardy to Zone 4.

Iris reticulata ‘Harmony’

An irresistible little iris that grows no more than 5-6″ tall. Its dazzling, royal blue petals have showy white and yellow markings and the flowers are sweetly fragrant! Perfect for rock gardens or along a walkway where the soil is well-drained and relatively dry. Blooms in late winter along with the crocuses.

5-6” tall clumps can grow to 12” across. Deer-resistant. Plant 4” deep and 4-5” apart. Hardy to Zone 4.

Amaryllis ‘Apple Blossom’

The Apple Blossom Amaryllis produces a gorgeous flower, having pure white petals brushed with pink.

Available as individual bulbs.

Narcissus ‘Chromacolor’

Award-winning ‘Chromacolor’ has a very large, intense coral-pink cup that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding pure white perianth, almost 5” across! To top it off, it exudes the scent of roses and raspberries! A real knockout, this American-bred cultivar stands 14-17” tall.

As with all Pink Narcissi, ‘Chromacolor’ benefits from filtered sunlight to develop its best pink coloration. Blooms midseason, Hardy to Zone 3.

Deer & Rodent -proof!

Narcissus ‘Geranium’

This very floriferous 1930 Heirloom tazetta hybrid should be planted where you’ll notice and enjoy its strong and heavenly perfume. The late-midseason blooms have a dainty orange-red cups surrounded by large pure white petals and the bulbs produce many out-facing flowers on each 14”-16” stem and increase well, making a striking display and provide wonderful fragrant cut flowers.

Zone 4-5. Deer and rodent-proof. Plant 6-8″ deep, 6-8″ apart.

Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’

Enormously popular, Ice Follies has become a classic daffodil. This sturdy award-winner bears huge 4” flowers with white petals surrounding a frilled, very wide-open, sunny yellow cup that gradually matures almost pure white. A prolific multiplier, it naturalizes vigorously and is a long-lived perennial. Fantastic in large drifts. Also, a good forcer. Plant in full sun or morning sun/afternoon shade, in average garden soil with moderate water.

16-18” tall, early-mid spring, hardy to Zone 3, plant 6-8″ deep, 6-8″ apart, deer-proof. Deer & Rodent -proof!

Narcissus ‘Pacific Rim’ – NEW!

A very striking daffodil and a consistent blue-ribbon winner, Pacific Rim’s flowers have a rich yellow perianth and cup, with the short cup rimmed with a band of scarlet. Blooms and stems are also very sturdy and weather-resistant, as well as deer and rodent-proof.

14-16” tall, Zone 3

Narcissus ‘Hawera’ (miniature Daffodil)

This 1938 Heirloom hybrid triandrus-type miniature daffodil bears many little elfin, light lemon – yellow nodding bells with short demitasse cups and swept back petals. Each 5-6” slender stem bears one or two of these dainty blooms with wonderful, fruity fragrance. It is one of the most adaptable and seems to thrive in partial shade or full sun, growing beautifully forced in pots, shining, and thriving growing in scree or dryer areas as well as in the garden border.

Blooming in mid-late spring (May), it contrasts nicely with grape hyacinths and is exquisite with hellebores. The very slender foliage is easy to hide while it matures.

Hardy to Zone 3-4.  Deer and rodent proof.

Narcissus ‘Heart to Heart’ – NEW!

Credit: Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

Narcissus ‘Heart to Heart’ is a new hybrid miniature from an American breeder (our source).  In mid-spring this delightful ‘rock garden’ Narcissus bears small golden yellow flowers with the swept back petal characteristics of a cyclamineus variety, but fragrant and multiflowering like a jonquilla. Pest-proof!

4-6” tall, Hardy to Zone 4, blooms mid-spring (April-May).

Narcissus ‘Jetfire’

An old favorite for naturalizing, and another Cyclamineus daffodil. Bright and cheerful in the garden, with reflexed vivid yellow petals and orange-red trumpet. ‘Jetfire’ is early blooming, and increases rapidly to form showy colonies. Very long-blooming, tough and adaptable. Also good for forcing indoors.

Plant 3 times height of bulb, 4-6″ apart. Zone 3, 8-10” tall, Deer and rodent-proof!

