Summer-Flowering Bulb Guide
Share

As the temperatures rise and the days lengthen, gardens burst into vibrant life with the cheerful hues of summer-flowering bulbs. These botanical treasures, planted in the spring, weave a tapestry of colour and fragrance throughout the summer months, transforming outdoor spaces into enchanting sanctuaries. From the elegant trumpets of calla lilies to the flamboyant blooms of dahlias, these bulbs offer a diverse array of shapes, sizes, and shades to suit every gardener's taste. Join us as we delve into the world of summer-flowering bulbs, exploring their beauty, planting tips, care essentials, and winter survival strategies.

What Are Summer-Flowering Bulbs?
Summer-flowering bulbs are plants that produce flowers during the summer months. These bulbs are typically planted in the spring and bloom throughout the summer, adding colour and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
Some popular examples of summer-flowering bulbs include:
Dahlias: Known for their vibrant blooms and wide range of colours, dahlias are popular summer flowers that come in various shapes and sizes.
Gladiolus: Gladiolus produces tall spikes of flowers in a variety of colours, making them a striking addition to garden borders and flower arrangements.
Lilies: Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies, and other varieties of lilies bloom during the summer, offering fragrant flowers in shades of white, pink, orange, and more.
Cannas: Cannas are prized for their tropical foliage and vibrant blooms, which range from red and orange to yellow and pink.
Begonias: Begonias come in both tuberous and fibrous varieties, and they produce colourful flowers throughout the summer months.
Calla lilies: These elegant flowers feature trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of white, pink, yellow, and purple.
Crocosmia: Crocosmia plants produce arching stems of colourful flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
Alliums: While many allium varieties bloom in the spring, some, like Allium giganteum, bloom in the summer, adding dramatic spherical blooms to garden beds.
Acidanthera: Also known as Abyssinian gladiolus, Acidanthera produces fragrant white flowers with dark centers on tall stems.
These are just a few examples of summer-flowering bulbs, but there are many other varieties available to suit different garden styles and preferences. By planting a selection of these bulbs, gardeners can enjoy a continuous display of blooms throughout the summer season.

Planting Tips
Planting summer-flowering bulbs can be a rewarding endeavour, but there are several key factors to consider to ensure their success. Here are some important things to know about planting summer flowering bulbs:
Timing: Plant summer-flowering bulbs after the last frost date, typically in the spring. This allows the soil to warm up sufficiently for the bulbs to establish roots and begin growing.
Sunlight: Most summer-flowering bulbs prefer full sun, although some can tolerate partial shade. Make sure to choose a planting location that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight for the specific bulbs you're planting.
Soil: Ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can cause bulbs to rot. Incorporating organic matter such as compost into the soil can improve drainage and fertility.
Depth: Plant bulbs at the appropriate depth, which is typically two to three times the height of the bulb. Follow the specific planting instructions provided for each type of bulb.
Spacing: Space bulbs according to the recommended spacing guidelines to allow room for them to grow and spread. Crowding bulbs too closely together can lead to competition for resources and poor growth.
Watering: Water newly planted bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Once established, water bulbs regularly during the growing season, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, as this can cause bulbs to rot

Care and Maintenance
Proper care is essential for the health and longevity of summer flowering bulbs. Here are some important tips to ensure their success:
Watering: Provide regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause bulbs to rot. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
Fertilization: Feed summer flowering bulbs with a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for bulbs. Apply fertilizer according to the instructions on the package, typically in early spring as new growth emerges and again after flowering to support bulb development for the following year.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production. Deadheading also improves the overall appearance of the plant and helps prevent self-seeding in the garden.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as compost or shredded bark, around the base of summer-flowering bulbs to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also helps protect bulbs from temperature fluctuations and provides a barrier against pests.
Support: Tall-growing summer-flowering bulbs, such as gladiolus and dahlias, may require support to prevent their stems from bending or breaking in the wind. Install stakes or cages around the plants early in the growing season to provide support as they grow.
Pest and Disease Management: Monitor plants regularly for signs of pests, such as aphids, thrips, or slugs, and treat infestations promptly with appropriate methods, such as insecticidal soap or biological controls. Also, watch for signs of disease, such as fungal infections or viral diseases, and take steps to prevent their spread, such as improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.

Winter Care
Caring for summer-flowering bulbs before and during winter is crucial for their survival and future growth. Here are some important tips for each season:

Before Winter:
Frost Protection: As temperatures start to drop in late fall, protect tender summer-flowering bulbs that are not frost-hardy. Cover them with a thick layer of mulch, straw, or shredded leaves to insulate the soil and protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures.
Cut Back Foliage: After the first frost or when foliage begins to die back naturally, trim back the foliage of summer-flowering bulbs. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves, but leave a few inches of stem above the soil to mark the location of the bulbs for spring.
Digging and Storing: For summer-flowering bulbs that are not winter-hardy, such as dahlias, canna lilies, begonias and gladiolus, carefully dig up the bulbs before the ground freezes. Use a garden fork to gently lift the bulbs from the soil, taking care not to damage them. Shake off excess soil and allow the bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for a few days. Once dry, store the bulbs in a cool, dry location for the winter, such as a basement or garage, in peat moss, sawdust, or vermiculite to prevent them from drying out or rotting.
Labeling: It's essential to label your bulbs before storing them for the winter. Use markers or tags to indicate the type of bulb and any specific planting instructions for easy identification in the spring.

During Winter:
Monitoring: Check stored bulbs periodically throughout the winter to ensure they are not drying out or becoming damaged by pests or diseases. Discard any bulbs that show signs of rot or damage to prevent them from spreading to the rest of the stored bulbs.
Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent temperature in the storage area where bulbs are kept. Avoid extreme fluctuations in temperature, as this can cause bulbs to deteriorate or prematurely sprout.
Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation in the storage area to prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to rotting or fungal growth. Keep the area well-ventilated but not excessively drafty.
Protection from Pests: Take precautions to protect stored bulbs from pests such as rodents or insects. Store bulbs in sealed containers or mesh bags to prevent access by pests, and inspect them regularly for signs of infestation.
By following these guidelines for caring for summer-flowering bulbs before and during winter, you can help ensure their survival and prepare them for a healthy return in the spring.

As the curtain falls on the summer season, it's time to bid farewell to our beloved summer-flowering bulbs. But fear not, for with proper care and preparation, they will slumber through the winter months, ready to awaken with renewed vigour in the spring. Armed with the knowledge shared here, gardeners can ensure the health and vitality of their bulbs year after year, savouring the anticipation of their triumphant return. So as we tuck our bulbs in for their winter repose, let us cherish the memories of a season filled with blooms and look forward to the promise of another spectacular summer ahead.