by Madison Briggs

Created on: January 09, 2009

Nothing seems to announce spring in your garden better than daffodils with their trumpet shaped flowers emerging amidst the remaining ground covers of mulched leaves or lawns struggling to green after a long winter period. Daffodils are available in many colors, but a truly elegant variety is an all white trumpet variety known as Mount Hood.

Mount Hood daffodils have been widely grown in gardens since the mid 1930's and have become a favorite to many gardeners especially in moon gardens or all-white planting garden themes. The flower buds open with a creamy yellow hue and mature to a crisp, evenly white beautiful flower. They are a must have in all white gardens but they also make a grand statement amidst any color scheme in your spring flower gardens. The sturdy trumpets compliment any surrounding plantings while at the same time standing independent in their own beauty.

As with all daffodils and spring flowering bulbs, Mount Hood bulbs should be planted in the fall when the soil is cool.

PLANTING TIPS:

*Plant bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep in well-drained soil between September and late November. If your soilis sandy, plant bulbs 8 inches deep. If your soil is heavy clay, plant bulbs 6 inches deep. As with most bulbs, too wet soil can rot the tender bulbs, so make sure your soil is well-drained. If your winter and fall is dry, plan on watering the planting area occasionally during the cold season.

*Mount Hood bulbs can be planted in full sun or light shade. The flowers bloom mid or late spring so planting under trees is no problem as the flowers will come and go before leaves of trees emerge.

*Plant bulbs 6 inches apart with the pointed end up. For maximum effect and beauty, plant in groups of 12. If you plan to naturalize, try to group several bulbs together throughout the landscape. Mount Hoods as with most daffodils will spread and increase in volume yearly.

*Mount Hoods grow in zones 3-8. The ideal ph of the soil should be between 6 and 7. Do not fertilize at the time of planting your bulbs. Each year when the flowers die and the foliage turns yellow and dies down, plan on spreading a granular or bulb fertilizer around the planting area to aid in future blooming.

*Mount Hood bulbs are deer proof, rabbit resistance and not bothered by mice or voles. It is not necessary to cover bulb with wire or incorporate any other special preventive measures.

*If you have received Mount Hood daffodils in a pot as a gift, or if you have forced Mount Hood bulbs indoors, they can be

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