Amaryllis ‘Apricot Parfait’

‘Apricot Parfait’ Amaryllis has large, 8” flowers with beautiful apricot and white petals shading to a darker center flare and a greenish-white heart.

Available as individual bulbs.

Narcissus ‘Altruist’ (Short-cup)

While ‘Altruist’ Narcissus has the classic daffodil look, the colors are anything but ordinary! This striking award-winner has a 3″ coppery golden-orange perianth that pales as it matures, the perfect background for the shallow, bowl-shaped crimson-orange cup. Altruist is long-lived and floriferous, and its unusual and gorgeous coloring make it a stand-out in the garden and as a cut flower. Pest-proof!

14-18” tall, Hardy to Zone 3, blooms mid-spring (April-May).

Narcissus ‘Pheasant’s Eye’

Narcissus poeticus ‘Pheasant’s Eye’ is a very old heirloom variety. The wonderfully fragrant blooms have large, star-shaped, reflexed white petals and a small, yellow, red-edged cup with a green eye. The wildflower blooms are both eye-catching and delicate.

Blooms in late spring. Zone 3, 14-16” tall. Deer and rodent-proof.

Narcissus triandrus ‘Sunlight Sensation’ – NEW!

Photo Credit: Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

It may be hard to find a Daffodil more floriferous than this Triandrus variety, which produces up to 5 stems per bulb and 2-4 blossoms per stem, each almost 3” wide, creating a solid mass of bright sunny color in the spring garden. The vivid lemon- yellow flowers are blessed with a fruity perfume. The narrow foliage is dark green. Pest-proof!

12-16” tall, Blooms mid-spring (April-May).

Narcissus ‘Thalia’

Lovely, snow-white, fragrant, award-winning Triandrus Narcissus ‘Thalia’ is a gracious, natural beauty that has been a perennial favorite since its introduction in 1916. Thalia bears two to three, pendant, star-shaped flowers per stem, poised above slender, deep green foliage. Also known as the ‘Orchid Narcissus’, this demure heirloom has graceful, spreading, slightly recurved flower petals encircling a long, slightly ribbed, cup-shaped crown. Unlike most ‘white’ narcissi, Thalia opens white and remains white. As long-lived Thalia naturalizes and matures over the years, it may bear up to five flowering stems per bulb in mid-spring.

Plant in full sun or part shade, in fertile, well-drained soil. Lends itself to virtually any garden style, from ‘wild woodland’ to formal parterre.  6-20” tall. Plant 6-8” deep, 6” apart. Deer and rodent-proof. Hardy to Zone 4.

Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’

Narcissus Dutch Master (syn. King Alfred Improved) has been America’s favorite daffodil for many decades and is literally the gold standard among daffodils. It’s great for naturalizing and creates the perfect early burst of classic color for any garden or wildflower meadow.

This long-lived perennial will thrive for decades in a full to part sun location, planted 7” deep and 3-4” apart in any well-draining, fertile soil. Dutch Master is lightly fragrant, sturdy and weather-resistant, with stems 18-20” tall. Cold-hardy to Zone 3. Deer and rodent-proof!

Nectaroscordum bulgaricum (Sicilian Honey Lily)

A fascinating and subtly beautiful flowering onion with a 5” umbrella-shaped inflorescence made up of pendant ¾” plum and green bells that comes spilling out of an elegant pointed white papery sheath atop a tall stem.  The flowers are richly endowed with nectar and are eagerly visited by honeybees.  After pollination, each individual flower stem slowly turns upright, until the whole cluster is erect.  The long strappy blue-green leaves twist in a spiral, and are a garlicky edible treat, traditionally ground up with salt, dried, then sprinkled on tomatoes or salads.

Moderate water, to 18”-36” tall, hardy to Zone 5.

Puschkinia libanotica (Lebanon Squill) – NEW!

Lebanon Squill is a small, easy-to-grow perennial bulb, 4-6” tall and loaded with starry, ice-blue flowers that bloom in early to mid-spring. It’s an excellent naturalizing species for sun and part shade. The ones in our Xeriscape Rock Garden elicited plenty of admiration this spring.

Plant 16 bulbs per square foot, 2-3” deep. Deer resistant. Cold-hardy to Zone 4.

