Summer Bulbs & Tubers

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.

Canna ‘Panache Black’ is all about contrast: bold orange blooms rising above dramatic, near‑black foliage. It’s a brilliant choice when you want instant impact in summer bedding, mixed borders, or as the ‘thriller’ in a large patio pot.

This tender canna forms upright clumps from a rhizome and quickly fills space once temperatures rise. The dark leaves make neighbouring plants pop—try pairing it with lime greens, hot pinks, or silvery Mediterranean herbs for a designer look, or echo the drama with deep burgundy companions.

Choose a warm, sunny site and fertile soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. In containers, use rich compost and don’t let the pot dry out completely during hot spells—consistent watering helps keep growth lush and prevents stress during bud formation.

Start rhizomes under cover in spring, then plant out after the risk of frost has passed. Cover the rhizome with 5–10cm of soil, water in thoroughly, and feed regularly from early summer to keep flowers coming on fresh stems all season, even in cooler summers.

In autumn, lift and store rhizomes somewhere cool and frost‑free, or move containers inside. Next season, restart them into growth and enjoy an even fuller clump as the rhizomes bulk up and produce more shoots for a longer flowering show.

Bring a dash of late‑summer theatre to pots and borders with Canna ‘Madame Angèle Martin’. Tall stems carry warm apricot blooms brushed with rose tones, while bronze‑purple foliage adds a rich, tropical backdrop from midsummer into early autumn.

This is a tender, clump‑forming perennial grown from a fleshy rhizome. It’s ideal for creating a ‘holiday garden’ feel alongside grasses, bananas or dahlias, and it also works as a statement plant when you want height, colour and texture in one hit.

For the best results, give cannas full sun and a sheltered position. They enjoy fertile soil that stays evenly moist through the growing season, so improving beds with compost (or using rich potting compost in containers) makes a noticeable difference in vigour and flowering.

Start the rhizome into growth indoors in early spring, then plant outside once frosts have passed. Set the rhizome 5–10cm deep, water in, and keep the plant well fed through summer—regular liquid feeding in pots keeps leaves lush and helps buds form steadily.

When autumn chills arrive, cut back after the first frost and lift the clump to store it frost‑free, or move containers under cover. With a little winter care, you’ll have a bigger rhizome and an even fuller display to look forward to each year.

Canna 'Golden Lucifer' brings a bold, tropical feel to summer planting, with vibrant yellow blooms speckled with orange-red flowers held above lush, paddle-like foliage. It’s perfect for patio pots and sunny borders where you want instant impact from midsummer into autumn. Their broad leaves also add a strong, architectural texture even before the first flowers open.

Fast-growing and dramatic, cannas create height and structure in mixed planting, often reaching around 1–1.5m. They look brilliant with dahlias, salvias and ornamental grasses, and the strong stems help fill gaps in new borders.

For the best display, start rhizomes into pots in spring and grow on somewhere warm and bright. Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, and firm the soil well. Space plants so each clump can expand.

Cannas love rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering. Keep compost evenly moist in containers and feed every few weeks through summer to support flower production. Mulching the ground helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool in hot spells.

When autumn frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the rhizomes to store frost-free over winter in barely moist compost. Replant next spring after the last frosts and you’ll be back to tropical colour, lush leaves and fresh blooms.

Canna 'Crimson Beauty' brings a bold, tropical feel to summer planting, with deep crimson-red blooms with subtle pink highlights flowers held above lush, paddle-like foliage. It’s perfect for patio pots and sunny borders where you want instant impact from midsummer into autumn. Their broad leaves also add a strong, architectural texture even before the first flowers open.

Fast-growing and dramatic, cannas create height and structure in mixed planting, often reaching up to 150cm in good conditions. They look brilliant with dahlias, salvias and ornamental grasses, and the strong stems help fill gaps in new borders.

For the best display, start rhizomes into pots in spring and grow on somewhere warm and bright. Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, and firm the soil well. Space plants so each clump can expand.

Cannas love rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering. Keep compost evenly moist in containers and feed every few weeks through summer to support flower production. Mulching the ground helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool in hot spells.

When autumn frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the rhizomes to store frost-free over winter in barely moist compost. Replant next spring after the last frosts and you’ll be back to tropical colour, lush leaves and fresh blooms.

Canna 'Apricot Frost' brings a bold, tropical feel to summer planting, with warm apricot blooms with soft peach tones held above lush, paddle-like foliage. It’s perfect for patio pots and sunny borders where you want instant impact from midsummer into early autumn.

Fast-growing and dramatic, cannas create height and structure in mixed planting, reaching around 50–100cm depending on conditions. They look brilliant with dahlias, salvias and ornamental grasses, and the strong stems help fill gaps in new borders.

For the best display, start rhizomes into pots in spring and grow on somewhere warm and bright. Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, and firm the soil well. Space plants about 30–50cm apart so each clump has room to open its leaves.

Cannas love rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering. Keep compost evenly moist in containers and feed every few weeks through summer to support flower production. Mulching the ground helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool in hot spells.

When autumn frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the rhizomes to store frost-free over winter in barely moist compost. Replant next spring after the last frosts and you’ll be back to tropical colour, lush leaves and fresh blooms.

Canna 'Mixed Colours' brings a bold, tropical feel to summer planting, with a cheerful mix of yellow, orange, red and coral tones flowers held above lush, paddle-like foliage. It’s perfect for patio pots and sunny borders where you want instant impact from midsummer into autumn. Their broad leaves also add a strong, architectural texture even before the first flowers open.

Fast-growing and dramatic, cannas create height and structure in mixed planting, often reaching about 50–70cm. They look brilliant with dahlias, salvias and ornamental grasses, and the strong stems help fill gaps in new borders.

For the best display, start rhizomes into pots in spring and grow on somewhere warm and bright. Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, in a sheltered spot in full sun or light shade, and firm the soil well. Space plants so each clump can expand.

Cannas love rich, moisture-retentive soil and regular watering. Keep compost evenly moist in containers and feed every few weeks through summer to support flower production. Mulching the ground helps conserve moisture and keeps roots cool in hot spells.

When autumn frosts blacken the foliage, cut stems back and lift the rhizomes to store frost-free over winter in barely moist compost. Replant next spring after the last frosts and you’ll be back to tropical colour, lush leaves and fresh blooms.

Agapanthus africanus 'Dokter Brouwer' brings generous drumstick heads of blue‑lilac trumpets above neat, strap-shaped foliage in midsummer. It’s a simple way to add structure and cool colour to sunny borders, gravel gardens and large patio pots.

This variety stays compact enough for containers, yet still feels architectural. Plant it in a warm, sheltered spot and you’ll get sturdy stems that hold their shape in wind and rain, giving you weeks of colour and a lovely cut‑flower option.

Agapanthus enjoy sun and a fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains freely. In pots, use a loam-based compost and avoid overpotting—slightly snug roots often encourage better flowering. Try pairing with ornamental grasses, salvias or lavender for an effortless summer look. Once established it copes well with short dry spells, but flowers best with regular moisture.

Water well while the plant is establishing, then keep it evenly moist through summer, especially in containers. Feed monthly with a high‑potassium fertiliser and remove spent flower heads if you’d like a tidier display. The nectar-rich blooms are also a magnet for bees.

In colder areas, give evergreen agapanthus extra winter protection: mulch the crown, wrap containers, or move pots to a frost-free place until spring. Divide crowded clumps in spring to refresh growth and create new plants for other parts of the garden.

Hemerocallis ‘Frans Hals’ is a dependable daylily with eye-catching, bicolour blooms that light up sunny borders, cottage gardens, and low-maintenance planting schemes throughout summer.

Forming a tidy, bushy clump of strap-like foliage, it sends up sturdy stems topped with large, funnel-shaped flowers in warm orange and yellow tones, delivering bold colour with minimal fuss.

Plant in full sun for the strongest flowering, in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Daylilies are tolerant of a wide range of soils and cope well once established, making them ideal for many gardens.

Water during prolonged dry spells in spring and early summer to support bud formation. Remove spent flower stems after flowering and tidy away dead foliage; clumps can be divided every few years if needed.

