March and April heading into early May is the ideal time to plant your summer-flowering bulbs. Ensuring they get enough sunlight and hydration to bloom throughout the months of June, July, August and September. Providing some of the most vibrant and best blooms your garden will see all year round, it’s important to plant summer-flowering bulbs at the optimum time. Ensuring your borders and planters are ready with bright and colourful flowers that make your garden a welcoming place to be in the height of the summer season.
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Lilies
Lillies are a beautiful type of summer flower, available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are certain to add a touch of elegance to your garden. Asiatic lilies are a good choice for beginners, while Oriental lilies offer a more exotic look. With so many varieties to choose from, there’s a type of lily for every garden and planting style. For the best and longest lasting blooms, be sure that your lilies are planted in areas of the garden where they enjoy a good combination of sunlight, drainage and high quality soil conditions.
Most lilies prefer full sun: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This allows for optimal photosynthesis, leading to vibrant blooms and healthy growth. However, partial shade is tolerated by some varieties: If full sun isn’t available, consider Oriental lilies, Tiger lilies, or Martagon lilies, which can manage with 4-6 hours of direct sun.
Dahlias
These cheerful flowers come in a dazzling array of colours and shapes, and they’re sure to make a statement in your garden. They do require some staking, but they’re well worth the effort. The best time to plant dahlias is when the soil temperature is not too low. So, they are best planted towards the end of spring and early summer. This will encourage healthy and optimal growth.
Other key factors for planting dahlias are:
- Full sun is essential: Dahlias need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
- Well-draining soil is crucial: Avoid soggy conditions that can cause tuber rot. Amend heavy soil with compost or sand for better drainage.
- Shelter from strong winds: Taller varieties may benefit from staking in windy areas.
While they require more attention than some, if planted correctly and with enough time to flourish, dahlias will provide you a stunning array of summer blooms for you to enjoy.
Gladioli
These tall, elegant flowers are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden. They come in a wide range of colours, and they make excellent cut flowers. Once the risk of frost has bypassed us, you can pick anytime within spring or early summer to plant gladioli bulbs. They enjoy warmer temperatures and prefer direct sunlight for up to 6-8 hours per day. However, if your garden is restricted by partial shady areas, you can still enjoy these beautiful flowers but their blooms may be slightly less dramatic, but still a colourful and vibrant addition to your summer garden.
Begonias
Versatile summer flowers that come in both tuberous and fibrous varieties. Begonias are a popular type of summer-flowering bulb. Tuberous begonias prefer warm weather, so they’re perfect for planting in late spring. Fibrous begonias are more shade-tolerant, so they’re a good choice for planting in areas that don’t get full sun. Making begonias an ideal choice for a range of gardens and planting styles, particularly those that do not receive direct sunlight throughout the key parts of the day.
Top tip for planting begonias – be sure to keep both types of begonias hydrated, especially in warm temperatures. When flowering, it is recommended to carry out deadheading as regularly as every other week to ensure you get the most out of the blooms.
When planting your summer-flowering bulbs, be sure to choose a location that gets full sun. Most bulbs also prefer well-drained soil. Amend your soil with compost before planting, and water your bulbs regularly, especially during dry periods. With a little care, your summer-flowering bulbs will reward you with months of beautiful blooms. Getting your bulbs now, in time for spring planting, is the perfect time to prepare both your garden and yourself for the very best gardening season.
