skip to main content

I got a huge box of bulbs, but don't know what they are

17 years ago

My aunt and uncle, bless their hearts, were clearing out overgrown flower beds and knew I was in need of bulbs. So instead of tossing out all these bulbs, they boxed them up for me. They gave them to another uncle to deliver to me (we're in different towns) and by the time I got them, nobody remembered what they were. LOL.

So I have this enormous assortment (probably 200 bulbs) and I have no clue what things are.

Is there a source online that might have pics of various bulbs? I know some are magic lilies, but I can't find a picture of magic lily bulbs, and then there are either amarylis or hyacinth or maybe daffodils and/or tulips, but nobody remembers which ones. haaaa.

Then there's something called Blue Mountain, and I can't find that online at all. Never heard of it. It had tall thin blue flowers like prairie flowers of some kind.

I've already scattered some bulbs in a new flower bed I dug and I'll wait and see what erupts. I had nice surprises this year from last year's planting of clumps of day lilies from my mom's, and there were obviously bulbs from all kinds of things in those clumps. Nice surprises this spring!

Anyway, I'm looking for help identifying these bulbs. They all look like onions, from green onions to big white onions. Some are alone, and some are in these huge, stuck together clumps. I have piles.

Thank you. :)

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
17 years ago
If you have a local nursery that knows you, explain where the bulbs came from and ask if they will take a look at them. Some of the Master Gardeners at the local extension office would probably help you also. Al
julianna_il
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi, and thank you for such good advice. I did call the nursery I shop at, and they wouldn't mind, but their bulb expert is out sick for a few days.

I know it's a lot to ask, but if anyone could take a look at a few pictures and give me some guesses, I'd sure appreciate it. I've already planted a bunch of them, just plopping them around. LOL. But I'm going to plant these in a big bed I have, and wouldn't mind having an idea what I'm planting.

The pictures, labeled one through six for identification, are here: (bottom of page)

http://s15.photobucket.com/albums/a384/jackjazz/?start=20

Thanks in advance,

Juli
Related Discussions
I don't know much about bulbs, but I got a lot of them
Q
Comments (1)
So what should I do with all this bulby mess? Plant it and enjoy it. I imagine it will all be just fine, though planted a little late for your area. You will just be enjoying things later, or a little less this season. You may want to do some searching to see just what all is hardy in your area. Ladies mantle, should be hardy in your area, though I did not think it was grown from a bulb. Is it Alchemilla mollis (Ladies mantle) that you received? All of these are supposed to be perennial in nature. In a warm enough zone they would be, but only the Ladies Mantle would survive winter outside here. Glads and dahlias are dug each fall here. The oxalis would likely be grown in a container and brought in to overwinter where it would not freeze. Perhaps others in your zone can comment more on what you have, and its winter care. Sue
...See More
WANTED: I've got something -- but I don't know what it is!
Q
Comments (20)
Oh Alison....you must be getting off work soon....but then again, I know election coverage must be exciting today and probably taking longer hours at work. I'm covering my eyes I don't want to know the results! Of the election, that is. Not the box!
...See More
Things I don't understand- warming drawers and a huge fridge
Q
Comments (55)
So, Histokitch . . . what size fridge do you have that works for you? I could have written your post. I have the DH who commutes 1.5 hours each way, 4 kids to feed, top row all milk, tons and tons of fresh veggies and fruits that kill me on space and even meat for 3 days and I am out of room. I HATE my refridgerator. Nothing fits, I can't find anything, food rots because I can't see it pushed to the back (also hampered by the placement in the kitchen where neither door (sxs) can open fully so I can't see inside. I hate saying to DH -- this was really good when I first made it . . . of course now several hours later and microwaved it kind of s#$ks. So, I live for the day of a warmng drawer and the right size and format refrigerator . . . just need to figure out what size that might be.
...See More
I'm just shaking....I don't know what to do.
Q
Comments (35)
Good morning KT friends. After a tossing and turning kind of night, I'll have to put last night and the stolen meds behind me.....with a HUGE lesson learned!! We will not be trusting of anyone again. Sad, isn't it? Yes, a big part of this is our fault, having the meds on a table out in the open, but we didn't expect any company. If any neighbors drop in, it during the daytime. There were no refills on the prescription, so that is all they will get from us, and I hope they choke on it. After talking to a couple neighbors, we think Shelly passed the pills off to a gal who is a caretaker to an elderly lady, and a real low-life type, so it was easy for her to sy the Police could search her APT, and we all know he can't unless he gets a warrant. I'm not shaking any more but I'm still really pi$$ed.
...See More
sallym
17 years ago
Hi Juli,
There's def. a lot of daffodils in your bulb box ie: #6. The second photo (the tubers) looks like iris, but the tubers in photo #2 are much larger than iris.
Good luck. What a nice box of bulbs and CUTE kitties, too.
Sally
patwood
17 years ago
The tubers in #2 look like Daylilies to me.
ljrmiller
17 years ago
I'd guess there are: "Naked Ladies" (Lycoris Squamigera), Daffodils (Narcissus), a "Ditch Lily" (Hemerocallis Fulva) and perhaps a Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) or two in the mix. The "Blue Mountain" whatevers could be something like Ixiolirion, and they should be at the smaller end of the bulb range. I'd guess there are also Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) in the mix as well, because those just seem to be in any established bulb bed.

I didn't see Tulip bulbs in the mix, but that doesn't mean they aren't in there.

Lisa
julianna_il
Original Author
17 years ago
I wanted to thank all of you so much...at least now I have an idea of what things might be, so I can better know where to plant them.

I do think that Blue Mountain is the Ixiolirion, or something very close to it. I've seen the flowers in bloom. Very pretty, but all anyone in the family knew was to call it Blue Mountain.

You guys are great!

Related Stories

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

HOUSEPLANTS How to Force Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors

By creative jewish mom.com

Enjoy vibrant red blossoms even as gardens turn snowy white, by teaching this hardy repeat performer to ignore the calendar

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

By LuAnn Brandsen

Don't hang up your spade after summer — plant these unusual bulbs in fall for a spectacular spring show

DECORATING GUIDES Lose It: How to Get Rid of Old Light Bulbs

By Vanessa Brunner

When the light goes out, you'll want to get rid of the bulb safely. Here's how

ENTERTAINING Got Hand-Me-Down Dinnerware? Make a Memorable Meal

By The Yellow Cape Cod

They might be mismatched and not your style, but those inherited plates and forks can help bring meaning to your table

HOUSEKEEPING Got a Disastrously Messy Area? Try Triage

By Alison Hodgson

Get your priorities straight when it comes to housekeeping by applying an emergency response system

WHITE What to Know Before You Paint Your Walls White

By Kimberly Collins Jermain

A coat of white paint can do wonders in one room and wreak havoc in another. Here are tips for using the popular hue

WORKING WITH PROS 17 Things Color Consultants Want You to Know

By Becky Harris

Dithering over potential palettes for your home? A color pro might be the way to go. Here's how it works

ARCHITECTURE 9 Modern Prefabs You've Got to See

By Samantha Schoech

You won't believe how far prefab architecture has come until you lay eyes on these stunning modern designs

Sponsored

More Discussions

Variegated lily of the valley

3

Plant ID? Does anyone recognize these bulbs?

6

Camass dies every year

0

Daffodils favorites - 2024

1