Part 1 Sara Williams One of the characteristics of a perennial border which is most appealing is the variety of bloom provided as the season progresses. While few perennials will bloom for more than 4 or 5 weeks, the border as a whole begins early in May and continues until the hard frosts of October. On a personal level, I often find it difficult to remember just what blooms when. Like most bulbs, they do best in full sun with good drainage.
Species tulips are early.
Among the hardiest for Prairie conditions are Tulipa tarta and Tulipa urumiensis. Tulipa tarda is a native of eastern Turkestan. Tulipa urumiensis is similar but completely yellow. The single early tulips follow soon after the species and range in height from 25 to 40 cm. Next are the Frittilaria.