Summer Bulbs & Tubers

Dahlia 'Emory Paul' brings enormous pink-purple decorative blooms 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 70cm–1m, 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 'Café au Lait Royal' is a decorative dahlia grown for generous, ruffled blooms that read as soft blush-pink from a distance, with white and lilac tones up close. It’s a standout for borders and for cutting—perfect when you want romantic, pastel stems.

For best results, start tubers in pots from March or April in a frost-free place, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Choose full sun and a warm, sheltered position, and mix in plenty of garden compost to improve structure and drainage.

Plant tubers about 10–15cm deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, spacing plants roughly 45–60cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist as shoots develop. If you’re growing taller stems or larger flower heads, add a cane early so support is in place before flowering.

Water deeply in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks through summer with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage buds. Deadhead regularly and cut stems often—removing spent blooms helps direct energy into new flowers, giving you a longer, heavier display.

After the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the tubers to store somewhere cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch heavily, but lifting is safest. Replant next spring and you’ll usually see stronger plants each year.

Dahlia 'Bohemian Spartacus' is a summer-flowering dahlia grown from a tuber, loved for rich red petals streaked and flamed with golden yellow. The fully double, show-stopping blooms sit above fresh foliage and bring instant impact to borders, cutting gardens and large pots.

Flowers appear from mid-summer until the first frosts, especially if you keep deadheading. Dahlias are excellent cut flowers—snip stems regularly to encourage new buds. The streaked petals give each bloom a different fiery pattern.

Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Start tubers in pots under cover in March or April, then plant out after frost risk has passed, or plant directly outside in May. Set tubers about 10–15cm deep and space plants 45–60cm apart.

This variety typically reaches 1–1.5 m with a spread of around 0.5–1 m. Taller types benefit from staking in windy spots. Water during dry spells and feed with a high-potash fertiliser every couple of weeks once buds form.

In autumn, once frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back and lift tubers to store cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch and leave them in the ground. Replant in spring for another season of colour.

Freesia 'Double Mixed' produces a fragrant mix of double, funnel-shaped flowers on gently arching stems, filling borders and patio pots with colour and a sweet scent. Freesias are also excellent cut flowers and last well in a vase.

Growing to around 25–45 cm, they form narrow, fresh green leaves and send up multiple buds per stem. With warm conditions and bright light, they flower through late summer and into early autumn.

Plant corms in spring in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, or start them in pots under cover for earlier growth. Freesias prefer warmth and do best where they are protected from cold winds.

Water after planting and keep compost lightly moist as shoots appear, increasing watering as buds form. Feed weekly with a liquid fertiliser once flower spikes develop, and provide support if stems need it.

Perfect for containers, greenhouse growing, and sunny borders, freesias bring perfume and colour to small spaces. After flowering, reduce watering and store corms dry and frost-free if grown outdoors.

Ranunculus 'Pink' produces soft pink, layered blooms ideal for bouquets, 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 '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 'Bacardi' brings decorative blooms blending red and yellow 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 80–100 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 'Café au Lait' brings large, creamy blooms with a soft peach flush 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 around 1.2m, 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.

Galanthus nivalis is a reliable spring bulb for natural drifts and small pockets of early colour. Supplied “in the green”, it arrives with foliage attached so you can replant it soon after flowering, which can help it settle in faster than dry bulbs.

These plants are perfect for lawns, borders, and woodland edges where they can return year after year. In late winter, nodding white flowers with green touches appear on short stems, often pushing through frost. They’re especially striking when planted in generous groups and allowed to naturalise.

Plant promptly into soil that stays moist but drains well, ideally enriched with leaf mould or garden compost. Keep each clump at the same depth it was growing previously, then firm the soil around it. Water in well to settle roots and remove air pockets.

Once established, maintenance is simple. Let the foliage die back naturally so the bulb can store energy for next season’s display. Where planted in grass, delay mowing until the leaves have fully yellowed and collapsed.

For the most natural effect, repeat the planting in several small drifts and vary the spacing slightly. Snowdrops pair well with winter aconites and early narcissus, and they’re excellent for underplanting deciduous trees. With the right conditions, clumps will slowly broaden over time into a more generous seasonal carpet.

Gladiolus 'Atom' produces bright orange-red flowers edged in silvery white on elegant flower spikes that add height and movement to summer borders. The blooms open gradually from the base upwards, giving a long display and plenty of stems for cutting.

Growing to around 60–90 cm, this gladiolus forms upright, sword-like foliage and neat clumps that suit mixed planting schemes. It’s ideal for weaving through perennials or planting in small groups for a natural, airy look.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, choosing a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot corms before they establish.

