I'm a total newbie gardener (7b zone) and I just planted some tulip bulbs in the fall. They're blooming beautifully right now! However, I know the flowers will eventually die back, and I've heard that I should leave the yellow foliage for a while. In the meantime, can I plant something else in that same raised bed? Either right now or in the next month? I'm open to anything from seeds to nursery-grown plants. Or should I just wait for the tulip foliage to die back? I'm sorry if this seems like a silly question! ?
2 Answers
Definitely leave that foliage alone after it turns yellow; it breaks down and helps feed the soil. I like to plant my spring bulbs around perennials, so when they die back, at least I have something else to look at. You could totally add some plants now, just make sure they can work with the tulips!
Hey there! So I’m also new to gardening, but I had really good luck last year interplanting yarrow, echinacea, and rudbeckia alongside my daffodils. Everything returned this year in my 6b garden without any issues with rotting bulbs. Since tulips can be a bit more particular, I’ll find out how that goes next year when I try the same mix. Just make sure the plants you choose can handle a little drought, so you don't have to water too much. Plus, here’s a look at how my garden looks with everything together!
I found a summer pic from last year of the same area! It’s a bit different since I raised the beds and added tulips last fall, but you can see how everything pretty much takes over and the daffodils were just fine.
Gorgeous!
Thanks! I don't have anything else in there yet, so I’m hoping to add some color soon.