Summer Bulbs & Tubers

Dahlia 'Babylon Purple' produces large, fully double purple flowers with that classic ‘dinnerplate’ impact. Strong stems and an upright habit make it a great backdrop plant in mixed borders, and a reliable source of bold, saturated colour for late-summer arrangements.

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.

Anemone coronaria ‘Mount Everest’ (St. Brigid) is a striking spring windflower with frilly, double white blooms and a fresh green centre. The compact plants suit borders, gravel gardens and pots, and the flowers are excellent for cutting. Each bloom is packed with petals for a soft, ruffled look.

These are Mediterranean corms, so drainage matters. Plant in a sunny to lightly shaded position, in gritty compost or well‑worked soil, where winter wet won’t linger around the corms. A raised bed or pot is ideal, and a sheltered spot helps protect new shoots.

For the best display, soak the corms briefly before planting, then set them 5–7cm deep. Group planting gives a fuller look, and they combine beautifully with tulips, muscari and early grasses. If you’re planting in containers, mix in grit to keep compost free‑draining.

Keep the soil just moist while shoots appear, then water during dry spells. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally so the corms can recharge for next year’s growth. Deadheading can extend the flowering window, and stems last well in a vase.

In colder or very wet gardens, lift and store the corms dry once the leaves yellow, or grow in containers you can shelter. A simple way to bring crisp white highlights to spring planting schemes. Where winters are mild and drainage is good, corms can be left in the ground to return.

Nerine bowdenii produces shimmering, wavy-petalled pink flowers in autumn, bringing late-season sparkle to borders and containers when many summer flowers are fading. Its wavy-petalled blooms sit on strong stems and are excellent for cutting.

Reaching an established height of around 45–60 cm, nerines flower in autumn and prefer warmth and sun to set buds well. They are a superb choice for gravel gardens and south-facing borders where drainage is sharp.

Plant bulbs in late summer in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Set bulbs about 10cm apart; in milder areas leave the neck showing, while colder sites benefit from slightly deeper planting for frost protection.

Water lightly until growth is established, then keep on the drier side during summer dormancy. Feed in spring to support foliage growth, and remove spent flowerheads if you want a tidy finish.

Perfect for pots and sunny borders, nerines pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and autumn perennials. Once settled, they can increase into impressive clumps with very little attention.

Triteleia 'Queen Fabiola' produces clusters of starry purple flowers held above grassy foliage, forming airy clusters that add colour and movement in late spring and early summer. The flowers sit above grassy leaves and are especially effective in drifts or planted through perennials.

Reaching an established height of around 40–45 cm, triteleia is compact enough for pots but tall enough to show well in borders. It flowers over several weeks, and the stems are also excellent for cutting.

Plant bulbs in autumn in a sunny, well-drained position, around 8cm deep. Light, sandy soil is ideal, but any free-draining border works well; avoid heavy winter wet where bulbs can rot.

Water after planting and during dry spells in spring as growth appears. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally so the bulb can recharge, and keep the soil on the drier side in summer dormancy.

Perfect for pots, gravel gardens and sunny borders, triteleia pairs beautifully with alliums, grasses and hardy geraniums. Once established, it is drought tolerant and needs very little ongoing maintenance.

Oxalis 'Iron Cross' is grown for its distinctive foliage and bright pink, funnel-shaped flowers above distinctive cross-marked leaves, adding colour and texture to pots, borders and summer displays. The leaves open and close with the light, bringing extra movement and charm to containers.

At around 15 cm tall when in flower, oxalis makes a neat, spreading clump that works well as underplanting or ground cover in warm months. It blooms from late spring through summer in bright conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring once the soil starts to warm, in full sun or light shade. Use well-drained soil or compost and avoid waterlogging, especially early in the season while bulbs are starting into growth.

Water after planting and keep lightly moist while in active growth. If the plant goes dormant at any point, reduce watering and allow it to rest, then resume watering when new growth appears.

Ideal for patio pots, edging and rock gardens, oxalis can also be lifted and stored frost-free in colder areas. Bring pots under cover before hard frosts to enjoy the foliage for longer.

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.

Freesia 'White' (single) produces pure white, single funnel-shaped flowers with a sweet scent 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 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.

Hymenocallis × festalis 'Zwanenburg' produces fragrant white, spidery flowers with a central cup, sending up dramatic flower spikes that add structure and summer interest to borders and patio pots. The blooms open progressively up the stem for a longer display and excellent cut stems.

