Top 9 summer bulbs to buy now

For vibrant summer displays, consider planting summer-flowering bulbs. Our selection of 9 top choices caters to diverse garden conditions, from sun to shade and various sizes. Plant now for optimal results.

Favourite summer-flowering bulbs for this summer

1. Gladioli:  For dramatic height and vibrant color, plant Gladioli! These stunning flowers, with their tall spires and exotic blooms, thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Perfect for adding vertical interest and beautiful cut flowers.

2. Oriental lilies:  Experience the drama of Oriental lilies! Their huge, star-shaped flowers boast rich colors and an intoxicating fragrance, making them a garden showstopper. Start them indoors in spring, then move them out after frost. Plus, their stunning blooms are perfect for bouquets.

3. Begonias:  Looking for easy-to-grow summer color? Begonias are your answer! Though technically grown from tubers, they're a summer garden favourite, perfect for brightening shady spots in pots and baskets with their long-lasting, vibrant flowers. Start indoors in early spring and plant out in summer.

4. Dahlias:  Discover the dazzling diversity of Dahlias! These tuberous wonders offer an incredible range of flower sizes, styles, and colours, blooming from midsummer until frost. They thrive in sun and fertile soil and make exceptional cut flowers. Start them indoors in early spring and plant out in summer.

5. Allium:  Make a bold statement with Alliums! Their striking, round purple flowerheads add drama to sunny borders. Choose from giants like Allium giganteum or compact chives (Allium schoenoprasum) for patio pots. Plant outdoors in spring, in well-drained soil and full sun or part shade.

6. Freesia:  Enjoy the vibrant colors and intense scent of Freesias! Easy to grow in patio pots and perfect for bouquets, they bring a touch of the exotic to your garden. In mild areas, plant bulbs in autumn or mid-spring, in sunny, well-drained soil.

7. Canna lilies:  Imagine a garden bursting with the lush, tropical beauty of Canna lilies! Their bold leaves and vibrant flowers create a captivating scene. Plant in sunny, rich, moist soil, provide ample water, and enjoy their continuous blooms by deadheading. Protect them in autumn by lifting or mulching.

8. Agapanthus:  From serene sky-blue to dramatic purple and pure white, Agapanthus adds a striking vertical element to summer gardens. Their spherical flower heads, borne on tall stems, remain visually appealing even as they fade. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.

9. Sparaxis:  Bring a touch of harlequin charm to your garden with Sparaxis! Their star-shaped flowers, in a kaleidoscope of colors, bob playfully on slender stems. Perfect for containers or front borders. Start bulbs in a greenhouse in spring and move outdoors after frost.

Ready for vibrant summer borders? Shop our incredible selection of summer-flowering bulbs at Carpenters Nursery today!