A brilliant choice for borders and cutting, ‘Frans Hals’ also supports pollinators and provides reliable structure at the front to middle of beds, pairing easily with grasses and late-summer perennials.

Agapanthus ‘Polar Ice’ brings crisp, white flower heads to summer borders and containers, offering a clean, modern look that pairs beautifully with grasses, salvias, and Mediterranean-style planting.

This clump-forming perennial produces upright stems topped with rounded umbels of trumpet-shaped blooms, creating strong vertical accents and reliable colour through the warmest part of the year.

Plant in full sun in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A warm, sheltered position is best, and agapanthus also performs superbly in containers where drainage can be carefully controlled.

Water regularly during active growth and feed in summer to support flowering. In colder areas, mulch the crown in winter or move containers under cover, then remove spent stems after flowering.

Excellent for pots, sunny borders, and cutting gardens, ‘Polar Ice’ provides pollinators with nectar and brings long-lasting, architectural interest to outdoor spaces from midsummer into early autumn.

Hosta ‘Frances Williams’ is a much-loved perennial for shade, combining bold, puckered leaves with attractive variegation that brightens borders, woodland edges, and containers throughout the growing season.

The broad, heart-shaped foliage forms a generous clump and provides strong ground cover, while pale lilac summer flowers rise above the leaves on tall stems, adding a softer, seasonal highlight.

Plant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. A sheltered position helps prevent leaf scorch, and consistent moisture supports the best leaf colour and overall plant performance.

Water well in dry weather, mulch in spring to retain moisture, and remove old foliage once it dies back. Slug protection is helpful in spring, and clumps can be divided every few years to rejuvenate plants.

Perfect for shade borders and underplanting, this hosta also works beautifully in large pots and brings a calm, architectural feel to planting designs where flowers are secondary to foliage impact.

Hosta sieboldiana var. elegans is a classic shade perennial prized for its bold, heavily textured foliage that adds structure to borders, woodland gardens, and large containers from spring right through autumn.

Forming a broad, clump-forming mound, this hosta develops blue-grey leaves that become even more impressive as the plant matures, creating a strong backdrop for neighbouring flowers and underplanting.

Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in a sheltered spot with partial shade. It performs best where the ground stays evenly moist, especially during the first growing season.

Water regularly in dry spells, mulch in spring to conserve moisture, and remove tired foliage as it dies back. Protect emerging growth from slugs and snails, and divide congested clumps every few years.

Ideal for shady borders and underplanting, hostas also provide valuable cover for beneficial wildlife and bring a calm, architectural feel to planting schemes where flowers can be harder to achieve.

Canna ‘Tropical Yellow’ is a compact, tropical-looking plant that produces rich yellow flowers with subtle red spotting, adding bright, sunny colour to patios, borders and exotic planting schemes.

A vigorous, clump-forming canna, it reaches around 50–100cm and carries its blooms above very large, dark green leaves. Flowers appear from midsummer to mid autumn, giving a long, reliable display.

Plant rhizomes in spring once the soil is warming, in full sun or light partial shade, in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. It performs brilliantly in large containers where watering is easy to manage.

Water freely through the growing season and feed regularly once growth is established. Deadhead spent blooms to keep plants tidy and encourage more flowers, and shelter from strong winds if grown in an exposed site.

Ideal for pots, summer bedding and sub-tropical borders, this canna combines well with dahlias and grasses. In colder areas, lift and store rhizomes frost-free over winter to protect from hard frosts.

Astilbe ‘Brautschleier’ (also known as ‘Bridal Veil’) produces elegant, creamy-white plumes that float above fresh green foliage, brightening shady borders and moisture-retentive beds in early summer.

A fully hardy, clump-forming perennial, it reaches roughly 50–100cm depending on conditions. The tapering flower spikes create a soft vertical accent and look especially effective planted in groups.

Grow in moist but well-drained or even boggy soil in dappled shade or indirect sun. Astilbes are drought intolerant and can scorch in hot sun, so consistent moisture is the key to success.

Water during dry spells, mulch in spring, and cut back spent stems as needed. Divide established clumps in late winter or early spring to maintain vigour and keep flowering strong.

Perfect for woodland borders, waterside planting and shady containers, ‘Brautschleier’ pairs beautifully with hostas and ferns. The flowers are also useful for cutting and add texture to arrangements.

Astilbe japonica ‘Bonn’ produces soft, feathery plumes of deep pink flowers that bring a light, elegant feel to shady borders, woodland gardens and moisture-retentive containers in early summer.

A compact, clump-forming perennial, it typically reaches around 10–50cm, carrying flowers just above attractive, fern-like foliage. Plant in drifts for a glowing, cloud-like effect through June and July.

Grow in dappled or partial shade in moist, humus-rich soil. Astilbes dislike drying out, so they perform best where the soil stays evenly moist, including near ponds or in consistently watered borders.

Water during dry spells, mulch in spring to conserve moisture, and cut back spent flower stems if you prefer a tidy look. Alternatively, leave seedheads for gentle texture into autumn.

Ideal for shady borders and waterside planting, ‘Bonn’ combines beautifully with hostas, ferns and brunnera. The plumes also make charming stems for cutting or drying.

Canna ‘Wyoming’ creates an instant tropical feel with bold, bronze-purple leaves and large, frilled orange blooms that bring heat and drama to summer borders, patios and container displays.

A robust, clump-forming plant, it can reach around 1.5–2.5m in good conditions. The tall stems and oversized foliage make it ideal as a statement plant, while flowers open from midsummer to early autumn for a long show.

Plant rhizomes in a warm, sheltered position in full sun, in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Cannas thrive in large pots or sunny borders and perform best when their roots are kept consistently moist in summer.

Water freely through the growing season and feed every two to three weeks once growth is established. Deadhead to encourage more blooms, and provide support if grown in an exposed, windy position.

Perfect for sub-tropical planting schemes and showy containers, canna ‘Wyoming’ pairs beautifully with dahlias and grasses. As it is tender, lift and store rhizomes frost-free over winter in colder areas.

Kniphofia ‘Sunningdale Yellow’ produces elegant spikes of warm yellow flowers that fade to orange tones, bringing bold summer colour and vertical structure to sunny borders and gravel gardens.

Growing to around 0.5–1m tall in flower, it forms a clump of strap-like foliage and sends up multiple spikes through summer, making it a reliable performer for long-season impact in hot borders.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil and choose a warm, sheltered position where winter wet is minimal. Kniphofia performs best where it isn’t shaded and where drainage is sharp in colder months.

Water to establish, then only in prolonged drought. Feed in spring and remove spent flower stems to encourage more blooms; tidy old leaves in spring as new growth appears for a clean finish.

Perfect for prairie-style borders and wildlife gardens, this red-hot poker pairs beautifully with grasses and echinacea, and it is also a strong pollinator plant in mid to late summer.

Geranium sanguineum (bloody cranesbill) is a hardy, spreading perennial that produces vivid magenta-pink flowers with darker veining, creating a jewel-like carpet at the front of borders and in rock gardens.

Staying compact at around 20cm tall, it spreads to form a neat, bushy groundcover that flowers over a long period in summer and often develops attractive autumn colour as the season cools.

Plant in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It copes with many soil types and is particularly useful where you need low, reliable cover without lots of maintenance.

Water to establish, then only during prolonged drought. A light trim after the first flush can encourage fresh foliage and repeat flowering, and dividing clumps in spring can rejuvenate older plants.

Ideal for edging, underplanting and wildlife gardens, this cranesbill pairs beautifully with roses and grasses, and it provides a long-lasting, pollinator-friendly summer display.

Phlox paniculata Mixed produces an uplifting blend of scented summer flowers in a range of shades, bringing a classic cottage-garden feel to borders and delivering plenty of stems for cutting.

These hardy perennials form upright clumps and typically reach around 1–1.5m tall, carrying dense heads of starry blooms that open over weeks, providing long-lasting colour through mid to late summer.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Phlox appreciates consistent moisture and benefits from a mulched root run to help prevent stress in hot weather.

Water during dry spells and deadhead to encourage further blooms. Improve airflow by spacing plants well, and cut stems back to the base in late autumn after flowering has finished.

Ideal for mixed borders and wildlife-friendly gardens, phlox pairs beautifully with grasses and daisies, and the sweetly scented flowers are also loved by pollinators throughout the summer.