Triteleia (Brodeia) ‘Queen Fabiola’

A wonderful Western US native wildflower bulb valued for its clusters of violet-blue, upward-facing flowers.  ‘Queen Fabiola’ is lovely companion for relatively short perennials that bloom in May and June, like ‘Coral Canyon’ Twinspur or ‘Elfin Pink’ Beardtongue.  It also makes a long lasting and graceful cut flower.  The dark green foliage is slender and grass-like.  ‘Queen Fabiola’ is easy to grow in full sun or morning sun and well-drained soil.

Late Spring, Early Summer bloom. Hardy to Zone 5A.  6-12” tall.

Tulip ‘Artist’

An artist’s palette of color, the salmon-rose flowers of ‘Artist’ glow with shades of peach, dusky purple and flashes of green that create the distinctive characteristics of a Viridiflora Tulip. The substantial, sculpted blossoms, with their pointed petals, add elegance for long-lasting color in the garden or indoors for room-brightening bouquets, with blooms lasting up to 3 weeks! This exotic creature will naturalize readily in your garden if the flowers are allowed to remain and are not cut. The term Viridiflora is derived from the Latin words virdis meaning green and flos meaning flower.

Plant in sun-part shade, 6” deep and 4-5” apart in well-draining soil. Hardy to Zone 3.

 

Tulip ‘Juan’

Tulip ‘Juan’ appears to be a hybrid between a Fosteriana and a Griegii tulip. The large blooms on 12-16” stems are bright royal orange with a glowing yellow base and exceptionally beautiful purple mottled and striped foliage, rivalling that of ‘Red Riding Hood’.

An RHS award of Garden Merit winner that gives a great show before, during and after bloom. ‘Juan’ blooms in early-mid spring.

Tulip ‘Oracle’

This very striking, newer variety crowns its strong, 14-16” stems with very large, bold red flowers with sunny, glowing yellow bases. Our source remarks that Oracle is fragrant, too! On sunny days, the flowers open fully, displaying their distinct and large yellow centers. 

Oracle makes a great companion for Daffodils and Crocus.

Tulip fosteriana ‘Red Emperor’

Red Emperor is one of the world’s most popular tulips because of its huge, deep fiery red flowers, which sport a dramatic black base rimmed with yellow, blooming in early to mid-spring.

A perennial tulip that naturalizes (multiplies and spreads), and one of the first large-flowered tulips to bloom in the spring. 14-16” tall.

 

Tulipa bakeri ‘Lilac Wonder’

With its sunny yellow heart and lilac pink petals, the 6”-8” ‘Lilac Wonder’ makes a great companion to mid-spring daffodils like ‘Hawera’, ‘Quail’ and silver leafed plants like Lamb’s Ears, Alyssum oxycarpum, Partridge Feather and Teucrium cossonii ‘Silver Form’.

A vigorous grower, it naturalizes well and is useful in xeriscapes as well as rock gardens and traditional bulb borders. Plant in full sun; Lilac Wonder likes to bake in the summer. Hardy to Zone 5.

Tulipa clusiana v. chrysantha (Lady Tulip)

This easy, graceful species is native to the Uzbekistan steppe and has naturalized throughout much of southern Europe. Blooming in mid-spring, narrow, linear, gray-green leaves frame 4” wide, star-shaped, lemon yellow flowers to 4” with outer tepals red on the exterior. On cloudy days, the petals stay closed, so that the bicolor exterior of red and yellow is prominent. On sunny days, the flowers open to form bright yellow stars.

Grow in organically rich, fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Plant 6-8” deep in fall (4-6” deep if in heavy clay soils), spaced 4-5” apart. Lady tulips are long-lived perennials which come back year after year. When grown as perennials, spent flower stems should be promptly removed after bloom, but foliage should not be removed until it yellows. In good growing conditions, it will naturalize in the garden by stolons and offsets to form colonies, and benefits from being divided after ~4 years and fertilized to promote bloom.

6-12” tall, hardy to Zone 3, for beds, borders, rock gardens, containers, masses.

 

Tulipa kaufmanniana ‘The First’ (Waterlily Tulip)

A gorgeous, sturdy, low-growing (8”) naturalizing tulip, perfect for the rock garden, meadow or perennial border. ‘The First’ is very early, blooming in March or April. When closed, the red and white outer petals present a candy-cane striped effect. On sunny days, they open wide (~4″) and look like single waterlilies, revealing an ivory white interior with a bright yellow center and, sometimes, small coral-red markings.

