What is the difference?

Everyone knows the popular spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils, which are true bulbs. However, corms are equally important in the garden and bring their own unique blooms. Corms include plants like anemones, ranunculus, gladiolus, and crocus. Unlike bulbs, a corm is technically a swollen underground stem that stores food for the plant, rather than having layers like an onion.

Ranunculus corms look unusual; they resemble small claws or tubers. When planting ranunculus, place the corms with the pointed “claws” facing down, as the stems and blooms will grow upward from the flat side. Ranunculus blooms are lush and colorful, making them perfect for cutting gardens and floral arrangements.

At the top is a ranunculous and it is planted with the points down, as the stems and blooms emerge from the top. On the bottom is crocus sativa showing roots beginning to emerge. The pointed top of this one is planted up and it looks very much like a bulb.

Crocus corms, on the other hand, look more like traditional bulbs, with a pointed top and a rounded base where roots emerge. Plant crocus corms with the pointed side facing up and the roots down. Crocus blooms appear early in spring and often naturalize well, returning year after year.

Anemones also have unique, knobby corms that vary between single and double flowering varieties. Look for a slightly rough spot on the corm; this area should be planted facing up to ensure proper growth. Anemones produce delicate, daisy-like blooms in vibrant colors, adding variety to any spring bulb display.

Other perennials

Other perennials like irises and peonies grow from thickened roots rather than bulbs or corms. Iris rhizomes spread horizontally just below the soil surface, storing energy for lush, colorful blooms in early summer. When planting irises, keep the tops of the rhizomes slightly exposed to prevent rotting.

Peonies, on the other hand, have tuberous roots that grow deep into the soil. These roots store food for the plant, allowing it to produce beautiful blooms each spring. By understanding these different plant structures and planting them correctly, gardeners can enjoy a diverse array of flowering plants. This knowledge helps create a vibrant garden that blooms beautifully from early spring through summer.