Summer-flowering bulbs are a great way to bring colour and life into your garden. There’s something for every space, whether you have a sunny border, a shady corner, a large garden or just a few pots on the patio. If you’re looking to brighten things up this year, here are nine of our favourite summer bulbs to plant now.
Our favourite summer-flowering bulbs
- Gladioli
Gladioli produce tall, elegant spikes of exotic-looking flowers in a wide range of vibrant colours. Plant them outdoors in spring in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They’re perfect for adding height to borders and also make excellent cut flowers. - Oriental lilies
Oriental lilies are known for their huge, star-shaped blooms, rich colours and beautiful fragrance. Start them off in pots indoors during spring, then move them outside once the risk of frost has passed. They’re stunning in the garden and long-lasting in a vase. - Begonias
Begonias are one of the most popular summer plants (technically they grow from tubers rather than bulbs). They thrive in shade and are ideal for brightening up containers, window boxes and hanging baskets. Start them indoors in early spring and enjoy months of colour through summer and autumn. - Dahlias
Another tuber rather than a bulb, dahlias come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes and colours. They flower from midsummer right through to the first frosts and love a sunny position with rich soil. If you'd like more tips, read our guide on growing dahlias. Like gladioli and lilies, they’re fantastic for cutting. - Alliums
Alliums are known for their striking globe-shaped purple flowers that stand proudly above the foliage. There are many varieties to choose from, from the dramatic Allium giganteum to smaller types like Allium schoenoprasum (chives), which are perfect for pots. Plant them outdoors in spring in well-drained soil and a sunny or lightly shaded spot. - Freesias
Freesias are loved for their colourful, delicate flowers and strong, sweet fragrance. They’re compact enough for pots and make wonderful cut flowers too. In milder areas they can be planted outdoors in autumn or mid-spring in a sunny position with good drainage. - Canna lilies
Canna lilies bring a bold, tropical feel to the garden with their lush foliage and vibrant flowers. Plant them in a sunny spot with rich, moisture-retentive soil and keep them well watered in dry weather. Regular deadheading will encourage more blooms throughout the season. - Agapanthus
With their tall stems topped by rounded clusters of blue, purple or white flowers, agapanthus make a striking feature in summer borders. They thrive in sunny positions with well-drained soil, and the architectural seed heads can look attractive even after flowering. - Sparaxis (Harlequin flowers)
Sparaxis produce cheerful, star-shaped flowers in bright colours that dance on slender stems. They’re perfect for containers or the front of a border. Start them in pots under cover in spring and move them outdoors once the frosts have passed.
Looking to brighten your garden this summer?
Pop in to our garden centre in St. Albans and explore our fantastic range of summer-flowering bulbs – perfect for adding colour, fragrance and interest to your garden all season long.
