Types Of Flower Bulb

What are the Types of Bulb?

Gardeners refer to several distinct plant groups as flower bulbs for garden design purposes. 

• True bulbs – Rounded, pointed top, flat base where roots grow: Allium, Anemone, Bluebell, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Snowdrop, Lily, Tulip
• Corms – Similar to bulbs, with buds on top and roots from the base: Crocus, Gladioli
• Tubers – Swollen roots like Dahlia, or swollen stem bases: Cyclamen, Aconite
• Rhizomes – Horizontal, swollen stems, growing on or just below the soil: Bearded Irises, Lily-of-the-valley, Cannas

From a planting season perspective, bulbs and tubers are handled one of 4 ways:

• Dry, dormant bulbs are planted in Autumn
• Bulbs in growth (In the Green) are planted in early Spring
• Tender species like Dahlias are best planted into warm soil in late Spring
• Some late season bulbs like Nerines and Colchicums can be planted until the end of Summer

Read about How to Plant Flower Bulbs.