Zone 6 Bulb Gardening
Many types of hardy bulbs require a cold dormant period in winter. While winters are still cold enough in zone 6 to provide this dormancy period, gardeners in warmer climates may have to simulate this cold period for certain bulbs. Below is a list of some of the cold hardy bulbs that perform well in zone 6. These bulbs are usually planted in fall, require at least several weeks of a cold, and oftentimes naturalize in the garden:
Allium Asiatic Lily Anemone Blackberry Lily Camassia Crocus Daffodil Foxtail Lily Glory of the Snow Hyacinth Iris Lily of the Valley Muscari Oriental Lily Scilla Snowdrops Spring Starflower Surprise Lily Tulip Winter Aconite
Some bulbs that cannot survive northern winters but grow well in zone 6 are listed below:
Alstroemeria Chinese Ground Orchid Crocosmia Oxalis Saffron
Growing Bulbs in Zone 6 Gardens
When growing bulbs in zone 6, one of the most important necessities is a well-draining site. Bulbs are prone to rots and other fungal diseases in soggy soils. It’s also important to think about companion and succession planting with bulbs. Many bulbs bloom for only a short time, oftentimes in spring, then they slowly die back to the ground, absorbing the nutrients from their dying foliage for bulb growth. Perennials or shrubs that fill in and bloom once your bulbs are finished can help hide the unsightly, wilting foliage of spring blooming bulbs.
