New Website Devoted to Bulb/Perennial Combo Research
Cornell University has put a scientific spin on a favorite pastime and dilemma: deciding what to plant with what!
Cornell professor Bill Miller and his Cornell Flower Bulb Research Program now offer a complete website devoted to their research on determining best spring-blooming bulb and perennial combinations.
The Cornell researchers studied various bulb and perennial combos over four seasons. The project website profiles Featured Combos, Top 15 Combos, Tips & How-To and Resources. Their research notes are provided on best selections for perennials with various fall-planted bulbs including tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, alliums, scilla, leucojum, eranthis, hyacinthoides and more.
For those accustomed to testing combos via seasonal trial and error plantings, the project evaluations offer insightful shortcuts for understanding how different plants perform together in spring and early summer. Also of interest are the criteria and thought processes utilized in Cornell’s scientific approach, ones similar to but not necessarily identical to those engaged by avid planters.
The Cornell scientists evaluated the plantings for their overall performance and benefits, and did not necessarily look for combinations that bloomed simultaneously. They focused on combinations that worked.
To find out which combinations impressed Cornell researchers, visit the Cornell Bulb & Perennials website at www.hort.cornell.edu/combos.
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