Some flower bulbs are downright unsavory to pests

The Associated Press

One of the best defenses against bulb-eating animals is mixing the bitter with the sweet: harsh-tasting alliums and daffodils, for example, intermingled with beds of predator-magnet tulips.

Enlarge photo

AP Photo/Bloomsburg Press Enterprise, Bill Hughes The crocus is a proven pest-resistant bulb. It blooms late winter, early spring. Zones 4-8.

Enlarge photo

LOUIE FAVORITE, for the AJC Yellow hyacinths on display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

More Homefinder stories »

• Family gets more space, same district
• Rainy stretch can leave mark on foundations
• Brown pelicans enjoy a revival
• Be thankful for homebuyers’ tax credit
• Bulbs need room to bloom

Here is a more extensive list of proven pest-resistant bulbs, courtesy of the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center. All rank high on beauty and low on pest appeal, the center said.

—Allium, or ornamental onion. Blooms early spring to late summer. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.

—Chionodoxa or glory of the snow. Blooms late winter, early spring. Zones 4-8.

—Crocus. Blooms late winter, early spring. Zones 4-8.

—Eranthis or winter aconite, a member of the buttercup family. Blooms late winter, early spring. Zones 4-7.

—Fritillaria or mission bells. Blooms mid- to late spring, depending upon variety. Zones 4-8.

—Galanthus or snowdrop. Blooms late winter, early spring. Zones 4-8.

—Hyacinthoides or bluebell. Blooms late spring. Zones 4-10.

—Hyacinthus or hyacinth. Blooms mid-spring. Zones 4-8.

—Muscari or grape hyacinth. Blooms mid- to late spring, depending upon variety. Zones 4-9.

—Narcissus, more commonly known as daffodil. Blooms early to late spring, depending upon variety. Zones 4-11.

—Oxalis or wood sorel. Blooms mid-spring to fall, depending upon variety. Hardy in zones 7-10.