Bulbs, tubers, roots, and corms will fill your summer garden with an array of colour, depth and variety. What’s more, they will continue to do so for many years to come, meaning that you can enjoy the gorgeous displays for years on end.
Bulbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow and take up very little space in your garden borders, so they are ideal for filling in any gaps.
When to Plant Summer Flowering Bulbs
The perfect time to start planting your summer bulb display is usually around mid-March when the weather has started to get a bit warmer. With a little planning, magnificent displays can easily be created.
Bulb Planting Depths
For the novice gardener, a key point to consider when planting bulbs is the depth at which the bulb needs to be planted. Bulb planting depths can vary depending on the plant species and the size of the bulb. As a rule of thumb, most bulbs can be planted at a depth of approximately 3 times their own height. However, it is advised to check the individual labels for the exact depths before planting.
Display Compositions
When planning your display, consider the heights of the plants once they are in full bloom. Usually, tall-growing bulbs are planted towards the back and in the middle of the flower bed/border, and smaller bulbs in front, and medium-high ones in between. The benefit of bulbs is that you can personalise your display and make it your own. You may even choose to grow bulbs of all sizes in a single space.
Tall bulbs will need to be planted at a deeper depth, so plant them in first. Then add a layer of soil (Our Bulb Potting & Planting Mix works wonders!) and place medium-high bulbs directly over them. Finally, add another layer of soil and then plant the small bulbs. Since small bulbs flower first, the same spot will offer a succession of bloom for the gardening season.
Our Top 5 Flowering Bulbs
With an assortment of choices and a variety of colourful bulbs to choose from, it can be confusing trying to decide which bulbs to buy. If you require some inspiration, here are our top 5 summer-flowering bulbs:
1. Allium
Alliums (ornamental onions) are very distinctive and attractive plants that look magnificent in flower beds and borders. The spherical varieties are available in a range of sizes and shades of blue, purple, white, and yellow. Alliums can add a touch of colour, height, and depth to even the most crowded garden. As well as providing beauty to the outside, once grown, they make excellent cut flowers for fresh and dried bouquets indoors.
2. Oriental Lily
Oriental lilies are known as a classic ‘late bloomer’ and a beautiful addition to any garden, not just by sight but by fragrance. They are available in a wide variety of colours and sizes. Lilies make beautiful cut flowers and add a statement to bouquets.
3. Begonia
Begonias are a versatile and reliable variety to choose from. This colourful variety creates wonderful displays in hanging baskets, containers, and borders. Begonias are available in a variety of flower head sizes, including large, small, and double, and are also available as trailing varieties. They are suitable for sunny and shady positions.
4. Dahlia
Dahlias create a dazzling display in your garden and perform well in dry and sunny spots in your garden. One benefit of Dahlias is that, as they are a drought-tolerant plant, they can cope well during the hot, dry weather.
5. Crocosmia
Crocosmia originate from South Africa and are elegant plants that produce arching stems and an abundance of bold and beautiful flowers. They are a hardy perennial bulb and can be grown in pots or containers on the patio. Plant in groups within the border for a larger, more spectacular display.
