Large-flowered tender bulbs

Save some space for these spring-planted beauties!

Eremurus

Fussy foxtail lilies can be hard to please, but when happy they’re phenomenal! Plant fairly shallowly in freedraining soil, in the sunniest spot you have (they’re not happy in pots). Stake them, feed them, keep competition to a minimum, then keep your fingers crossed!

Scadoxus multiflorus

With flowers like fuzzy fireballs, blood lilies are an arresting sight in the midsummer garden. While it’s easy to grow, it’s tender and likes plenty of light. Scadoxus is a good container subject and is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Tigridia

Rather like an iris on acid, tiger flowers are exotic and ephemeral. Each bloom lasts for a single day and they come in a rainbow of pink, red, yellow and purple. Grow on sandy soil where possible and full sun is essential.

Agapanthus

Beautiful agapanthus, with firework flowers in blue, white or pink, is a must. In heavy soil they’re better grown in pots, flowering best when snug, but, contrary to rumour, not pot-bound. Avoid planting in shade and keep moist after flowering until autumn.

Gladioli

Get your cottage garden fix, and then some, with largeflowered gladioli. There’s a bold colour for every taste, whether you go for purple ‘Plum Tart’ or zingy ‘Route du Soleil’. Plant in well-drained, fertile soil and either lift and store at the end of the season or, in warmer areas, mulch thickly and trust to nature.