Water during dry spells and keep the area weed-free while shoots emerge. In exposed sites, a simple support helps keep flower spikes upright. Deadhead spent blooms, but leave the foliage to feed the corm for next year.

Excellent as cut flowers and perfect for summer colour, gladioli also attract pollinators when grown in mixed borders. Lift and store corms after foliage dies back in colder areas, or mulch well where varieties are hardy.

Dahlia 'Fairway Spur' is a summer-flowering dahlia grown from a tuber, loved for peachy-pink, salmon tones with a hint of bronze. The fully double, show-stopping blooms sit above fresh foliage and bring instant impact to borders, cutting gardens and large pots.

Flowers appear from mid-summer until the first frosts, especially if you keep deadheading. Dahlias are excellent cut flowers—snip stems regularly to encourage new buds. Disbudding side shoots can give fewer, even larger blooms.

Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Start tubers in pots under cover in March or April, then plant out after frost risk has passed, or plant directly outside in May. Set tubers about 10–15cm deep and space plants 45–60cm apart.

This variety typically reaches 1–1.5 m with a spread of around 0.1–0.5 m. Taller types benefit from staking in windy spots. Water during dry spells and feed with a high-potash fertiliser every couple of weeks once buds form.

In autumn, once frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back and lift tubers to store cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch and leave them in the ground. Replant in spring for another season of colour.

Dahlia 'Marble Ball' brings bicolour pompon flowers marbled in purple and white 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 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 'Bumble Rumble' brings collarette flowers in pink and white 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 50–70 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 'Jowey Arenda' brings ball-shaped flowers blending yellow and red 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 90–120 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.

Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ is a classic Japanese anemone prized for elegant, semi‑double white flowers on tall, wiry stems from late summer into autumn. The clear white blooms brighten borders and work beautifully in twilight gardens. Each flower has a bright boss of yellow stamens for contrast.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in soil that remains moist but drains well. It’s happiest in richer ground and is well suited to the back of a border, where it can rise through neighbouring perennials and shrubs. It’s a good choice for brightening slightly shaded borders and underplanting shrubs.

As it settles in, it forms a clump and may gradually spread, so give it room and avoid disturbing it unnecessarily. The flowers are excellent for cutting, and the foliage stays attractive for much of the season. Try pairing with ferns, hostas and grasses for a calm, natural look.

Mulch annually with compost and water during dry spells to encourage plenty of blooms. In exposed sites, neighbouring plants often provide enough support, but discreet staking is helpful in windy positions. A spring mulch also helps keep roots cool, especially in sunnier gardens.

Cut stems back in late autumn, or leave them for winter structure and tidy up in spring. A timeless, award‑winning plant for late‑season colour. Given time, it can become a generous clump with a long run of blooms.

Liatris spicata is a striking perennial for sunny borders, producing upright flower spikes that add height and rhythm to planting schemes, prairie-style gardens, and cutting patches in late summer.

With narrow, grass-like foliage and bottlebrush blooms in purplish-pink tones, it forms neat clumps that mix easily with grasses and daisies, bringing strong vertical accents without looking heavy.

Plant corms in full sun in light to moderately fertile soil that drains well yet stays reliably moist in summer. Avoid waterlogged winter ground, which can reduce vigour and flowering.

Water during dry spells while growth is active, and keep weeds down so stems develop strongly. Deadhead to extend the display, then cut stems back to the ground in winter once foliage has faded.

Superb for pollinator-friendly borders and long-lasting cut flowers, liatris brings colour and structure when many earlier perennials are finishing, helping to carry the garden through to autumn.

Phlox paniculata ‘David’ produces large heads of pure white, sweetly scented flowers that light up summer borders and bring a fresh, classic look to cottage and wildlife-friendly planting.

Forming an upright clump to around 1–1.5m tall, it flowers over many weeks in mid to late summer, with dense, starry blooms that open progressively and provide plenty of long stems for cutting.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Phlox performs best with consistent moisture and benefits from an annual mulch to keep roots cool.

Water during dry spells and deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, then cut stems back to the base in late autumn. Division in spring or autumn can refresh older clumps and improve vigour.

Ideal for borders and cutting gardens, ‘David’ pairs beautifully with grasses and daisies, and the nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies throughout the summer.

Anemone nemorosa 'Blue Eyes' is a woodland classic, bringing white flowers with a sky-blue eye to shady corners in early spring. The starry blooms appear in a fresh carpet above finely cut foliage, brightening banks, underplanting and the front of borders when little else is flowering, and they look especially beautiful planted in repeating groups.

