Q: What will happen to my bulbs if a late snow comes after they’ve sent up new growth, or worse, if they’re already blooming?
A: Bulbs are surprisingly resilient and can tolerate cold temperatures well. Emerging bulb tips or stems will simply stop growing and wait for better weather conditions. While snow may knock blooming bulbs over temporarily, they will pop back up as soon as melting happens. I’ve experienced this with snowdrops, dwarf iris, and early daffodils and tulips that have started to bloom. Covering the bulbs with plastic or fabric sheeting may end up doing more harm than a light layer of snow.
