The vibrant display of spring tulips eventually fades, leaving behind an awkward, empty space in the garden just as the weather warms for summer planting. This common dilemma requires a strategic approach to maintain continuous color without harming the dormant bulbs buried beneath the soil. The goal is to seamlessly transition the garden bed from a spring spectacle to a summer haven by carefully selecting and installing plants that thrive in the heat while respecting the bulbs’ resting period.
Preparing the Space and Timing the Removal
The period immediately following the tulip bloom is when the bulb stores energy underground. The foliage, though unsightly, actively photosynthesizes to create energy for next year’s bloom. Removing the leaves too early, before they turn entirely yellow and wither, prevents this crucial energy transfer, resulting in smaller, weaker flowers the following spring. Wait until the foliage can be gently tugged away without resistance, typically late spring or early summer, before clearing the bed.
Once the dead foliage is removed, soil preparation should be minimal to avoid disturbing the dormant bulbs. A light weeding is generally all that is required before adding a thin layer of well-rotted compost to the surface. This top dressing provides nutrients for new summer plantings without necessitating deep digging, which could damage the bulbs. Heavy tilling or deep soil amendment is discouraged, as it risks injuring the bulbs and compromising their health during summer dormancy.
Shallow-Rooted Annuals for Quick Color
The most successful strategy for covering tulip beds involves planting annuals with shallow, fibrous root systems that will not compete heavily with the bulbs below. These surface-level growers establish quickly and provide immediate summer color without the need for significant soil disturbance. Matching the light requirements of the new plants to the existing location, which is often full sun, is an important step for success.
Petunias are an excellent choice due to their shallow roots and prolific summer flowering, often cascading attractively over bed edges. Similarly, portulaca (moss rose) thrives in full sun and dry conditions, which is beneficial since dormant tulip bulbs prefer less water in summer. Marigolds are another highly recommended option; their compact, fibrous roots stay near the surface, and they tolerate intense heat.
For areas that may receive partial shade, impatiens or wax begonias can fill the space effectively. These plants have a dense, shallow root ball that can be carefully placed between the bulbs without deep digging. Herbs like basil, which has a moderately shallow root system, can also be successfully transplanted as a seedling. The key is to use small hand tools or a trowel to create planting pockets just large enough for the annuals’ root balls, minimizing the impact on the bulb layer underneath.
Deep-Rooted Vegetables and Perennial Considerations
Planting vegetables or larger perennials over tulip beds is possible, but it requires careful planning due to the increased risk of bulb damage. Many popular vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and larger root crops, require deeper soil preparation, which increases the likelihood of striking a bulb with a shovel. The primary precaution is accurately marking the location of the dormant tulip bulbs before any deeper digging commences.
If the tulips are treated as annuals and are not intended to return, the bed can be prepared for deeper-rooted options like compact bush squash or determinate tomatoes. To preserve the bulbs, selecting vegetables with less aggressive root systems is better. Low-maintenance perennials, such as creeping phlox or certain varieties of lavender, possess relatively shallow root systems and can cover bulbs, especially if the tulips are planted deeply.
Deep-rooted plants, particularly vegetables, are often heavy feeders requiring consistent watering and nutrient-rich soil. This increased moisture and fertilization can be detrimental to dormant bulbs, which prefer drier conditions during summer rest. Careful consideration must be given to the watering regimen, perhaps using drip irrigation aimed specifically at the summer plants, to avoid saturating the bulb area.