Summer Bulbs & Plants

Ranunculus 'Mixed' produces a mixed selection of layered ranunculus flowers, creating a refined, romantic look in spring and early-summer borders. The blooms are especially prized for cutting and stay fresh in a vase.

Growing to around 30–60 cm, ranunculus forms low, ferny foliage and a steady succession of flowers in cool, bright conditions. Plant in groups for the fullest display and to make harvesting stems easy.

Soak the ‘claws’ for a few hours before planting, then set them in well-drained soil in full sun. In colder areas, start in pots in a frost-free place and plant out once conditions are mild.

Keep soil evenly moist while growth is active, but avoid waterlogging. Feeding every couple of weeks once buds form helps support a long flowering period.

Perfect for pots, borders and cutting gardens, ranunculus is a brilliant way to add high-end florist style at home. After flowering, let foliage die back naturally to recharge the tubers.

Dahlia 'Picking Garden Mix' brings a surprise mix of colours and flower forms for bouquets to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 80–120 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Nuit d’Eté' brings spiky cactus blooms in deep red-purple tones to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 80–90 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Dahlia 'Decorative Mixed' brings a mixed selection of decorative dahlias in a wide colour range to summer borders and cutting gardens, with bold flowerheads held on sturdy stems. Whether planted in drifts or dotted through mixed beds, the blooms add instant impact and keep coming through the warm months.

Once established, this clump-forming dahlia typically reaches 80–120 cm, producing plenty of long stems for cutting. Regular picking and deadheading encourages a steady succession of flowers from midsummer into autumn.

Start tubers in a frost-free place in spring, or plant outside once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and enrich the planting area with compost for best results.

Water during dry spells, especially while buds form, and feed every two to three weeks through the flowering period. Taller plants benefit from discreet staking, and removing faded blooms keeps the plant productive and tidy.

Perfect for borders, patio pots and cutting gardens, dahlias are also pollinator-friendly in single-flowered forms. Lift and store the tubers after the first frosts in colder areas to enjoy an even better display the following year.

Echinacea ‘Cheyenne Spirit’ produces a vibrant mix of coneflower blooms in warm summer shades, bringing long-lasting colour and a wildlife-friendly feel to sunny borders and cutting gardens.

Reaching around 60–70cm tall, it forms sturdy stems topped with classic daisy-like flowers with a central cone. It flowers from summer into early autumn and is excellent for bees and butterflies.

Plant in full sun (or light shade) in deep, well-drained soil. Coneflowers dislike winter waterlogging, so avoid very heavy, wet soils or improve drainage with grit and organic matter.

Water to establish, then keep on the drier side once settled. Deadhead to extend flowering, or leave seedheads for structure and birds. Cut stems back in late winter or early spring.

Ideal for prairie-style planting, mixed borders and cut flowers, echinacea pairs beautifully with grasses, kniphofia and late-summer perennials for a long season of interest.