Summer Bulbs & Plants

Dahlia 'Nescio' brings neat, perfectly rounded pompon blooms in bright 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 1 m, 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 ‘Arthur Hambley’ is a classic Giant Decorative variety, boasting enormous lavender-pink blooms that command attention in any garden border or floral display.

Standing tall at around 120cm, this robust variety produces huge, fully double flowers that can exceed 25cm in diameter. The petals are broad and slightly curved, creating a lush, full shape with a soft, silvery sheen that glows in the evening light.

Plant in full sun to maximise flowering potential, ensuring the soil is free-draining and enriched with organic matter. Due to the sheer weight of the blooms, robust staking is required from the moment of planting to prevent wind damage.

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and pinch out the growing tips in early summer to promote bushier growth and more flowering stems. Feed regularly with tomato fertiliser to fuel the production of its giant blooms.

Perfect for the back of the border, ‘Arthur Hambley’ creates a stunning backdrop for lower-growing perennials. Its long, strong stems make it an exceptional cut flower, where just a single stem can make a dramatic statement in a vase.

Dahlia ‘Platinum’ is an elegant decorative variety that graces the garden with pristine white blooms, often touched with a whisper of lilac or cream at the heart. Its sophisticated form and clean colour make it a versatile addition to any planting scheme, acting as a palate cleanser amongst brighter colours.

This variety grows into a sturdy bush with broad, lush leaves that provide a dark green backdrop for the luminous flowers. The blooms are waterlily-esque in shape, with broad, slightly cupped petals that create a serene and structured appearance.

Plant in a sunny, open spot in fertile, well-drained soil. It appreciates a position with good air circulation to keep the foliage healthy and free from mildew later in the season.

Water consistently, directing moisture to the base of the plant rather than the foliage. Lift the tubers after the first frost blackens the leaves, clean them off, and store them in a frost-free environment for replanting next spring.

A brilliant choice for sophisticated, neutral borders, ‘Platinum’ brings a sense of calm and purity to the garden, glowing softly in the twilight and mixing effortlessly with all other colours in the vase.

Dahlia 'Kelvin Floodlight' is a summer-flowering dahlia grown from a tuber, loved for huge primrose-yellow blooms that glow at dusk. 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. Its bright yellow is a classic choice for exhibitions and big borders.

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 0.1–0.5 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 'Golden Scepter' brings bright yellow pompons for cheerful summer colour 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 70–90 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 'Genova' brings bicolour pompon blooms in white and lilac-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 75 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.

Hosta ‘Patriot’ is a reliable shade perennial with bold, white-edged leaves that bring instant brightness to woodland borders, shady patios and large containers, adding texture and structure from spring to autumn.

Forming a clump to around 55cm tall, it produces spikes of funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers in summer. The leaves are puckered and sturdy, creating a handsome mound that works as groundcover or a focal point.

Plant in partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Hostas prefer cool roots, so they benefit from mulch and from protection from hot afternoon sun in exposed gardens.

Water regularly in dry spells, especially in pots, and mulch in spring to conserve moisture. Protect new shoots from slugs and snails, and remove spent flower stems after flowering for a tidy finish.

Ideal for shady borders, underplanting, and container displays, ‘Patriot’ pairs beautifully with ferns, brunnera and hellebores, and provides strong foliage contrast alongside finer-textured plants.

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.

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.

Dahlia 'Sylvia' brings warm orange ball blooms that glow in summer sun 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 'Pompon Mixed' brings a mixed selection of pompon 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.

Anemone × hybrida ‘Königin Charlotte’ (Queen Charlotte) is an award‑winning Japanese anemone with rich rose‑pink, semi‑double flowers carried on tall stems from late summer into autumn. The large blooms add colour and movement when many borders are fading. Overlapping petals give a fuller look, with a warm yellow centre.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade in moderately fertile, moist but well‑drained soil. It’s excellent at the back of a mixed border, where its stems can weave naturally through neighbouring plants and grasses. A little afternoon shade can be helpful in hotter gardens.

Over time it forms a substantial clump and can spread, so allow space and try not to move it once established. Pair it with asters, salvias and ornamental grasses for a long season of interest. It’s particularly effective in drifts, where repeated clumps create rhythm through the border.

Mulch in spring, water in dry spells, and avoid excessive winter wet. Stems usually hold well, but a light support can help in exposed gardens. Adding organic matter helps sandy soils hold moisture and supports better flowering.

Cut back after flowering, or leave stems standing over winter and tidy in spring. A dependable perennial for late‑summer colour with a soft, romantic feel. As an RHS AGM cultivar, it’s a dependable choice for late‑season colour.

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.