Other Summer Bulbs

Zantedeschia Mixed brings a lively mix of calla lilies in bright, contrasting colours on tall stems above neat, arrow‑shaped leaves. Expect a varied palette, so every planting feels a little different. 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.

Crocosmia 'Large Flowering Mixed' produces a showy mix of large flowers in hot summer shades on graceful, arching stems, adding movement and hot colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 60–90 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.

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.

Eucomis 'Autumnalis White' produces creamy white flowers topped with a leafy tuft, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add height, scent, and structure to summer borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem, giving a longer display and excellent cut flowers.

Reaching an established height of around Up to 75 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh green foliage, then delivers its flowers in the warmest part of the season when many spring bulbs have finished.

Plant in spring in a warm, sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Work in compost to improve fertility and drainage, and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot dormant bulbs.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form for stronger flowering. Remove spent flower stems if you prefer a tidy look, but leave foliage until it dies back naturally to feed next year’s bulb.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, these spikes bring a tropical note to planting schemes. In colder areas, lift and store bulbs once foliage yellows, or protect them well in a sheltered spot.

Crocosmia 'Babylon' produces large orange-red flowers with warm yellow throats on arching stems, adding movement and bold colour to mid and back borders in late summer. The flowers are loved by pollinators and make strong cut stems too.

Reaching an established height of around 80–100 cm, crocosmia forms clumps of sword-like foliage and throws up branching sprays of bloom. It’s a reliable perennial that provides colour right into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in full sun or light partial shade, in soil that is fertile and moist but well-drained. A sheltered position helps stems stay upright and extends the flowering display.

Water in dry spells during active growth, and feed in late spring for best flowering. After flowering, remove spent stems if desired, but leave foliage to die back naturally to feed the corms for next year.

Ideal for prairie-style borders, cottage gardens and large containers, crocosmia pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials.