Types of Flower Bulbs
About Flower Bulbs
While we speak generically about a whole family of flowers as “bulbs”, chances are the one you are thinking about just might not be a “bulb”. There are a few types of flower bulbs, or what we call bulbs. In addition to true bulbs, there are corms, rhizomes, and tuberous roots. If you group them all as “bulbs”, that’s okay, as many of us do!
Dutch Flower Bulbs
Flower bulbs are generally teardrop-shaped, with a pointed tip and a round bottom. The outer skin is dark brown and paper-like.
Propagation is accomplished by division. Baby bulbs are produced and are attached closely to the mother bulb, at the bottom of the bulb. Baby bulbs are produced rapidly each spring. If not separated after a few years, the size of the flowers and plants diminishes as they compete for space and nutrients.
Why are they often referred to as “Dutch Bulbs”? – This is simply because many of the most popular and highest quality bulbs, most notably Tulips are grown in Holland for sale around the world.
| Common Name | Botanical Name | When to Plant | When in Bloom |
| Allium | Allium | Fall | Late Spring |
| Amaryllis or Lily | Hippeastrum | Summer | Later Summer |
| Daffodils | Narcissus | Fall | Spring |
| Grape Hyacinth | Muscari | Fall | Spring |
| Hyacinth | Hyacinthus | Fall | Spring |
| Iris | Iris | Fall | Spring |
| Lily | Liliun | Fall | Summer |
| Snowdrops | Galanthus | Fall | Early Spring |
| Tulips | Tulips | Fall | Spring |
Corms
Corms are similar to bulbs, and most people do not know the difference. The bulb is shorter and rounder than bulbs, with a concave bottom. The outer skin is brown and hard. It does not separate easily from the rest of the bulb. They usually have a flat top.
Corms propagate like bulbs, but the baby bulbs grow from the top of the mother bulb. The mother bulb usually dies in one season, after producing its offshoot.
| Common Name | Botanical Name | When to Plant | When in Bloom |
| Autumn Crocus | Colchicum | Summer | Fall |
| Crocus, Snow Crocus | Crocus | Fall | Early Spring |
| Elephant’s Ear | Colocasia | Spring | Summer |
| Freesia | Freesia | Fall | Spring |
| Gladiolus | Gladiolus | Spring | Mid Summer |
Rhizomes and Tubers
Rhizomes are plants with a root-like stems. The enlarged stem grows underground, sending roots down and stem and leaves upward. Propagation is by dividing the tubers into separate parts with at least one eye.
In the vegetable world, examples are Potatoes, Yams, Ginsing, Ginger Root, and Jerusalem Artichoke.
| Common Name | Botanical Name | When to Plant | When in Bloom |
| Tuberous Begonia | Begonia | Spring | Summer |
| Canna | Canna | Spring | Summer |
| Caladium | Caladium | Spring | Summer |
| Iris | Iris | Fall | Summer |
| Lily of the Valley | Convallaria | Fall | Spring |
Tuberous Roots
More on Growing Bulbs, Corms, and Rhizomes
Depth – Do you know how deep to plant bulbs and corms? Find out.
Fertilizer – How to fertilize your bulbs and corms.
Forcing Bulbs – It’s a rewarding winter indoor gardening activity.
How to Grow – Learn or review the steps to preparing the flower bed.
Pests – There’s no shortage of pests who eat or rob your planted bulbs.
Propagation – Our flowers are so beautiful. Let’s make more!
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