Hardy to Zone 3. Plant 6” deep, 6” apart. Zone 3, 4” tall.

Tulipa linifolia (Flax-leaved or Bokhara Tulip)

This gorgeous native of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is a terrific rock garden size tulip species. The pointed petals are gorgeous, brilliant scarlet- red inside and out, with black bases, and the flowers open wide to catch the sun. The narrow basal leaves have red edges and lay flat. Because they are from Central Asia, they are well adapted to our cold winters and dry, hot summers.

They appreciate fertile, very well-drained soil and room to grow. T. linifolia is a good naturalizer and has made a lovely colony blooming in mid-spring in our Ornamental Grasses display garden. They also excel in rock gardens and sunny well-drained borders.

3”-6” tall. Hardy to Zone 3-4.

Tulipa ‘Little Beauty’ Species Tulip

These adorable Species Tulips have reddish-pink petals with glowing, blue-eyed centers.

Plant 3” deep in full to part sun. Lightly fragrant. Grows 4-6” tall. Zone 3.

Tulip ‘Norah’

Norah has exquisite, pointed petals, glowing deep pink accented with coral and violet hues, and contrasting bluish black base. In addition to its bold coloring, this fragrant dwarf Species tulip blooms low to the ground and attracts spring pollinators.

3-6“tall, Fragrant

Tulip (Triumph) ‘Brown Sugar’

Blooming toward the end of the tulip season, Brown Sugar is worth waiting for! Its large, cupped blossoms shade from rose to terracotta to copper, and are produced on top of strong, tall stems18-20” tall. Best of all, Brown Sugar is endowed with a wonderful, warm fragrance!

Like other Triumph tulips, Brown Sugar will prove an excellent, long-lived perennial if you refrain from cutting the flower stems and allow the foliage to ripen naturally.  April/May bloom time, Zones 3-7.

Tulip (Triumph) ‘Princess Irene’

One of the most revered Triumph tulips, Princess Irene is an award-winning heirloom, much like a ‘Rembrandt’ tulip, with stunning, large bowl-shaped bright orange flowers beautifully flamed with orchid purple. The deliciously fragrant, weather-resistant blossoms are held on sturdy stems and make excellent cut-flowers.

12-14” tall, Fragrant.

Amaryllis ‘Black Pearl’

Photo Credit: DeVroomen

The jumbo bulb of Black Pearl produces well-proportioned plants with up to 5 bloom stalks, each crowned with a cluster of velvety deep wine-red blooms, each flower up to 8” across!

Available as individual bulbs.

Amaryllis ‘Minerva’

The full petals of this bright and stylish Amaryllis are a saturated red, overlaid with a white star and accented by stippled veining and a light green throat.

Available in our decorative gold-boxed holiday sets, which include the bulb, a white plastic growing pot, soil disc, and planting instructions.

Amaryllis ‘Mont Blanc’

Photo Credit: DeVroomen

A large white flower with a chartreuse throat. Bulbs may produce 2 or more flower stems, each with multiple flowers.

Available in our decorative gold-boxed holiday sets, which include the bulb, a white plastic growing pot, soil disc, and planting instructions.

Amaryllis ‘Red Lion’

A gorgeous, bright red flower with wide petals. A perfect holiday decoration!

Available as individual bulbs, and in our decorative gold-boxed holiday sets, which include the bulb, a white plastic growing pot, soil disc, and planting instructions.

Amaryllis ‘Vera’

Photo Credit: DeVroomen

Not too soft, not too loud, this shade of warm pink is perfect for winter blooms when everyone craves some concentrated color. Amaryllis Vera’s big flowers are highlighted by contrasting kiwi-colored throats and its crepe-textured petals are exceptionally wide.

Available in our decorative gold-boxed holiday sets, which include the bulb, a white plastic growing pot, soil disc, and planting instructions.

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      • Plants for Pollinators List
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      • Garlic
      • Fall Vegetable Starts
      • Tomato Starts
      • Pepper Starts
      • Other Vegetable Starts
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303-939-9403 (Retail)
staff@nullharlequinsgardens.com

4795 North 26th St
Boulder, CO 80301

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The plants we grow are organically grown. All the plants we sell are free of bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides.