Sheryl has done a review for the company Easy To Grow Bulbs. I asked her what are some bulbs she grows here in the Phoenix area because I like bulbs and am always looking for plants that will grow in our desert environment. Here is what she said:
Things I've had success with were the Amaryllis bulbs -pot culture here, not sure how they would do in the ground, but I have seen other people re-sprout them after planting, so I'm going to give it a try. Cannas did great on the irrigated lot, I'm going to try them in some planters I have, along with some Tuberoses. I also had them successfully on the irrigated lot, as well as Lycoris, Rain lilies (also killed them by putting them in too sunny of an area) and Rhodophilis. If you have a bed that you irrigate, but not more than once a week in the summer or once a month in the winter, I think all of those will do fine for you. Oh, and not too heavy of soil. If you need soil amendments, I can help you with that!
I haven't tried Daffodils here, but have certainly seen them do well. I'm currently working on Iris, but have once again put them in a site where they aren't getting enough protection, grrrrr....
I had some lovely Freesia (my favorite flower) in a pot this last spring. I have stored them in their pot and will see if they resprout for me this winter. Supposedly the white ones are the most fragrant. But now that I think of it, I should probably stick some of those bulbs in a protected area and see how they do....
Anything you've tried? I'd be interested in hearing your success and not-so-success .... perhaps we should start a thread on the So'west forum?"
I thought it was a good idea she had, so I am moving it over to this forum.
My answer is: I grow freesias in the ground in morning sun in the native soil and they grow great. The yellow/gold ones are very easy to keep going from year to year. I also have some white and deep orange.
I grow various oxalis in pots and start watering them in Sept./Oct. after leaving the pots dry on my porch all during the hot summer. They are doing well also.
I have Haemanthus also that I started in large pots last year and they get watered all summer. They are doing well in shade in summer, but no flowers yet. I have an online friend who has beautiful flowers though so I know it is possible.
Anyone else have suggestions?
