Bulbs in containers question

Discussion in 'Container Gardening' started by Gardener_notme, Oct 7, 2011.

  1. Gardener_notme

    Gardener_notme Apprentice Gardener

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    I am interestes in planting some bulbs (Tulips or others) in a trough or containers. I intend the container to be placed at the grave of a love one as the soil at the grave lacks depth, and contains a lot of stones.

    The difficulties is that the site is open and in the summer, there will be periods or drought in summer time as I cannot go water them all the time.

    Is this a realistic option? Are tulips a good choice or another variety better suited? Better to place bark over top of the soil to retain some moisture?

    Thank you.
     
  2. catztail

    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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    Tulips would be a good choice as they like being dry during the summer.
     
  3. gcc3663

    gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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    I would prefer Daffodils, or probably Narcissi for longevity of flower.

    Tulips can drop quickly if it rains a lot - don't I know it up here.
     
  4. Lolimac

    Lolimac Guest

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    I'd try Daffs...also field poppy seeds worked well for me:sunny:
     
  5. Gardener_notme

    Gardener_notme Apprentice Gardener

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    I'll try the Daffs :)

    If the container was a good size, can different bulbs be planted? I was thinking snowdrops for something to flower in a different season. Thanks.
     
  6. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    Hi GTE, you could use different bulbs in different layers in a container, the earliest flowering on the bottom layer, then compost then the next flowering bulbs and so on.

    I plant pots of daffodils within the frame of my wife's grave every Spring and cover the pots with the soil within the frame so that you can't see them. It always looks nice and natural and fits in, I think my wife would have liked it.
     
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    • clueless1

      clueless1 member... yep, that's what I am:)

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      I like all the suggestions so far, but they are all early flowering plants.

      In addition to those suggested so far, how about some lillies, which put on their show around mid summer, when the spring bulbs have finished for the year. My wife grew some day lillies in a container for a couple of years before we moved and didn't have time to bring everything. They flowered around june or july if I remember right. Then from about august there's crocosmia, but I think they need to be kept moist, so may be a problem in a container that might not get watered regularly.
       
    • Jack McHammocklashing

      Jack McHammocklashing Sludgemariner

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      At MILS grave I have a 2'6" trough with the bottom cut out
      In it are snow drops, mini daffs, mini tulips, violas, and primroses

      You need to make sure the cemetery authorities allow the use of these
      or they will be removed
      ELF AND SAFETY so the council workers cutting the grass do not trip over them

      Jack McH
       
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