Perennializing Bulbs vs. Naturalizing Bulbs

Claudia Parrott
October 26, 2023

While many gardeners use the terms “naturalize” and “perennialize” interchangeably, they actually mean different things. Knowing the difference can really change how your garden grows.

Perennializing Bulbs

Perennializing bulbs refer to bulbs that come back year after year and usually produce a consistent or even an increasing number of flowers each successive year. They have the ability to survive winters, grow, flower, and then enter a dormant period, only to return and flower again the next year. Not all bulbs are capable of perennializing, especially in areas where the winter is too cold or the summer too hot for their liking. When gardeners talk about perennializing bulbs, they often expect these plants to have a lifespan of several years and require some care to ensure their annual return, such as proper planting depth, watering, and sometimes fertilization.

Examples of Perennializing Bulbs:

Darwin hybrid Tulips: These tulips stand out for their capacity to bloom for several years.
Oriental Lilies: Recognized for their fragrant and large blossoms.
Gladiolus (in milder climates): These can become a staple in gardens where winters aren’t excessively cold.
Dahlias: With some care, such as storing their tubers in a frost-free location over winter, dahlias can be perennial champions.

Naturalizing Bulbs

Naturalizing bulbs refers to the process where bulbs not only return year after year, but also multiply and spread out to fill an area, giving a more natural or wild look. When bulbs naturalize, they form new bulbs or bulb offsets around the original bulb. Over time, this creates a clump or colony of bulbs. These bulbs are often more adaptable and can thrive in various conditions, proliferating without much human intervention. Naturalizing is often associated with bulbs that can adapt to their environment, making them appear as though they are a natural part of the landscape. Bulbs that are good for naturalizing will not only come back each year, but they will also spread and become more numerous over time.

Examples of Naturalizing Bulbs:

Daffodils (Narcissus): A classic example, daffodils can spread and return for many years.
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis): Early spring bloomers that can carpet an area.
Crocus: Known to create colorful carpets in gardens and lawns.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): Transforming woodlands with their blue hue every spring.
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari) and some Alliums: Both can multiply and offer a stunning visual treat.

Conclusion

The choice between perennializing and naturalizing bulbs often depends on the gardener’s intent. If one is looking for consistent yearly blooms without a proliferation of the plants, perennializing bulbs might be the way to go. However, if a gardener is aiming for a natural, ever-expanding splash of color, then naturalizing bulbs will fit the bill.

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