Daffodil Daydreams

December is an "off" month for daffodils, at least in most of the Northern Hemisphere. There are a few species that bloom in fall and winter in Mediterranean climates-N. viridiflorus, N. serotinus, and N. perezlarae would have finished blooming already, and a few bulbocodium hybrids may bloom this month. I have a pot of 'Fyno' which I have to grow in the coldframe in my Ohio garden as it always blooms in December. There are now seven little white flowers open, which will last about a week, or maybe less, inside the house. But for the most part, it's a month for daydreaming about the garden to come next spring.

There are visions of the newly-planted bulbs: will the bloom be as wonderful as the catalog description made it sound? Or will it be just another one that looks just like something else? Of course I hope you ordered from reputable sources so that you're certain to get what you ordered. If you didn't, by all means complain to the grower. I've ordered one called 'Tarnished Gold' which the catalog says is "truly a golden color" and that it makes other yellows growing near it look pale in comparison. I've also ordered one called 'Whisky Galore'. There must be a story behind that name! The catalog says it's a "deep shade of honey amber."

Or you might think about what to do to the garden to hide the foliage after the daffodils bloom. Daylilies are good companions for daffodils, as their requirements are similar to daffodils. If yours is a shady garden, then hostas make good companions. And marigolds are wonderful, as it's said they help repel nematodes which is an added bonus.

Sometimes I have bulb losses, due to rot or bulb fly, and if it was one I particularly liked, I'll order it again. That's the case with 'Avril Amour', a lovely white trumpet. Whites have a reputation for being susceptible to basal rot, so I hope this "second chance" bulb will stay with me awhile. 'Laura' is another which is getting a second chance. This miniature triandrus hybrid seems to be a picky grower. I incorporated a lot of granite grit in the planting mix, so I hope I've given it what it likes.

With the holidays coming up, you might think about getting some pots of paperwhites to add to your décor. They would make a lovely hostess gift as well. You could give the bulbs and let the recipient grow them on, or you could present a pot in full bloom. I saw them at the grocery store before Thanksgiving. If you go this route, be sure to pick a pot that doesn't have any dead blooms already. Look for a pot that has stems with buds still to open.

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