These top summer flowering bulbs and plants will brighten up any garden. You’ll have a colourful flower garden for summer, from pots and containers to beds and borders and at the same time grow a wildlife-friendly garden. There are many bulbs that will attract pollinators to any size space.
When to plant summer-flowering bulbs?
Summer bulbs need warm weather and warm soil to establish and grow a root system. The ideal soil temperature needs to be around 13°C degrees. Summer flowering bulbs are usually planted in springtime, from March to May, so you still have plenty of time to get yours. Don’t try to plant summer bulbs earlier to avoid them from not growing or root rot. An easy rule to remember is if it’s time for your tomatoes to go outdoors, it is also time to plant summer bulbs.
Top summer-flowering bulbs
Gladioli
From bright, colourful blousy blooms to the more delicate variety, there are many Gladioli to choose from. The tall stems may need support, but they bring such colourful flower spikes to any garden and also make excellent cut flowers.
Begonias
Among the most popular summer bulbs (although strictly speaking, they grow from tubers, not bulbs!) They'll grow happily in shady spots, brightening up pots and hanging baskets with their vivid flowers for months in summer and autumn. Start them indoors in early spring and plant out in the summer.
Dahlias
Like begonias, dahlias are actually tubers, not bulbs, They come in an incredible range of flower sizes, styles and colours and they will flower from mid summer right up until the first frost. Dahlias love the sun and make fantastic cut flowers. Start them indoors in early spring and plant out in the summer.
Allium
The ball-shaped flower heads are mainly made up of tiny star-shaped flowers. There are various shades of lilac, some green and even white. They bring charm and fun to a garden, plus they grow well in pots. Pollinators love them.
Freesia
Prized exotic-looking colourful flowers with an intense fragrance. Compact enough for a patio pot, they also make lovely cut flowers.
Top summer-flowering plants
Crocosmia
An easy plant to grow that flowers for a long time throughout the summer. Crocosmia has fiery coloured flowers in yellow, red and orange. The flowers arch on the end of the stem and look slightly similar to Freesia flowers. Stunning as cut flowers.
Liatris
The tall spikes look like blazing stars and bloom for an extended period in the summertime. They are excellent as cut flowers, and they attract pollinators, so expect plenty of bees buzzing around and butterflies visiting your garden.
Calla Lily
The smooth foliage and elegant blooms bring some class into the garden. There are many colours from classic and calming white to vibrant pink, orange and dark purple.
Canna Lily
These are tall, tropical-looking plants with green or dark foliage and bright orange, yellow or red flowers. If you want an exotic look, these are the plants to include in your garden.
We have many flowering bulbs and plants for you to choose from when you visit us at Lakeside.
