Marlyn Waddleton

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to cool, fall-flowering bulbs can bring a burst of vibrant color to East Texas gardens. Fall is the best time to plant both the spring and fall flowering, dormant perennial bulbs. The cooling temperatures and seasonal rain falls provide an optimal environment for their beginning growth cycle to establish strong root systems before the hard of winter sets in, ensuring healthy growth and robust blooms.

The blooms we see in the spring flowering and fall flowering bulbs are there because the foliage received the proper culture (cool temperatures, adequate rain and plenty of full sun) to produce great blooms. The growing foliage needs at least 6 to 8 hours daily of full sun to develop during its growth period.

The cool season for East Texas starts in fall and goes through the winter and spring. Fall is the best time to plant fall blooming and spring blooming bulbs that are hardy and have proven reliable growth year after year for East Texas gardens.

Bulbs are important and can add value to gardens in East Texas because of their ability to survive our wet-dry cycle (cool temperatures followed by periods of hot and dry). Bulbs planted in the fall have the best potential to naturalize, meaning they can multiply and spread over time creating a spectacular sea of color. This creates larger and more impressive displays with each passing year, enhancing the beauty of the garden.

Once planted, bulbs require minimal care and can thrive without constant attention, allowing for an easy and rewarding gardening experience. So, what are some of the fall flowering bulbs that thrive in East Texas? Below is a short list of a few fall-flowering bulbs that have proven reliability for East Texas Gardeners and grow in most soils with low care requirements. These bulbs have adapted to and survive the wet-dry cycle of the East Texas climate:

Oxblood Lily, schoolhouse lily, (Rhodophiala bifida), produces stunning red flowers that appear in September, signaling it is time for school to restart. Grows in any soil that drains well.

Surprise Lily (Lycoris supp.): Also known as Naked Ladies, Surprise Lilies produce clusters of pink or white flowers atop tall stems. Grows in any soil that drains well.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum x johnsonii.) Amaryllis bulbs produce large, showy flowers in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and striped, and needs well prepared soil.

Hymenocallis (Hymenocallis spp.) Also known as Spider Lilies, these bulbs produce stunning white flowers with long, delicate petals and grow in most soils.

You can find a lot of these beautiful bulbs at the Smith County Master Gardener From Bulbs to Blooms Sale and Conference (free event) Oct. 19 at Pollard United Methodist Church, 3030 New Copeland Road, Tyler, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Our web store opens for online orders on Oct. 7 and closes Oct. 16. So order early quantities are limited. Check it out at www.txmg.org/smith/events.

As the seasons change and nature prepares for its winter slumber, these fall-blooming bulbs will remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the resilience of our gardens. So embrace the magic of the fall season and let these bulbs shine brightly, bringing warmth and beauty to your East Texas landscape. Happy gardening!