Daffodils and tulips are thrilling in bloom.
But after bloom, avert your eyes.
They look shabby as the flowers, stalks, and
foliage begin to ripen. Horticulturally: ripening
is the natural & necessary process that
enables a bulb to store up energy for a repeat
performance. Visually: ripening is collapsing,
shriveling & yellowing of all plant parts.
Thus these bulbs are best used as annuals &
removed after bloom (tulips), naturalized in the
distance (daffodils), or partnered with plants
that shelter them from view - or upstage them
completely - as they quickly age.
Meet the Allium (onion) family. It has many
members, ranging from short, pale and low-key
to lofty, dramatic and richly colored. Falling into
the latter category - & briefly introduced last week -
Allium "Globemaster" is among my favorites.
In full bloom, it is an eye-catching star of the show
that makes everything around it look better.
And after it blooms, it ages gracefully.
The purple spheres age to lime green before
drying to tan. Yes, the leaves will yellow, but
they are close to the ground & can be disguised
by neighboring plants. Yes, the allium needs
companions as it ages. Yes, you can absolutely cut
that tan flower right down if you don't like the looks of it.
But the stalk and flower head will retain their
shapely form, as they gradually become more
subdued in color. In the context of a planted
scheme, they eventually make an uneventful exit.
But after bloom, avert your eyes.
They look shabby as the flowers, stalks, and
foliage begin to ripen. Horticulturally: ripening
is the natural & necessary process that
enables a bulb to store up energy for a repeat
performance. Visually: ripening is collapsing,
shriveling & yellowing of all plant parts.
Thus these bulbs are best used as annuals &
removed after bloom (tulips), naturalized in the
distance (daffodils), or partnered with plants
that shelter them from view - or upstage them
completely - as they quickly age.
Meet the Allium (onion) family. It has many
members, ranging from short, pale and low-key
to lofty, dramatic and richly colored. Falling into
the latter category - & briefly introduced last week -
Allium "Globemaster" is among my favorites.
 |
| purple spheres |
In full bloom, it is an eye-catching star of the show
that makes everything around it look better.
And after it blooms, it ages gracefully.
 |
| lime fireworks |
The purple spheres age to lime green before
drying to tan. Yes, the leaves will yellow, but
they are close to the ground & can be disguised
by neighboring plants. Yes, the allium needs
companions as it ages. Yes, you can absolutely cut
that tan flower right down if you don't like the looks of it.
 |
| beginning to fade |
But the stalk and flower head will retain their
shapely form, as they gradually become more
subdued in color. In the context of a planted
scheme, they eventually make an uneventful exit.
 |
| full fade |
I took the last 2 photos in a garden designed by Richard Hartlage.