Hemerocallis ‘Hyperion’ produces fragrant, green-yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that bring bright summer colour to borders and large containers, with a natural, cottage-garden feel.

A deciduous, clump-forming perennial, it reaches around 1m in flower and forms arching strap-like foliage. Each bloom lasts a day, but plants carry many buds so you get a long season of flowers.

Plant in full sun or light partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Daylilies are tolerant of a range of soils, including heavier ground, but flowering is best where they receive good light.

Water in dry spells from spring to early summer to support bud formation, and feed in spring for strong growth. Remove spent flower stems after flowering and tidy dead foliage as required.

Perfect for mixed borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers, daylilies are dependable and long-lived. They also divide easily, so established clumps can be split to create new plants.

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.

Kniphofia ‘Red Rocket’ produces vivid coral-red flower spikes that light up sunny borders, gravel gardens and prairie-style planting, bringing bold colour and strong vertical shape through late summer.

An herbaceous perennial reaching around 60cm in height (and taller in flower), it forms a clump of strap-like foliage and sends up repeated spikes that open gradually, extending the flowering display into autumn.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil for best performance. A warm, sheltered position helps the stems stay upright and encourages strong colouring, especially in cooler or windier gardens.

Water to establish, then only during prolonged dry spells. Feed in spring, and remove spent stems to encourage more blooms. Leave foliage over winter for protection, then tidy in spring as growth resumes.

Perfect for hot borders and wildlife-friendly planting, kniphofia pairs beautifully with grasses, echinacea and late-summer perennials, and provides long-lasting cut stems as well.

Hosta ‘Big Daddy’ is a statement perennial for shade, grown for its huge, blue-grey, heavily puckered leaves that form a dramatic mound in borders and large containers, bringing texture and calm structure all season.

A clump-forming plant, it can reach around 60cm high (and larger in time) with a substantial spread, making it ideal as a focal point in shady beds. In early summer it produces stems of pale, bell-shaped flowers.

Plant in partial shade in moisture-retentive, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots and benefit from shelter from hot afternoon sun to keep foliage looking its best.

Water regularly during dry weather, particularly in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems for a tidy finish.

Perfect for woodland borders, shady courtyards and container displays, ‘Big Daddy’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides bold foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as the Lenten rose, brings gentle colour to the garden when little else is flowering. Its nodding, cup‑shaped blooms open in soft pink shades from late winter into early spring, hovering above handsome, leathery green foliage.

This clump‑forming perennial grows to around 45cm tall and wide, making it easy to tuck into borders, underplant shrubs, or feature in large pots near a doorway. The flowers are long‑lasting and look lovely with early bulbs, grasses and spring woodland plants.

Plant in fertile, humus‑rich soil that stays moist but drains freely. A spot in partial shade is ideal, though it will also cope with some sun in cooler areas. Choose a sheltered position and mulch in autumn to keep the roots comfortable through winter.

Set plants at the same depth they were growing in the pot, water in well, and keep evenly moist while they establish. In late winter, tidy away tired leaves to show off the flowers and reduce leaf‑spot problems. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring.

Because hellebores flower early, they can provide nectar and pollen for emerging bees when other sources are scarce. Once established they’re low‑fuss, returning each year with reliable winter‑into‑spring interest and a fresh flush of foliage as temperatures rise.

Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ is a shade-loving perennial prized for its shimmering, silver-patterned leaves and delicate forget-me-not style blue flowers that appear in spring, lifting woodland borders and shady pots.

Forming a tidy clump, it reaches around 30–50cm in height and gradually spreads to create a generous patch of foliage. It’s a brilliant, low-effort plant for brightening darker corners all season long.

Plant in light to partial shade in moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It copes with a wide range of soil types, but appreciates consistent moisture during the growing season.

Water during dry spells, especially in the first year, and mulch in spring to keep roots cool and soil moisture steady. Remove old leaves as new growth appears to keep clumps looking fresh.

Ideal for woodland planting, shady borders and large containers, ‘Jack Frost’ pairs beautifully with hellebores, epimediums and spring bulbs, and is also a great ground-cover plant in dappled shade.