DENVER - Not all tulips perform well in Colorado. Although most are bred and grown in the Netherlands, tulips are native to central Asia. The best tulips for our climate are the Darwin hybrids. They retain the vigor and tough genetic makeup of the wild tulips of Asia. They come in a wide variety of colors.
I grow dozens of pots of tulips for spring display on my patio. After flowering, they're transplanted to the garden where they persist and thrive for many years. When you buy tulip bulbs to plant this fall, seek out the Darwin hybrids. If you live in deer country or have problems with rodents or bunnies, tulips are a lousy choice. Plant daffodils or hyacinths instead since they're poisonous.
Another bulb that is pest-free is the crown imperial. Its spectacular orange bells are arranged like a crown with a tuft of leaves on the top. Native to mountainous regions of Iraq and Iran, this bulb will persist for decades. Mine are over twenty years old. The crown imperial has an odd odor that is said to smell of foxes. Maybe that's why it doesn't get eaten.
Meanwhile in the garden, fruit trees and spring shrubs are blooming. Now it's just a waiting game to see if peaches and pears will set fruit or get hit with a late freeze.
Quince and Oregon grape holly are in full bloom. Redbud trees are almost ready to flower. Redbuds are a good choice if you want a small tree that performs well in partial shade. The bright pink flowers are followed by big, heart-shaped leaves.
The main task we're doing this week is to dig my potted roses out of the compost pile where they spent the weather for protection. There are several good reasons to grow roses in pots.
If your soil is unsuitable for roses or if you garden on a deck or balcony, they'll grow well in big pots with quality potting soil. You can pamper them with care and lavish your attention on them.
