Gardening Quiz Back to Gardening Quizzes

Which of these options do you prefer?

Bulbs - Bulbs 2

Bulbs are an illustration of how plant species develop special ways to survive and prosper. It may be that the region in which they live is beset by summer drought, devastating winds, hail or even forest fires - the underground bulb will be oblivious to all of these and be ready to shoot into life as soon as conditions are favourable.

This is the second of our picture quizzes on bulbs and it should be that you find things to interest you whatever level of gardening you aspire to.

  1. This Narcissus variety shares its name with which popular bedding plant?

    Photograph courtesy of First Light
    • The Narcissus genus includes all varieties of daffodil.
    • The 'outside' of the flower is usually yellow or white whilst the 'centre' can be white, yellow or red.
    • There are several multi-headed varieties - as per the illustration.
    • Probably the easiest of all bulbs to grow in the garden.
    • Buy good stock initially and you will get ever increasing clumps of flowers forevermore.

  2. What is the name of this plant that is often used as a cut flower?

    Photograph courtesy of Pris Sears
    • Known by some people as the Windflower.
    • There are many different varieties and by choosing carefully it is possible to have flowers for many months in succession.
    • It is advisable to soak the bulbs in a bowl of water for a few hours before planting to encourage them to start growing.
    • Grows well in any soil type provided that is is well drained.

  3. To which unpronounceable genus does the Arum lily belong?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/brewbooks/
    • Arum lilies have the unpronounceable genus name and to make matters worse the specie name is aethiopica!
    • Used extensively as a cut flower.
    • Needs constantly moist conditions.
    • A marshy area around a pond suits it very well and it can even be planted in the water.
    • Although it is generally regarded as hardy, the roots must not get frozen and therefore it is not the best choice of plant for cold areas of the country.

  4. The best known colour in this genus of plant is white and it is often known as Star of Bethlehem. What is the name of the genus?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/flowerfactor/
    • White is still the most often-seen colour but oranges and yellows are gaining popularity.
    • There are many different species and hybrids, most of which grow to about 30cm high.
    • Thrives in both sun and partial shade but good drainage is a distinct advantage.
    • Usually grown from bulbs.
    • Can be raised from seed but expect about 4 years before you see your first flower!

  5. Iris is the Greek word meaning what?

    Photograph courtesy of Iorises
    • Sometimes known as 'flags'
    • Many of the various species are grown from bulbs whilst others are grown from rhizomes.
    • The roots of the Sweet Iris (I. pallida) are used in the perfume industry and several species have sweetly scented flowers.
    • Normally grown from bulbs planted in the autumn.
    • Provided they are planted in a sunny position they will be successful on most soil types.

  6. In the genus Puschkinia, how many species are known?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/cataloft/
    • Flowers are either white or blue.
    • Native to Asia and the Middle East.
    • They look a little like a miniature Hyacinth, a plant to which they are closely related.
    • Flowers early in the spring and although they might look delicate they can withstand severe frosts.
    • Sparkling flowers but they appear on very short stems. If you are planting amongst other plants then make sure that the neighbours don't smother them!

  7. 'Tulip mania' occurred in the early 1600s and in Holland single bulbs were sold for as much as a skilled craftsman could earn in how long?

    Photograph courtesy of UpstateNYer
    • Along with daffodils, these are the most widely grown bulbs in UK gardens.
    • Unlike daffodils, tulips need to be lifted each year to obtain the best results.
    • After the foliage has died down in early summer the bulbs should be dug up, carefully cleaned and replanted in the autumn.
    • They do best on light, sandy soils and in these conditions a stock of bulbs can last many years.
    • On heavier soils the size of the bulbs tends to decrease each year.

  8. When should the foliage of Scillas be cut from the plant?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/jennyn/
    • Flowers are nearly always blue.
    • Needs good drainage but otherwise is not too fussy about where it is planted.
    • Bulbs are small and should be planted in the autumn for flowering the next spring.
    • Ensure that the 'sharp' end of the bulb is pointed upwards and about 10cms beneath the surface of the soil.
    • They make good plants to go alongside primula and miniature daffodils in autumn-planted containers.

  9. Which of the following fruits is closely related to Cannas?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/adaduitokla/
    • Cannas are showy plants with large flowers in glowing colour combinations of orange, red and yellow.
    • Foliage looks as exotic as the flowers.
    • Often used as a centrepiece in mass bedding displays to add height and variation of form.
    • Good plants for mixed borders.
    • Lift the rhizomes in the autumn and wash them to get them clean. Keep in moist compost in a frost free place and replant them the next spring.

  10. Muscari is often known as what?

    Photograph courtesy of www.flickr.com/photos/thomissen/
    • Flowers are usually blue but there are some white cultivars.
    • M. armeniacum is the species most often grown in gardens.
    • The plants grow best in light shade but will often prosper in other situations provided they never get too hot or too wet.
    • They are extremely easy to grow, so much so they can become invasive and in some gardens they take on the status of a 'weed'.
TJS - Web Design Lincolnshire