How to plant summer flowering bulbs

For a vibrant display of colourful blooms later in the year, fill your beds and containers with summer flowering bulbs as soon as the risk of frost has passed.

Summer flowering bulbs (and tubers and corms) often produce dramatic, colourful and eyecatching flowers. From Lilies and Dahlias, to Gladioli and Agapanthus, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from, whether you are looking for added height, or vibrant colour or beautiful scents.

Tip: Choose varieties that flower at different times to have blooms appearing throughout the summer.

Most summer flowering bulbs love warmth, so choose a bright sunny spot in your garden for best results. However there are bulbs for most conditions. Begonias and some lilies, for example, will tolerate partial shade.

Summer flowering bulbs will also thrive in pots and containers with good drainage. Use a good quality peat free compost with added grit to allow it to drain well.

Tip: Add broken pottery to the bottom of your pots to keep the drainage holes clear.

Unlike spring flowering bulbs, summer bulbs usually prefer warmer soil, so wait until after the last threat of frost  to give them the best start in your garden.

Bulbs can be planted from February onwards, if you start them off in a conservatory or heated greenhouse before moving their pots outside later. Dahlias are tender, and will need to stay under glass until after the end of May.

Choose good quality, firm bulbs. Bulbs will rot if they get too damp, so free-draining soil is essential. Dig the ground over well and add organic matter and sharp sand to soil that is too heavy or clay-like.

Bulbs should always be planted with the tip pointing upwards. The planting depth varies, so check the packaging for details, but it is usually about twice the depth of the bulb size.

Firm down the soil above the bulb and give it a gentle watering. Be careful not to overwater, by allowing the soil to dry out between each watering.

Agapanthus

Elegant and sculptural, they will add height and drama to your flower beds.

Begonia

Long lasting vibrant blooms in flamboyant colours

Canna

Versatile and easy to grow in containers or borders

Crocosmia

Also known as Monbretia, they are have exotic blooms in a range of fiery shades

Dahlias

Dahlias brighten any garden with their huge variety of shapes and colours

Eucomis

Despite their exotic looks, Eucomis are surprisingly easy to grow

Freesias

Delicate in both shape and shades, and often highly scented

Lilies

A very popular cut flower due to their elegant stems and showy blooms

Gladioli

In a range of wonderful patterns and shades to add texture to your borders

Peony

For the classic cottage garden look, you can’t beat a pretty peony

Zantedeschia

The Calla lily adds grace and beauty with its long stems and fluted flowers

Plant the label: Simply placing the bulb’s label in the ground will help you know what bulbs you have planted and where. This will ensure you don’t disturb your bulbs by planting another variety in the same spot.