Reaching about 15–25cm in flower, wood anemones spread steadily to form natural-looking colonies. They are ideal for planting beneath deciduous trees and shrubs, where they enjoy spring light before the canopy closes, and they naturalise beautifully in woodland-style gardens.

Plant rootstocks in autumn or early spring in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. A position in partial shade is ideal, though they will tolerate sun in cool, damp ground. Water after planting and keep soil just moist while new growth establishes.

Once settled, wood anemones are low maintenance. Leave foliage to die back naturally after flowering so plants can recharge for next year. A light mulch of leaf mould or compost in autumn supports healthy colonies and helps retain soil moisture.

Use wood anemones to create spring drifts under shrubs, along pathways and on woodland edges. The flowers are pollinator-friendly and provide early nectar, while the spreading habit helps knit planting together for a soft, natural finish.

Gladiolus 'Robinetta' produces delicate red flowers on compact spikes on elegant flower spikes that add height and movement to summer borders. The blooms open gradually from the base upwards, giving a long display and plenty of stems for cutting.

Growing to around 50–60 cm, this gladiolus forms upright, sword-like foliage and neat clumps that suit mixed planting schemes. It’s ideal for weaving through perennials or planting in small groups for a natural, airy look.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, choosing a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged ground, which can rot corms before they establish.

Water during dry spells and keep the area weed-free while shoots emerge. In exposed sites, a simple support helps keep flower spikes upright. Deadhead spent blooms, but leave the foliage to feed the corm for next year.

Excellent as cut flowers and perfect for summer colour, gladioli also attract pollinators when grown in mixed borders. Lift and store corms after foliage dies back in colder areas, or mulch well where varieties are hardy.

Dahlia 'Akita' is a summer-flowering dahlia grown from a tuber, loved for yellow petals shading to a deep red centre for a fiery finish. The fully double, show-stopping blooms sit above fresh foliage and bring instant impact to borders, cutting gardens and large pots.

Flowers appear from mid-summer until the first frosts, especially if you keep deadheading. Dahlias are excellent cut flowers—snip stems regularly to encourage new buds. As the flowers open, the colour shift becomes more pronounced.

Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil in a sunny, sheltered position. Start tubers in pots under cover in March or April, then plant out after frost risk has passed, or plant directly outside in May. Set tubers about 10–15cm deep and space plants 45–60cm apart.

This variety typically reaches 0.5–1 m with a spread of around 0.5–1 m. Taller types benefit from staking in windy spots. Water during dry spells and feed with a high-potash fertiliser every couple of weeks once buds form.

In autumn, once frost blackens the foliage, cut stems back and lift tubers to store cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch and leave them in the ground. Replant in spring for another season of colour.

Dahlia 'Café au Lait Twist' is a dinnerplate-style decorative dahlia with creamy petals and a lively pink ‘twist’ that makes every flower slightly different. The big heads are brilliant for bouquets and statement pots, and the plant keeps flowering right up to the first frosts.

For best results, start tubers in pots from March or April in a frost-free place, then plant out once the risk of frost has passed. Choose full sun and a warm, sheltered position, and mix in plenty of garden compost to improve structure and drainage.

Plant tubers about 10–15cm deep with the ‘eye’ facing upwards, spacing plants roughly 45–60cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist as shoots develop. If you’re growing taller stems or larger flower heads, add a cane early so support is in place before flowering.

Water deeply in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks through summer with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage buds. Deadhead regularly and cut stems often—removing spent blooms helps direct energy into new flowers, giving you a longer, heavier display.

After the first frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the tubers to store somewhere cool, dry and frost-free. In very mild areas you can mulch heavily, but lifting is safest. Replant next spring and you’ll usually see stronger plants each year.

Gladiolus callianthus (often sold as acidanthera) produces elegant, starry white flowers with a rich, red-purple throat that adds a refined, exotic feel to late-summer borders, patio pots, and cutting gardens.

Reaching an established height of around 80–100cm, it sends up slender stems lined with multiple buds that open in succession, extending the display over several weeks and providing excellent cut flowers.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, well-drained soil. In heavier ground, plant on a gritty layer or grow in containers for sharper drainage.

Water after planting and during dry spells while growth is active, then feed every two to three weeks once stems develop. Taller stems may benefit from discreet support in windy gardens.

Perfect for borders, pots and floral arrangements, this fragrant gladiolus pairs beautifully with grasses and late-summer perennials. In colder areas, lift and store corms frost-free once foliage dies back.

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.

Crocosmia 'Lucifer' (Firey Stars) produces fiery red flowers on tall, arching stems 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 120–160 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.

Polianthes 'The Pearl' produces fragrant double white blooms on tall spikes, 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 90–120 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.