Summer Flowering Bulbs - more info
Summer flowering bulbs make a big impact in the garden and are very different from the spring flowering bulbs that precede them. Whether you’re looking for frilly Papaver bulbs or spectacular Dahlia tubers, there is something for every garden in this collection. Why not accompany your new blooms with some fantastic ground cover shrubs and foliage plants to fill out your garden?
When is the best time to plant summer bulbs?
You can start planting summer bulbs, corms and tubers into your containers or borders in spring when the weather is starting to warm up. Unless otherwise stated, our summer bulb varieties are half-hardy. They prefer a sunny, sheltered spot and should be protected from frost in winter, either by mulching or by lifting and storing.
Our summer flowering bulbs, corms and tubers are despatched from mid-February onwards. We're normally able to accept orders for bulbs until mid-April.
When is the best time to plant summer bulbs?
Summer flowering bulbs are usually planted in spring once the soil begins to warm. Alternatively, plant into containers in late winter and be sure to protect from frost.
Do summer flowering bulbs overwinter?
Unless otherwise stated, our summer flowering bulbs are half-hardy so will need winter protection. Either lift and store them in a frost-free place, or protect them with a thick mulch.
Are any summer bulbs good for cut flowers?
Dahlias, iris and lilies all make lovely cut flowers. For something more unusual, try ranunculus or Anemone coronaria.
Best summer flowering bulbs
Here are some of our best and most popular summer bulbs for your borders and containers:
- Alliums - Standing tall in sunny borders, Alliums are often eye-catching, architectural additions to the garden.
- Tulips - If you’re already missing your spring tulip bulbs, you can replace them with certain varieties that flower in summer for a bold show of colour, such as tulip 'Queen of the night'.
- Ranunculus - These vivid, full-figured flowers look almost too perfect to be real. They make a magical addition to any garden when planted in well-drained soil, and enjoy as cut flowers in a vase.
- Irises - A popular flower amongst artists, the Iris is beautifully ruffled and often produces a delicate, powdery fragrance, making it an excellent cut flower as well as a wonderful border plant.
No time for planting bulbs? Browse our pre-planted bulbs and summer bedding plants.
