Bulb Care Guide

African Lily

Agapanthus africanus · Bulbs

A drought-tolerant perennial known for its showy blue or white flowers that open on long stalks in summer. It likes full sun and well-drained soil. It dislikes having its roots disturbed.

Allium ilgazense

Allium ilgazense · Bulbs

WARNING: A rare species endemic to Turkey. It is native to the Ilgaz Mountains, and successful growing requires well-drained soil, cold winters and a dry summer dormancy period. It is difficult to adapt to Izmir's climate and requires expertise.

Amaryllis

Hippeastrum spp. · Bulbs

A bulbous plant known for its showy, large flowers that blooms in winter and spring. To flower again, the cycle of flowering, growth and dry rest (dormancy) must be managed carefully.

Bearded Iris

Iris germanica · Bulbs

A drought-tolerant plant that generally grows from a rhizome and loves sun and well-drained soil. It is very important to plant it near the surface so that the tops of the rhizomes stay in the sun, and to keep it dry in summer so it does not rot.

Calla Lily

Zantedeschia aethiopica · Bulbs

The growth cycle of the white calla (growing in winter, dormant in summer) is perfect for Izmir's climate. It loves rich, moist soils and partially shaded spots sheltered from afternoon sun. Its colored hybrids, on the other hand, have a reverse cycle (growing in summer, dormant in winter) and need more care.

Canna Lily

Canna indica · Bulbs

A rhizomatous plant with large leaves resembling banana leaves and red, orange and yellow flowers that give a tropical look. It loves heat and plenty of water; in cold regions the rhizomes are dug up and stored over winter.

Crocus

Crocus · Bulbs

A bulbous (cormous) plant that generally flowers in spring. It loves full sun and well-drained soils, and its biggest enemy is excessively wet soil. Suitable for rock gardens, lawn areas and pots.

Daffodil

Narcissus · Bulbs

A hardy, long-lived bulbous plant, a herald of spring, known for its trumpet-shaped flowers. It likes full sun or light shade and well-drained soil. Because it is poisonous to animals, it can spread (naturalize) trouble-free in the garden and stay for years.

Dahlia

Dahlia x hybrida · Bulbs

A tuberous plant that produces showy flowers in summer and autumn. It likes plenty of sun and rich, well-drained soil. For abundant flowers it needs regular watering during the growing period, fertilizing and removal of faded flowers. The tubers should be lifted and stored over winter.

Freesia

Freesia · Bulbs

A bulbous (cormous) plant known for its intensely fragrant flowers. It is planted in autumn, flowers in spring and goes dormant in summer. It likes full sun and well-drained soil, and its flower stalks usually need support.

Fritillaria caucasica

Fritillaria caucasica · Bulbs

A bulbous plant native to mountainous regions that flowers in spring and goes completely dormant in summer. The most important rule for growing it successfully is perfect drainage that keeps the soil dry, especially in the summer months.

Gladiolus

Gladiolus x hortulanus · Bulbs

A tuberous plant popular as a cut flower, with showy flowers on long spikes. It likes full sun and well-drained, sandy-loam soil; for best results it is recommended to plant the corms in spring and lift them in autumn.

Grape Hyacinth

Muscari · Bulbs

A hardy, easily spreading bulbous plant that flowers in spring with usually blue or purple flowers resembling grape clusters. It likes full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. It is ideal for rock gardens, borders and under trees.

Hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis · Bulbs

A classic spring bulb known for its intensely fragrant flowers. It needs full sun, well-drained soil and a dry resting period in summer; after the flowers fade, the leaves should be allowed to die back on their own to feed the bulb.

Lily

Lilium spp. · Bulbs

A bulbous plant that produces showy and often fragrant flowers. It likes its roots cool and its head in the sun ('cool feet, warm head'); therefore its base should be mulched or shaded by other plants. The flower stalk should not be cut until the leaves turn yellow.

Peruvian Lily

Alstroemeria spp. · Bulbs

A showy cut flower known for its long vase life; the flowers are harvested by pulling them from the base rather than cutting. Its roots are delicate, it dislikes being moved, and it goes dormant in Izmir's hot summers.

Poppy Anemone

Anemone coronaria · Bulbs

One of the showiest flowers of spring and popular as a cut flower. It has adapted perfectly to the Mediterranean climate; it is planted in autumn, flowers in spring and goes dormant in summer. The most important condition for its success is well-drained soil.

Tulip

Tulipa spp. · Bulbs

A classic spring bulb that likes well-drained, sunny areas. It needs a winter chilling period in order to flower. In mild climates, most modern hybrid tulips perform best in the first year and are generally treated as annuals.