The Best Flower Bulbs for North Central Texas

Tulips

• Southern gardeners have several types of tulip bulb flowers to choose from. Some of the most successful types include those identified as Tulipa clusiana. They include Lady Jane, Tubergen's gem, tinka and crysantha. In fact, the most brightly-colored tulip species do better in the hot and humid Texas climate than other kinds. They are not complex hybrid tulips--instead, they are considered species tulips. These types of bulbs do not require the gardener to dig them up and refrigerate them in the summertime. The only type of maintenance required for Texas tulips is well-drained soil, as they are susceptible to rotting from too-frequent watering or irrigation.

Dutch Irises

• Dutch irises are Texas gardener favorites because they are colorful and pretty, as well as low maintenance. They work well for gardeners who enjoy fresh-cut flowers because they have strong, long stems that are easy to add to any type of arrangement. The blue magic species works very well in the Texas climate. You may plant them directly in the soil or in large containers, and they bloom differently in Texas than they do in Northern states as well. For example, in Texas, their foliage forms in the autumn and flowers develop in the springtime. In colder climates, the foliage doesn't form until after the frigid winter. Dutch irises require little care during their dormant period.

Daffodils

• Included in the Narcissus flower category, daffodils are found throughout many Texas gardeners' flowerbeds. These golden, trumpet-shaped bulb flowers provide a sense of nostalgia and antique flavor to Texas gardens, and they are often found at Texas historical sites. Several types of daffodils grow well in the North Texas climate, including golden dawn, avalanche, grand primo, quail, thalia, carlton, ice follies and Tahiti. These Texas versions typically have larger trumpets than other daffodil types. They are very low maintenance and only require full sun and well-irrigated soil. Daffodils bloom between November and early April in the Lone-Star State.