Bulbs & Tubers Not Affected by Voles

Daffodils

• After a long winter, nothing brings a smile to a gardener's face like spring's first daffodils (Narcissus spp.). Fortunately, they're not on the vole's menu. Plant daffodils with the bottom of the bulb 6 inches deep in well-drained soil in late September. Their vole-repellent qualities extend to other bulbs, too. Some gardeners have success growing tulips and lilies when they're interplanted with daffodils. King Alfred and Dutch Master are commonly available yellow daffodils, but consider unusual types, too. Ring of Fire has white petals around a red cup, Replete is a double daffodil and Tete-a-Tete is a miniature with multiple golden yellow blooms.

Hyacinths

• Formally erect, hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are more suited to containers and flower beds than naturalized in the landscape. That's OK, because you'll want to grow these beautiful bulbs close to the house to appreciate their sweet fragrance. The bulbs repel voles and other pests, too. Plant hyacinths 7 inches deep and 6 to 9 inches apart in well-drained soil in full sun. Hyacinth's flowering ability gradually decreases, so expect to replant them often.

Autumn Crocus

• Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) blooms in late summer or fall, not the spring, providing an unexpected burst of late color. The flowering stems grow first, then the leaves appear after flowering is done. Plant these corms 5 inches deep in full sun or light shade. Rarely bothered by voles or squirrels, colchicums are available in pink, white or lilac.

Alliums

• Alliums (Allium spp.) are flowering onions. Llike all onions, the bulbs repel rodents with their strong scent. Alliums look best when planted in odd-numbered groups. For a real eye-catcher, plant A. giganteum, the giant flowering onion, which grows 4 feet tall with big globes of purple flowers. Plant the bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep (less for smaller types of alliums) in full sun or partial shade.

Snowdrops

• One of the first bulbs to appear in early spring, snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) often bloom while snow is still on the ground. Plant them in large drifts for the best effect. They prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant snowdrops 3 inches deep and 3 inches apart.

What About Tubers?

• Unfortunately, voles love to eat any kind of tuber, so growing dahlias and cannas is a challenge. Some gardeners have success by surrounding the tuber with metal mesh with openings no bigger than one-half inch. The roots and foliage grow out of the protective barrier but rodents can't enter. You can also treat tubers with repellents like Deer-Off or Ropel before planting or bait the voles with rodent-killing pellets. Use poisonous products cautiously in gardens accessible to children and pets.