Summer Flowering Bulbs

How to choose summer flowering bulbs

Summer flowering bulbs deliver dramatic impact and vibrant colour from June right through to the first frosts. Unlike their spring-flowering counterparts, summer bulbs like the magnificent Dahlias and elegant Lilies are planted in spring to grow and flower in the same year. They pair beautifully with herbaceous perennials and summer bedding plants to create stunning, season-long displays.

When should I plant summer flowering bulbs?

Most summer flowering bulbs, such as Dahlias and Gladioli, should be planted in spring after the risk of frost has passed, typically from April to May. For an earlier start, you can pot them up in a greenhouse or conservatory from late winter and plant them out once the weather has warmed sufficiently.

Will my summer bulbs survive winter in the ground?

It depends on the type of bulb. Some summer-flowering bulbs are tender and must be lifted for winter, while others are hardy and can be left in the ground with some protection.

Tender Bulbs (Lift in Autumn)

You will need to lift the tubers and corms of your Dahlias, Begonias, Gladioli, and Acidanthera after the first frost has blackened their foliage. To do this, simply dig them up, allow them to dry for a few days, brush off the excess soil, and store them in a cool, dark, frost-free place (like a shed or garage) packed in trays of dry sand or compost until it's time to replant in spring.

Hardy Bulbs (Leave in Ground)

Most varieties of Lily and Crocosmia are fully hardy and can be left in the ground over winter. For best results, allow the foliage to die back naturally, cut the dead stems down to the ground in autumn, and cover the area with a thick 5-10cm layer of mulch, such as bark chips or garden compost. This will provide extra insulation and protect the bulbs from the worst of the winter cold.

Which summer bulbs are best for cut flowers?

Dahlias provide endless blooms, perfect for cutting, from mid-summer onwards, while the tall, elegant spires of Gladioli are another classic choice. Fragrant Lilies and the unique, long-lasting blooms of Crocosmia also make superb additions to any vase.

Which summer bulbs are best for fragrance?

Many Lilies are famous for their powerful and beautiful scent; Oriental varieties such as 'Pretty Woman' are particularly fragrant. For a more delicate, sweet perfume in late summer, Acidanthera murielae (Peacock Orchid) is an excellent choice. The most exotic and powerful fragrance comes from Polianthes tuberosa 'The Pearl'.

Which summer bulbs are best for pots and patios?

Begonias are the top choice for season-long colour in containers. Use trailing types like 'Parisienne Trailing' for hanging baskets and upright varieties like 'Giant Mixed' for pots. Many of the more compact Dahlias, such as 'Park Princess', also perform brilliantly in large containers.

Which summer bulbs are best for attracting bees and pollinators?

To support garden wildlife, choose varieties with simple, open-faced flowers that allow easy access to pollen and nectar. Our 'Wildlife Friendly Bulb Collection' is specifically curated for this purpose and is an excellent starting point. Single-flowered dahlias, like those in the 'Dahlia Bee Friendly' mix, are another fantastic choice, as are the fiery red spires of Crocosmia 'Lucifer', which are a magnet for bees.

Top recommendations for summer colour

Here are some of the most popular and reliable bulbs for guaranteed summer impact:

• Dahlias: The undisputed star of the late summer garden. Available in a vast range of colours, shapes, and sizes, they provide a continuous supply of flowers from July until the first frosts.
• Lilies: For elegance and intoxicating fragrance, nothing beats a lily. From compact Asiatic varieties for pots to towering Tree Lilies for the back of the border, there is a lily for every garden.
• Begonias: Perfect for adding months of non-stop colour to pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes. Tuberous Begonias thrive in sun or partial shade and are incredibly low-maintenance.
• Gladioli: The architectural spires of Gladioli bring height, structure, and a rainbow of colour to borders. Plant a new batch every few weeks for a succession of blooms throughout the summer.