Summer Bulbs Promise Months of Vibrant Garden Colour When Planted Now
Summer bulbs represent one of the most straightforward gardening techniques to guarantee a spectacular display of colour from the height of summer right through to autumn. According to horticulture expert Emma Fell, planting these bulbs now can yield tireless flowering that continues until October, transforming borders, patios and container arrangements.
Expert Recommendations for This Season's Planting
Emma Fell, head of horticulture at Hillier Garden Centres, has revealed her top selections from their latest summer bulb range, explaining why specific varieties deserve a prominent place in gardens this year. Her recommendations focus on varieties that offer maximum impact with relatively minimal maintenance.
Dahlias – The Compact Powerhouses
"Dahlias remain a true summer favourite," Emma states. "The Go Go series represents an excellent choice for gardeners seeking compact plants that deliver outstanding visual impact." These plants typically grow to approximately 30-40 centimetres tall, making them perfectly suited for borders, smaller gardens and patio pots.
Despite their modest size, they produce generous 13-centimetre blooms that create a striking display. Their flowering period extends reliably from July through to October, providing consistent colour throughout the season.
- Go Go Yellow offers bright, cheerful sunshine tones that instantly elevate any planting scheme.
- Go Go White provides a crisp, elegant appearance ideal for contemporary garden spaces.
- Go Go Orange delivers bold, energetic colour that commands attention.
- Go Go Black produces striking deep red flowers that add dramatic flair.
- Go Go Speckled features pink petals with a distinctive flecked finish, adding unique charm and character as a wonderful focal point.
Plant dahlia tubers from January to May in a sunny location with well-drained soil, enriching the ground with peat-free compost before planting. Water during dry periods and apply light feeding every couple of weeks once growth begins to encourage abundant blooms. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to soft growth susceptible to issues like powdery mildew.
Since dahlias are not fully frost hardy, lift the tubers after the first frosts and store them in a cool, frost-free location until the following spring. These flowers also make fantastic cut flowers, allowing you to bring their vibrant colour indoors throughout the summer months.
Canna 'Apricot Frost' – Tropical Statement Maker
"For gardeners looking to add height and a tropical atmosphere, Canna 'Apricot Frost' makes a genuine statement," Emma explains. Reaching approximately 90-100 centimetres, this plant adds structural interest to borders and performs beautifully in large containers.
Its vibrant apricot-orange blooms appear from early summer and continue through to October, creating a bold, showy display. Plant between January and May in a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile, well-hydrated soil. Cannas are hungry plants, so regular feeding maintains lush foliage and strong flowers.
As they are not frost hardy, lift and store the rhizomes in a cool, dry location over winter, or provide adequate protection if leaving them in the ground.
Zephyranthes Robusta – Delicate Charm
Emma suggests "Zephyranthes Robusta – often known as Brazilian Copper Lily or Pink Fairy Lily – as a lovely, more delicate addition to the front of borders, rockeries or smaller containers." Growing to around 20-25 centimetres, it produces charming pink flowers in July and August that bring a softer touch to planting schemes.
These bulbs prefer a sunny, well-drained position and can be planted from January through to May. They are compact and easy to grow, making them ideal for smaller spaces or for filling gaps between larger plants. Despite their dainty appearance, they are surprisingly resilient and add a welcome splash of colour as the garden reaches its summer peak.
A Rewarding Gardening Investment
"Summer bulbs represent a genuinely rewarding investment," Emma concludes. "With the correct planting position and modest feeding through the season, gardeners can enjoy months of vibrant colour and plentiful flowers for cutting arrangements." By planting these recommended varieties now, you can ensure your garden remains a colourful oasis from summer straight through to autumn.
