Expert: Kenneth Joergensen - 1/11/2006

Question
Hello and thanks for your help.  I have moved from Georgia to Yuma Arizona, a Mexican border town and I REALLY miss my beautiful bulbs.  I have no idea what zone I am in(or what the zones are)and no one here (even the gardening center workers) have any idea which bulbs will do well, which to leave outside all year, etc....

Any advise you have will be very welcome, or if my question is too broad, just a book reference or website reference will be helpful too.  I did google desert bulbs and found very little.

Thanks again.
Michelle

Answer
Your best choice is to choose bulbs which are rated safe for USDA gardening zone11. Even if bulbs are said to grow well in full sun, in your zone, you are better off planting in positions which are shaded during midday and afternoon.

While I generally do not endorse one company or another, you can try this site:

http://www.bbbulbs.com/spring/search/

Under 'winter hardiness' choose zone11 and then click "search".

They have many different bulbs (both spring and fall catalogues, but spring catalog is best for you). The fall catalog bulbs like tulip, crocus, hyacinths, etc wont do well in your area (except potted and used once).
Tip: they may not have bulbs for your zone listed until May (bummer!!!)

Try bulbs like gladiolous, calla lilies, hippeastrum (aka amaryllis), dahlia, colocasia esculenta (i.e the so-called elephant ears but only if you can provide LOTS of water), caladium (shade), and ornamental ginger, or refer to this page for more ideas: http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/tropicalbulbs.htm

Kenneth