Other Summer Bulbs

Tigridia pavonia 'Mixed' brings a vibrant, exotic mix of peacock-like flowers with spotted centres to summer borders, with exotic, patterned flowers that open wide in sunshine. Each bloom is short-lived, but plants carry many buds, so you still get weeks of colour in warm weather.

Growing to around 45–60 cm, tiger flowers are upright and slim, making them great for weaving through planting and for pots. They look best planted in generous clumps, where the daily opening flowers create a lively, changing display.

Plant bulbs in spring after the risk of frost has passed, in full sun and well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered spot helps them flower strongly; start in pots under cover for an earlier display if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Feed every couple of weeks once growth is established to support flowering. As temperatures cool, reduce watering and allow foliage to die back naturally.

Perfect for colourful summer pots and exotic-style borders, tigridias also make fun, unusual cut flowers. Lift and store bulbs frost-free in colder or wetter gardens to replant the following spring.

Oxalis triangularis is loved for its dramatic purple foliage and delicate white flowers above deep purple leaves, bringing a jewel-toned feel to pots, hanging baskets, and sunny windowsills. It’s a brilliant way to add colour and texture with minimal fuss.

Growing to around 20–30 cm, oxalis forms compact clumps and can flower repeatedly through the warmer months. The leaves open and close with the light, adding extra movement and interest to displays.

Grow in well-drained compost or soil, in a sheltered spot with bright light. It can be grown outdoors in summer and moved under cover before frosts, or kept as an easy houseplant year-round.

Water when the top of the compost dries out and feed lightly during active growth. Oxalis may go dormant at times; if growth slows, reduce watering and allow it to rest before it resprouts.

Perfect for containers, windowsills and conservatories, this plant also works well in sheltered courtyard gardens during summer. Its compact habit makes it ideal for adding colour to small spaces.

Nerine bowdenii produces shimmering, wavy-petalled pink flowers in autumn, bringing late-season sparkle to borders and containers when many summer flowers are fading. Its wavy-petalled blooms sit on strong stems and are excellent for cutting.

Reaching an established height of around 45–60 cm, nerines flower in autumn and prefer warmth and sun to set buds well. They are a superb choice for gravel gardens and south-facing borders where drainage is sharp.

Plant bulbs in late summer in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Set bulbs about 10cm apart; in milder areas leave the neck showing, while colder sites benefit from slightly deeper planting for frost protection.

Water lightly until growth is established, then keep on the drier side during summer dormancy. Feed in spring to support foliage growth, and remove spent flowerheads if you want a tidy finish.

Perfect for pots and sunny borders, nerines pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and autumn perennials. Once settled, they can increase into impressive clumps with very little attention.

Zantedeschia 'Red Symphony' brings true ruby‑red blooms that look incredible in bouquets on tall stems above neat, arrow‑shaped leaves. The flowers are actually a smooth ‘spathe’ wrapped around a central spadix, giving that iconic trumpet shape that suits both classic and contemporary gardens.

These summer-flowering rhizomes are outstanding in patio pots, where you can keep the compost evenly moist and enjoy the flowers up close. They also work in sheltered borders, especially in richer soils, and the clean, architectural blooms pair beautifully with grasses and airy annuals.

Plant in spring once the ground has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Set rhizomes 5–10 cm deep, with the growing points facing up, and space them so the clumps can expand. You’ll usually see shoots appear within a few weeks, followed by flower stems through mid to late summer.

Calla lilies love moisture while they’re growing, so water regularly and feed in containers for the best display. Mulching the soil surface helps reduce drying out in warm weather. If you’re cutting stems, pick as the spathe unfurls and place straight into fresh water for long-lasting arrangements.

These are tender plants in the UK, so protect them from frost. After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally so the rhizome can recharge. In autumn, lift and store the rhizomes somewhere cool, dry and frost‑free, or move pots under cover, ready for replanting next spring.

Zantedeschia 'Orange Blend' brings fiery orange blooms that glow in summer sun on tall stems above neat, arrow‑shaped leaves. The flowers are actually a smooth ‘spathe’ wrapped around a central spadix, giving that iconic trumpet shape that suits both classic and contemporary gardens.

These summer-flowering rhizomes are outstanding in patio pots, where you can keep the compost evenly moist and enjoy the flowers up close. They also work in sheltered borders, especially in richer soils, and the clean, architectural blooms pair beautifully with grasses and airy annuals.

Plant in spring once the ground has warmed and the risk of frost has passed. Set rhizomes 5–10 cm deep, with the growing points facing up, and space them so the clumps can expand. You’ll usually see shoots appear within a few weeks, followed by flower stems through mid to late summer.

Calla lilies love moisture while they’re growing, so water regularly and feed in containers for the best display. Mulching the soil surface helps reduce drying out in warm weather. If you’re cutting stems, pick as the spathe unfurls and place straight into fresh water for long-lasting arrangements.

These are tender plants in the UK, so protect them from frost. After flowering, let the foliage die back naturally so the rhizome can recharge. In autumn, lift and store the rhizomes somewhere cool, dry and frost‑free, or move pots under cover, ready for replanting next spring.