Various

Bulbs, Tubers, Rhizomes and Corms are collectively referred to as “bulbs” but there are major differences between them. They all serve the same purpose, and that is to store food as an energy reserve for the plant to use to complete its life cycle.

Bulbs also fall into either hardy and tender categories. Hardy bulbs such as tulips and daffodils can be planted in the fall for spring blooming and tender bulbs like dahlias, begonias and Gladiolas must be planted in the spring for summer blossoms and then dug up in the fall and stored in a cool dry place where they will not freeze.

Bulbs
Actually, horticulturalists call these “true bulbs” to differentiate them from the all the other types. True bulbs consist of layers of modified leaves and contain a miniature flower or sprout in the center. If you cut an onion in half from top to bottom you can see that the roots at the bottom of the bulb anchor the plant to the ground and absorb water and nutrients. Other examples of true bulbs include garlic, amaryllis, tulips, daffodils and lilies.

Tubers
The most well-known tuber is the potato. Tubers can be easily recognized by the eyes from which the stems grow. These types of plants can be cut into pieces and re-grown as long as each piece contains an eye. Other examples of tubers include dahlias and caladiums.

Rhizomes
Rhizomes are simply fleshy underground stems. They grow underground or right at ground level with many growing points or eyes similar to potatoes. Common examples of rhizomes include canna lilies, bearded Iris, ginger and bamboo.

Corms
Corms look like true bulbs but do not have layers of modified leaves — they are solid. As the leaves and flowers grow they absorb the nutrients and the corm shrivels up and disappears. One or more additional corms are produced through the growing season which is how the plant regenerates itself. Examples of corms include crocus, Gladiolas and tuberous begonias.

Type of Plant: Perennial flowers and herbs

Distinguishing Characteristics: Various, see individual plants

Water Use: Moderate

Flower Color: Various

Sun/Location: Full to Part Sun