1 week Ago By Emily Malia
With the clocks due to go back next week, the long sunny evenings are nearly upon us and now is the perfect time to get your garden into shape so you can enjoy it all summer long. And what better way than to have rows of stunning flowers while you sit back with a glass of wine when June comes? Hamid Ali, a horticulture expert on Airtasker, has shared some vital insight into the summer bulbs that are best to plant in spring and when exactly the best time is to plant them. Hamid said: “Lilies are excellent for adding height and elegance to gardens, with large, showy flowers and strong fragrance, and they thrive in sunny spots.
" He further explained that to get the most out of these flowers, the ideal time to plant them is between March and May. Another key contender for summer is Ranunculus flowers, much loved for their delicate, multi-petalled blooms and the fact they come in all sorts of shades of red, yellow, white, and pink. According to the horticulture expert, these plants thrive in the UK climate and offer a “long-lasting show of colour” from spring all the way through to the early days of summer and should be planted around the same time as lilies.
Hamid said: "Gladiolus produces beautiful ‘swords’ of flowers in a variety of colours, which makes them perfect for the back of a border and adding height to flowerbeds. They're relatively low-maintenance and look impressive when grouped together." Not to mention, this type of flower is recommended, as they’re excellent for attracting pollinators like bees.
However, Gladiolus needs planting a little later on for best results, from April to early May. Another bulb best for both summer and autumn blooms is the dahlia, which can be planted at the same time as gladiolus. According to Hamid, these types of flowers are perfect for "adding drama and variety” to borders or beds in your garden.
As well as this, the expert revealed canna and calla lilies as the perfect bulbs that will thrive in summer and produce “large, bold flowers in reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks”. Ideally, they need to be planted in sunny, sheltered spots in moist soil conditions to help add that tropical flair to your garden. The horticulture expert advised that the absolute latest you should be planting these summer bulbs is typically late May to early June.
It’s most important to note any risk of frost, ensuring that soil has warmed up sufficiently for the bulbs to grow. Hamid said: “In the UK, most summer bulbs should not be left in the ground all year due to the risk of frost. "However, some hardier varieties like Crocosmia and certain dahlias (in milder areas) can survive with good mulch protection.
“Most tender bulbs, such as Cannas and Calla Lilies, should be lifted and stored over winter to prevent damage. "It's best to lift and store non-hardy bulbs in a cool, frost-free place to ensure they survive the colder months.”.
