Best bulbs to plant now to ensure beautiful blooms for the summer
DURING the warm summer months, gardens in full bloom are a sight to behold. If you’re looking to add vibrant colours to your outdoor space, planting summer bulbs that will come back year after year is a great option.
Whether you prefer bold and bright blooms or delicate and fragrant flowers, there’s a summer bulb out there for you. The team at British Garden Centres has listed its top summer bulbs for planting now.
Gladioli
Gladioli are a great choice for those who want to add a touch of grandeur to their summer garden. These bulbs are popular for their tall and majestic spikes of colourful flowers that can reach up to four feet in height. With their striking appearance, they are sure to make a statement in any garden.
They are also very easy to grow and can be planted in clusters for an even more impressive visual impact. They come in a wide variety of colours and can bloom for weeks, providing a delightful sight for all garden enthusiasts over the summer months
Crocosmia
Crocosmia is a stunning addition to any garden, boasting vibrant orange flowers that create a captivating display throughout the summer. With its long flowering period, it brings enduring colour to late summer gardens. These striking blooms adorn arching stems amidst swordlike green leaves and are suitable for beds, pots and containers. They are loved by pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of the garden. As a hardy perennial, it thrives in full sun, it also tolerates partial shade, offering flexibility for every garden.
Cannas
Cannas are well-known for their bold and tropical appearance, featuring large, broad leaves that resemble paddles and their flowers come in a range of vibrant colours such as red, orange, yellow, and pink, and can have either solid or patterned petals. These blooms are often quite large and showy, making them a popular choice for adding a splash of colour to gardens and outdoor spaces during the summer months
Nerine
With their elegant pink hue and long, narrow petals, Nerine flowers are a captivating sight in late summer, injecting a burst of colour just as other plants begin to fade. Best planted in sunny borders in clusters for maximum impact, they thrive in this setting, offering a beautiful late-summer display. You can also plant nerines in pots, adding impact to any patio or outdoor space.
Dahlias
Dahlias are a beloved selection for summer gardens worldwide, as they boast an array of exquisite blooms that come in an extensive variety of colours, shapes, and sizes.
These perennial flowering plants belong to the Asteraceae family and are known for their ability to thrive in full sunlight and welldrained
soil, making them an excellent option for gardeners looking for a versatile and lowmaintenance plant that can withstand different weather conditions in summer months.
They can bloom repeatedly and even last through into autumn. Dahlias are also commonly used as cut flowers and are popular in floral arrangements due to their striking appearance.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus, which is also known as the African Lily, is a plant that is widely admired for its stunning appearance. It produces attractive clusters of dark blue, star-shaped flowers that are beautifully displayed on tall and upright stalks. The plant also has lush green leaves that complement the bold flowers and add to its overall charm.
Agapanthus is a popular choice among gardeners as it brings a touch of elegance and grace to any summer garden.
Lilies
Lilies are beloved for their elegant and fragrant flowers, making them a must-have for any summer garden. With a variety of types to choose from, including Asiatic and Oriental lilies, you can enjoy blooms throughout the summer months.
Lilies create a stunning display within borders or containers. They make excellent choices for cut flower arrangements, allowing their splendour and scent to brighten your home indoors.
Calla lilies
These are a popular choice for summer gardens due to their striking trumpet-shaped flowers
and lush, glossy green foliage. These bulbs produce large, showy blooms that come in a range of colours, including white, pink, yellow, and red.
They can be grown in both garden beds and containers, making them a versatile choice for any outdoor space. Calla lilies prefer welldraining soil and require regular watering to thrive. They can grow in partial shade but do best in full sun.
Liatris
The exotic-looking Liatris spicata emerges in late summer, offering beautiful deep purple flower spires. These striking blossoms serve as magnets for butterflies and bees, enhancing garden biodiversity.
They are also excellent choices for cut flowers, adding a touch of late-summer charm to indoor arrangements.