Many people are missing out on enhancing their spring gardens by worrying about spring bulb’s fading foliage. We all know that cutting the leaves back after flowering is a no-no; they should be left up to die back naturally, sending energy back to the bulb for next year’s show; but they can be attractively hidden in the process by planting them near summer blooming perennials. One of the best perennials to use are Daylilies (Hemerocallis).

Your early and mid-season Narcissus like Tete-a-Tete, Dutch Master and Ice Follies will flower just as the emerging leaves of the Daylilies are pushing growth, around 4-6″ high. As their leaves grow, they’ll arch over the waning Narcissus foliage letting them die back naturally.

This can work with other bulbs too, like Crocus, Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa) and Grape Hyacinths (Muscari). Tulips, however, don’t work as well since their foliage is more robust and the bloom time usually later.

Remember: Spring flowering bulbs can be planted right up to when the ground freezes and still put on a good spring show. The selection is still good but going fast so stop in soon!