Nature’s Surprise Packages

Some bulbs you can plant and nearly forget about. Gardeners often call this “naturalizing”--the bulbs grow and spread naturally on their own. Most of the bulbs that will “naturalize” in California come from similar, summer-dry climates, so it is important that these bulbs be planted in parts of the garden that do not get overly wet in summer, or they may rot while they are dormant.

Typically, these persistent bulbs were originally native around the Mediterranean, or to bulb-rich South Africa, and they “thrive on neglect,” said Richard Doutt, the Santa Barbara author of “Cape Bulbs” (Timber Press, $34.95).

“These are what I call ideal bulbs that need little attention, prosper in impoverished soils and need no summer water,” said Doutt.

Some of the best at returning year after year, such as babianas and sparaxis, grow from small corms that are planted close to the surface so the soil dries out quickly and the bulbs cannot rot.

Although it is possible to dig and store the bulbs for summer, it really isn’t necessary. They will do much better left to dry in the ground. If they get soaked on occasion, they will survive as long as they aren’t always wet.

If you are growing them in pots, simply turn the pot on its side when the leaves begin to brown so you don’t inadvertently water, and let it go dry until fall.