Some bulbs will send up several stalks, because the bulbs themselves form clusters and each part will send up a stalk that then flowers.

But as far as I know, the flower uses up the energy stored in the bulb to flower. You're not supposed to hack off the stems and leaves immediately because the flower uses them to produce energy (and fertilized flower parts) to grow new bulbs. But those new bulbs won't produce anything until the following year.

Different kinds of perennial bulbs will bloom at different points during the growing season, from earliest spring all the way into late fall. If you want continual blooms and a variety of flowers, plant a succession of different bulbs in roughly the same area. And try other kinds of flowers, like antique or English roses, which are great interplanted with bulbs.
Source(s):
I garden and have easily read a small room full of gardening books at this point. I also grow old roses, English roses, and a variety of perennials.

Asker's Rating:

Permalink | Report