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Underplanting perennials with bulbs

NushNush Posts: 9
in Plants
Hi everyone,
I was looking for some advice. I have a patio and a very narrow strip that I wanted to make into a border. My plan was to plant a row of rudbeckias so I get height and colour in late summer. But I was wondering if I could underplant these with bulbs like daffodils and alliums - may be even crocus so I get some flowers in the spring.

It’s a bit of a bulb lasagna but I plant to plant at the recommended depth and spread. Do you think this would work? 

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited May 2020
    I can't see why it wouldn't  :)
    The only problem might be that if the Rudbeckias don't have anything to support them, you may need to address that. Better to do it before they get too tall, and then the supports will be disguised a bit better.
    I did something similar at a previous house. We had a raised deck, and had a really narrow section similar to what you describe, that ran into a better area. I had Achilleas and Sedum spectabile in it.  :)

    I found one pic - I had Verb bonariensis in it too - I'd forgotten that!



    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Dirty HarryDirty Harry Posts: 1,048
    Didn't think rudbeckias would need support?
  • NushNush Posts: 9
    Thank you. Your raised deck looks lovely. I’m looking to create something similar. 

    I have all these bright ideas but I don’t know whether they will actually work in practice.

    I suppose I’ll have to plant the lot in autumn. I’ve always planted perennials in spring. I’m hoping the rudbeckias survive. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I think in isolation they might @Dirty Harry, and it also depends on the variety, and the site itself. 
    If it's windy and wet, they can get a bit of a battering - or they do here anyway. 
    It's difficult to be specific without knowing more though. I always err on the side of caution too  ;)
    No need to worry about autumn planting @Nush. Potted plants can be put in at any time if the soil's suitable, and the plants are sturdy enough. Where I am, they're often better planted in September, as the ground is warmer than in spring   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • NushNush Posts: 9
    I’ve got annuals in at the moment so September sounds perfect.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
     :) 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Go for dwarf narcissi so that the emerging Rudbeckias aren't swamped with the dying foliage. Alliums aren't such a big issue as you won't be planting as densely, but maybe 'Purple Sensation' has slightly less broad foliage than christophii so might be more suitable.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • NushNush Posts: 9
    WillDB said:
    Go for dwarf narcissi so that the emerging Rudbeckias aren't swamped with the dying foliage. Alliums aren't such a big issue as you won't be planting as densely, but maybe 'Purple Sensation' has slightly less broad foliage than christophii so might be more suitable.
    I like daffodils tete a tete so I might go for them. Allium purple sensation sounds really good too😊
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd second that too - P. Sensation is also quite reliable. 
    Depending on just how narrow the space is, you could also try crocus, as you suggested, and even some of the species tulips.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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