Naturalization is the process of a plant that is not indigenous to the area being introduced and multiplying without much help from the gardener.

In the winter, you may be purchasing bulbs or tubers that say “great for Naturalization”. This to me is the “cool” way of saying this plant will “spread”.  Most bulbs and tubers will produce little baby bulbs every year and will pretty much be a dependable perennial that covers a larger area over a period of time.

Some people may refer to this as “invasive” in a sense when describing certain flowers, but in my opinion, I welcome most anything I have ever planted to “go forth and multiply”!!!

Let me share with you the definition of a weed.

A weed is a plant that is not valued in the place where it is growing.

So by its definition, any plant could be a weed, depending on what part of the world you are in or simply on a homeowner or culture’s opinion.

Many plants we may covet, simply grow wild in other areas and may be cut down or killed with herbicides as weeds.

One plant that comes to mind is a Lantana. They used to grow around our grain bins and along fence rows. My grandmother and Dad used to call these “weeds” and couldn’t stand the smell.  He would be surprised to see them selling like hot cakes in every nursery and home improvement store around the country in different colorful varieties.

Milkweed is another. Milkweed in its different varieties is extremely popular these days. Due to its being the host plant for the Monarch butterfly with its dwindling numbers, Garden societies are encouraging its cultivation everywhere. You will see it in many nurseries and home improvement stores throughout the south.

Milkweed is hated by farmers and is all but non-existent in the wild nowadays around where I live. It has been eradicated in hayfields and pastures with Herbicides over the last few decades and now we’re buying it in gallon pots for 8 bucks a pop.

Certain plants will spread where you don’t want them to and a lot faster than bulbs or tubers, so I have come up with a list here of some beautiful flowers that will “naturalize” in a very slow controlled beautiful way. Most are sold as corms, tubers, or bulbs.

All of them will do a pretty good job of multiplying if left on their own. Some zones, they will need to be dug up and stored for the winter. Here in zone 8, these can be left in the ground year round.

 If you read up on them some will require a “cold” period, and this will lead some people to store them in the fridge for a period of time. This may help from what I’ve read, but I have never in my life put a bulb in the fridge, and I usually have pretty good luck every year.

Amaryllis especially do well in the ground here year round. My daffodil have come up every year since I planted them. Gladiolus do wonderful here as well. Paperwhites aren’t going crazy nor are the crocosmia, so these I may try refrigerating for a bit this next year.

Let’s take a stroll through a garden full of awesome flowers! From the funky-looking Alliums to the showy Amaryllis, this list has a bit of everything. Get to know the pretty Anemones, the tropical vibes of Canna Lilies, and the fiery Crocosmia blooms. And of course, we can’t forget the classic spring gang – Crocuses, Daffodils, and Tulips.

Check out the chill Daylilies and the tall, fancy Gladiolus. Hyacinths bring some sweet scents, and Irises add a touch of class. Early spring is covered by Narcissus, PaperWhites, and Snowdrops. Each flower has its own cool story – let’s dive in and see what makes them all so special!

Alliums:

Alliums, commonly known as ornamental onions, display unique spherical blooms that range in color from vibrant purples to soft whites. These hardy perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun, making them ideal for gardens and borders. With a wide range of varieties, they add a touch of elegance and playfulness to outdoor spaces. Alliums are suitable for growing in Zones 3-9, adapting well to different climates.

Amaryllis:

Amaryllis bulbs produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers in an array of colors, including reds, pinks, and whites. Native to South Africa, these striking flowers are often cultivated indoors in Zones 9-11 for their ornamental value. Outdoors, they flourish in Zones 8-10, requiring well-draining soil and exposure to sunlight. Amaryllis is a popular choice for indoor decorations during the winter months, bringing warmth and beauty to homes.

Anemones:

Anemones are delicate flowers known for their vibrant petals, which come in various shades such as pink, purple, and white. Preferring partial shade, these beauties thrive in Zones 4-8. Anemones are a charming addition to gardens, offering a graceful and airy appearance. Their versatility makes them suitable for mixed flower beds or as accents in shaded areas.

Canna Lily:

Canna Lilies are tropical-looking plants that stand out with bold and vibrant blooms in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Thriving in Zones 7-11, they require full sun and moist soil to reach their full potential. Canna Lilies add a touch of the exotic to gardens, and their large, banana-like leaves contribute to a lush and tropical atmosphere. These plants are often used as focal points or in garden beds to create a dramatic effect.

Crocosmia:

Known for their fiery and vivid colors, Crocosmia plants feature arching stems adorned with tubular flowers. Thriving in Zones 5-9, they prefer well-drained soil and exposure to sunlight. Crocosmia adds a bold and energetic element to gardens, making them suitable for borders and mixed perennial beds. The sword-like foliage adds an interesting architectural aspect to the landscape.

Crocuses, Daffodils, and Tulips:

These spring-blooming bulbs bring a burst of color to gardens. Crocuses, with their cup-shaped flowers, herald the arrival of spring in various zones. Daffodils, with their trumpet-shaped blooms, are adaptable to different climates and add a cheerful touch. Tulips, available in a myriad of colors and shapes, are beloved for their elegance. All three prefer well-drained soil and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of spring landscapes.

Daylilies:

Adaptable and resilient, Daylilies thrive in Zones 3-10 with sunlight and moderate watering. These perennials are known for their diverse range of colors and forms, with each bloom lasting only one day. Their continuous blooming throughout the summer makes them a popular choice for borders and mass plantings. Daylilies are easy to grow and provide a long-lasting display of color.

Gladiolus:

Gladiolus plants produce tall spikes adorned with elegant, funnel-shaped flowers. Thriving in full sun and suitable for Zones 7-10, they add vertical interest to gardens. These summer-flowering bulbs come in a variety of colors and are often used in cutting gardens. Gladiolus spikes make stunning floral arrangements and are a favorite for both gardeners and florists.

Hyacinths:

Hyacinths are fragrant and charming spring-blooming bulbs that thrive in Zones 4-8. With their dense spikes of bell-shaped flowers, they add both color and fragrance to gardens. Hyacinths are versatile, suitable for beds, borders, or containers. These bulbs are cherished for their early bloom and delightful scent, making them a favorite for spring garden displays.

Irises:

Irises are diverse and resilient perennials that prefer ample sunlight and grow well in Zones 3-9. With a wide range of colors and forms, including bearded, Siberian, and Japanese varieties, irises add elegance and structure to gardens. These long-lasting flowers are often used as focal points or in mass plantings, creating a captivating display.

Narcissus, PaperWhites, and Snowdrops:

Narcissus, including PaperWhites and Snowdrops, bring early spring charm to gardens. Thriving in Zones 3-9, each variety has specific conditions for optimal growth. Narcissus features trumpet-shaped blooms, PaperWhites are known for their fragrant white flowers, and Snowdrops are delicate, early bloomers. These bulbs herald the end of winter and are often planted in drifts or clusters for a naturalized look.

These flowers, each with its unique characteristics, contribute to a vibrant and diverse landscape, catering to various climates and preferences. Whether adorning gardens, borders, or indoor spaces, these blooms offer beauty and elegance throughout the seasons.