Reaching an established height of around 50–70 cm, this bulb forms neat clumps of fresh foliage, then flowers in the warmest months 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 or corms.

Water during dry spells while growth is active and feed every two to three weeks once buds form. Remove spent stems for a tidy finish, 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 slightly exotic 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.

Sparaxis 'Mixed' brings a bright, contrasting mix of starry summer flowers to the very front of borders and containers, opening wide in sunshine for maximum impact. These small flowers are packed with personality and look best planted in generous drifts.

At around 25 cm tall, sparaxis stays neat and compact, making it ideal for pots, rockeries and edging. It flowers through summer and is especially effective mixed with other low-growing seasonal bulbs.

Plant corms in spring once the soil has warmed, in a sunny or lightly shaded, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Space corms closely for a full display, and improve drainage with grit if needed.

Water after planting and during dry spells while shoots develop. Once flowering finishes, allow foliage to die back naturally; in colder or wetter gardens, lift and store corms dry over winter.

A brilliant choice for colourful summer pots and for bringing a cheerful, jewel-toned feel to small spaces and wildlife-friendly planting.

Nerine bowdenii 'Alba' produces wavy-petalled white flowers in autumn, bringing late-season sparkle to borders and containers when many summer flowers are fading. Its wavy-petalled blooms sit above strap-like foliage for a clean, architectural look.

Reaching an established height of around 40–50 cm, nerines flower in autumn and are excellent for cutting. They prefer warmth and sun to set buds well, rewarding you with reliable colour year after year.

Plant bulbs in a sunny, sheltered position in well-drained soil. In colder areas, set bulbs a little deeper for frost protection, and avoid rich, wet ground that can cause rotting.

Water lightly until growth is established, then keep drier during summer dormancy. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and remove spent flowerheads if you want a tidy finish.

Perfect for pots, gravel gardens and sunny borders, nerines add a distinctive late flourish and pair beautifully with grasses and autumn perennials.

Ranunculus 'Yellow' produces vibrant yellow blooms with layered petals, 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 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.

Ranunculus 'Red' produces vibrant red blooms with layered petals, 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 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.

Lilium 'Asiatic Mixed' brings a bright mix of hardy Asiatic lilies with bold colour to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 70–100 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Roselily Aisha' brings double white, pollen-free roselily blooms to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 90–120 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Oriental Mixed' brings a fragrant mix of oriental lilies in a range of colours to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 90–120 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Zambesi' brings large, fragrant white OT hybrid lily blooms to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, outward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are long-lasting and eye-catching, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 120–150 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Conca d’Or' brings large yellow blooms from a robust OT hybrid lily to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, upward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are richly coloured and long-lasting, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 120–150 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Their strong stems make them excellent cut flowers, and established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Double Oriental Mix' brings a colourful mix of double-flowered oriental lilies to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, upward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are richly coloured and long-lasting, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 90–120 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Their strong stems make them excellent cut flowers, and established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Regale' brings elegant trumpet lilies in white with soft pink tones to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, upward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are richly coloured and long-lasting, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 120–150 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Their strong stems make them excellent cut flowers, and established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Lilium 'Asiatic Double Mix' brings a colourful mix of double, pollen-free Asiatic lily blooms to summer borders and patio pots, with bold, upward-facing blooms that make a striking feature. The flowers are richly coloured and long-lasting, adding instant impact to planting schemes and bouquets alike.

Reaching an established height of around 80–100 cm, these lilies form sturdy stems and glossy green foliage, with multiple buds per stem. They flower reliably in mid to late summer and return each year in the right conditions.

Plant bulbs in spring or autumn in a sunny or lightly shaded position with well-drained, fertile soil. Work in compost and avoid waterlogged sites; lilies prefer moisture during growth but hate sitting in winter wet.

Water during dry spells while shoots develop and as buds form, then reduce once flowering finishes. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again as buds appear, and remove spent flowers while leaving stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Ideal for borders, containers and cutting gardens, lilies create a dramatic vertical accent and pair beautifully with perennials and grasses. Their strong stems make them excellent cut flowers, and established clumps can be lifted and divided every few years if needed.

Gladiolus 'Traderhorn' produces rich red flowers on tall, elegant 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 100–120 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.

Gladiolus 'Priscilla' produces soft pink blooms with warm yellow throats 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 90–120 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.

Gladiolus 'Papilio Ruby' produces hooded ruby-red flowers with darker markings 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 80 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 '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.