Bulbs are normally thought of as being associated with autumn and spring, but can be planted to great effect to supplement other plants in summer. One of their beneficial effects is to add color to borders. They do not have to play a fringe role though. Many are taller varieties that can add considerably to the presentation of a flower bed at the peak of summer.
Planting Summer Flowering Bulbs
While bulbs planted earlier are generally viewed as the major providers of color in the garden, summer bulbs planted between shrubs that flower in spring will liven up what might be a less than bright area in summer, while the shrubs provide the background for the color in summer. Summer bulbs should be planted out when there is no further danger of frost. The bulbs can be planted directly into the soil where they will be required, but many can be grown in pots elsewhere and re-planted while they grow.
Two important aspects when planning to utilise summer bulbs are:
- Positioning, particularly in relation to sunlight. Ideally the bloom should be able to face south in the northern hemisphere, while the roots stay shaded, for example under overhanging shrubs.
- Avoiding overcrowding. While a sizeable area of summer bulbs may be required in some circumstances, many types proliferate and can become overcrowded quickly.
Types of Summer Flowering Bulbs
Lilies are ideal for planting amongst shrubs, especially because most of them benefit from the cool soil and the surroundings used for shrub areas. There are many varieties and they have the advantage that many are very hardy and relatively easily grown, including the popular Lily Regale which will grow in lime.
Allium or onion heads, are another popular choice that have a range of colours including pink, yellow, purple and lilac. A particularly interesting choice of summer bulb is crinum powellii, whose flowers resemble lilies. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are usually pink. They offer the benefit of a long session in flower because the flowers open in succession.
Many summer bulbs are best in well-drained soil. Camassia grow as high as four feet with long stems that may need some support at times but have striking flowers. Crocosmia, also known as Montbretia, are smaller flowers with a range of colors and a striking appearance when used to contrast other blooms. For planting in borders of warm gardens, the Eucomis or pineapple flower has large leaves and strikingly-shaped pineapple-like heads with starry flowers that grow pale green and purple in the later weeks of summer.
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