Ever a visual delight, daffodils are colorful and carefree, and a wonderful choice for naturalized gardens. Naturalizing with daffodils doesn’t just beautify the landscape, it also ensures the color and charm spreads and multiplies year after year! You can naturalize daffodil bulbs almost everywhere and in numerous exciting ways. Given the right growing conditions, daffodils will do great in rock gardens, slopes, under deciduous trees and even in grasslands or meadows.
The Right Growing Conditions
The area for naturalizing daffodil bulbs should have neutral to slightly acidic soil, good drainage and must receive several hours of sunlight on a daily basis. Look for sunny, open sites and avoid soggy, low-lying areas.
Planning Before Planting
Planting daffodils for naturalizing is similar to planting them anywhere else. But you still need to plan how and how many to plant. Since we’re talking naturalizing, soldier-straight rows are a straight No! Go informal, plant your daffodils in large drifts of similar colors and kind. A tapering drift is a wonderful idea, or you can just toss the bulbs in the air and plant them where they land… let nature decide the naturalizing pattern! Coming to how many, well, the more the merrier! Plan for maximum visual impact- I’d recommend no less than a couple of dozens in case of large bulbs and no less than fifty if you’re planting the smaller ones. Spare some time to look for the best daffodils for your place. Or you can save time and pick Breck’s collection of daffodils for naturalizing.
Planting
It’s imperative to plant the bulbs before the first hard frost in your region. You can plant daffodil bulbs in a number of ways- use a crowbar to create 3-4 inch wide planting holes, use a grub axe or spade to cut triangular holes into the soil or use one of those special bulb planter. If the soil is of poor quality, it’s advisable to add compost or bone meal to the bottom of the hole. Sow the bulbs with the pointy end facing up, cover up with soil and water thoroughly.
A little care, regular watering during the dry spells is enough to see your daffodil bulbs to good health and glorious blooms. Your naturalized daffodils can totally fend for themselves once they establish- plant them the right way, in the right spot and you’ll have the luxury to sit back and revel in the breathtaking spectacle that is your very own garden!
