Seasonal bloomers that more closely match their use as a potted plant are easier to add in a home garden. A plant that is forced to bloom by creating optimal conditions is more challenging. Think of the Christmas poinsettia, which has very specific needs! Gardeners can achieve a rebloom but must provide mindful care.
Let’s see what can be saved — or even rescued from the sale shelf — or what might be best to toss.
Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
Extend the bloom by placing the pot in a bright, but not direct, sunny spot. Remove the bloom when it is dead, and limit watering to allow the foliage to brown. When dried, cut the leaves at the soil line.
Outdoors
In May, after the danger of frost is past, plant the bulb 4 to 6 inches deep in a warm, sunny spot, considering the height needs of the plant. Enjoy! In fall, after the ground freezes, mulch well. When spring returns, slowly remove the covering to allow the plant to adapt to changing temperatures.
Indoors
Store the dried bulb in a cool moist spot, perhaps a basement. In early December, repot the plant in a 6-inch container placed in a cool but sunny window.
Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
Treat the potted plant as you would if grown in thegarden. After flowering, remove the blooms, but continue watering, while providing a sunny spot for photosynthesis. Allow the foliage to wither and die. Remove the bulb from the soil and allow it to dry, store in a cool location until replanted in the fall.
Azaleas (Rhododendron spp. & hybrids)
Provide frequent watering, mist often, and place in a bright (not sunny) spot. To move outside, pinch the plant back often to encourage new growth and wait till the soil is warmed. If left in the original pot, place a layer of stones below the pot to encourage good drainage. Turn the pot a bit every two weeks to reduce the likelihood of roots growing outside and anchoring the pot. When brought inside in the fall, be mindful of the plant’s care, controlling the light and water to encourage reblooming. Use a slightly acidic rhododendron soil mix.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium)
Continue to water well, add 1⁄4 tsp of garden fertilizer weekly, remove spent blooms, and keep the plant pinched back to limit growth. Mums can easily be moved outside after frost danger has passed. A layer of stones below the pot provide good drainage. Turn the pot every two weeks to eliminate root growth outside of the pot. If desired for Christmas display, bring the pot inside in September, provide short day cycles, and mindful watering.
Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
Did a shamrock find its way into your home collection in March? It can be a long-lived houseplant providing small colorful flowers as well as beautiful foliage. They do best with a slightly moist but well drained soil, indirect light, cool nights, warm days, and do not mind being pot bound.
TOSS
Tulips and hyacinths are not recommended for reblooming. The bulbs are not as hardy as the narcissus and tend to develop foliage, but not flowers. Save the bulbs if you have room and would like to try to save them. Paperwhites, a member of the Narcissus family, are also challenging for those hoping to save the bulbs. Follow the steps for Narcissus bulbs, but plant in the spring. In zones 9 or 10 they will naturalize.
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