It's time to plant tulips and daffodils

After a drab and dreary winter, tulips and daffodils announce the arrival of spring in a way no other plants can. Their blooms in a rainbow of colors light up the landscape and send the winter blues packing.

There are beautiful tulips in all of the 15 groups in which they are categorized, but the Darwin hybrids and species types are the most perennial (most likely to return year after year). Darwin hybrids are among the tallest varieties known for their large flowers shaped like perfect pyramids when closed. There are varieties available in just about any color or combination of colors from pastel and restrained to brilliant and bold.

Tulips should be planted 6 to 8 inches deep in very well-drained soil in a spot that receives full sun.

Even gardeners who are ordinarily entertained by the antics of squirrels and chipmunks curse them during tulip-planting time because tulip bulbs are one of their favorite treats. Instead of giving up on tulips, outsmart rodent marauders. Lay a piece of chicken wire covered with mulch over newly-planted tulips. Or create a cage of chicken wire by laying a piece at the base of the planting hole and folding the sides up and over tulip bulbs.

Interplant tulips with alliums. The odor of allium bulbs is unappealing to rodents. Repellents like fox urine or hot pepper wax may also help deter them. Some gardeners have varying degrees of success with homemade concoctions. Or plant daffodils instead. Daffodil bulbs are unappealing to rodents.

Daffodils are grouped into 13 classifications depending on their size and flower form. Some are as petite as 6 inches tall and others reach up to 2 feet. The flowers of daffodils can be single or double. Stems may host a single bloom or host multiple flowers in shades of yellow, white, orange, red, pink and green. Some varieties are fragrant.

Daffodils are nearly indestructible and often outlive the gardeners who plant them. Plant bulbs up to 6 inches deep in well-drained soil in part shade or full sun.

Remove the flowers and stems of tulips and daffodils after their blooms have faded in spring but leave the foliage until it completely yellows. Even though it is unattractive, it is feeding the bulb for next year's flowers.

Plant tulips and daffodils around deciduous shrubs. Plant them in beds of dark green ground covers like ivy or periwinkle. Interplant them with other types of bulbs.

Plant bulbs in large groups for a flamboyant display or in between perennials for pops of color throughout the garden. Just be sure to plant plenty so there will be tulips and daffodils to cut for bouquets.

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist, garden writer and speaker. She blogs at gardenwithdiana.com.