Spring flowers in pots

Red maple · February 2023

This year I have a variety of spring bulbs in pots which are either in bloom or soon will be.
My question is this - once they’ve finished flowering, is it better to leave them in their pots, stored away for next spring, or will it be better to transplant them into the ground? (The bulbs are dwarf narcissi, dwarf Iris, crocus and dwarf tulip).

Thank you. 😊

Fairygirl · February 2023

The dwarf Iris don't always reliably return, regardless of what you do with them, so just bear that in mind.

If you mean species tulips - they will return, and will multiply. A nice sunny, well drained spot for those. Crocus and daffs are all fine to plant out.
The main thing is to let them die back naturally, as that helps to feed the bulbs for future years. If you want to plant them, you can just do it then. If you want to keep them potted, it's worth giving them a feed or two as they die back. A little refreshment of the soil/compost is also worthwhile as it just tidies everything up, as well as adding a little nutrition.
Many bulbs will need dividing up after a while when they're potted, so if you keep any of them in containers, take a look in a year or so. They produce small bulbs [bulbils] which will grow on for flowering in later years, but it can mean the pots get a bit congested. Daffs in particular

Red maple · February 2023

Thank you @Fairygirl for your comprehensive reply. I'll keep my fingers crossed that at least some of the dwarf iris return next year. 😊 I wonder why they're so unpredictable?
I think I'll keep them in their containers for this year & next, following your advice, then look at dividing them up.

Fairygirl · February 2023

They tend to just shrivel and disappear unfortunately. I get a few returning the following year, and then that's about it. I remember someone saying on the forum that they thought it was lack of water, but if that was the case I wouldn't be able to get rid of them!
Most of your bulbs should be fine for a couple of years in the pots, but it just depends on the pots, and how many bulbs you have in them. The big daffs can get bulky quite quickly, but if you have the smaller ones, they might be ok for a while.

If you get squirrels, it can be worth netting the pots too - especially for the Iris and Crocus, as the bulbs are small, and nearer the surface, so they dig down and get them very easily.

Red maple · February 2023

Thanks for the netting tip though I did that because my first batch were dug up by mice/a rat so I learnt the hard way. Stored them in the mini greenhouse covered with netting until they were well grown. I've just placed them outside now to enjoy their blooms. 😊

Red maple · February 2023

I hope the furry critters leave them alone now they're blooming 🤞

Fairygirl · February 2023

They should be ok now they're growing. Hope they do well for you

Red maple · February 2023

Yes, 🤞
Thank you 😊

Bilje · February 2023

Re Iris Reticulata, Gardening Which did an experiment a couple of years ago about getting repeat flowers. I bought 5 varieties in 2021 which they had recommended. Potted them up and had a good show last year. The advice was to feed with tomato feed, allow leaves to die down and leave in pots. Mine were then just shoved behind the green house. They were in the open over winter and are currently flowering as good as the first year, I’m very pleased with them. I’ll post a couple of photos and the variety names later.

Red maple · February 2023

That’s very interesting @Bilje. I’ll do as you suggest with the tomato feed, and see what happens 😊.
I cant remember the variety exactly, but sure they are dwarf iris reticulatis. They are a lovely purple colour with a flash of yellow in the middle. Very pretty they are.
Will be interested to see photos of yours later. Thank you 😁.

Fairygirl · February 2023

I always fed mine after flowering, and they were always potted, but they didn't come back reliably. I've not grown them for a few years, although I like them a lot...

..apart from that Katharine Hodgkin one- which is one of the most hideous colours of any plant I've ever seen

The reticulata Iris flower at around this time of year, or into March, and are around the 7 or 8 inch sort of size @Red maple. Anything bigger isn't a reticulata type.

Spring flowers in pots

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