Ah, summer. That glorious season of sunshine, garden picnics, and ice-cold drinks. If you’re a gardening fan, it’s also the time when your outdoor space bursts with vibrant colours, heavenly scents, and all-round beauty. But here’s the kicker – if you want your garden to look like something from the Chelsea Flower Show, the prep work starts now.
We got the lowdown from Hamid Ali, horticulture expert on local services marketplace Airtasker, to bring you the best advice on summer bulbs. Whether you’ve got a well-kept garden or you’ve just about managed to keep that spider plant alive, here’s everything you need to know to make your garden shine.
Top Summer Bulbs and When to Plant Them
Choosing the right summer bulbs is key to creating a stunning garden. According to Hamid, these are the top picks for summer blooms along with their planting times.
Lilies
For drama and sophistication, lilies are hard to beat. They stand tall with large, beautiful flowers and a rich fragrance that demands attention. Plant them in sunny spots between March and May, and they’ll reward you with show-stopping blooms. Ideal for bringing some height and flair to your flower beds.
Ranunculus
These dainty, multi-layered flowers look like something out of a romantic painting. Found in shades of red, yellow, white and pink, they thrive in the UK’s mild spring weather and bring a delightful burst of colour from spring to early summer. Plant them March to May, after the frost has waved goodbye.
Gladiolus
If you’re after bold, striking flowers, Gladiolus is your friend. With tall, sword-shaped blooms, they’re ideal for the back of borders and are a hit with pollinators like bees. Aim to plant these from late April to early May, and you’ll have an impressive display that lasts through summer.
Dahlias
Ah, dahlias – the divas of the garden. Available in virtually every colour and shape, they bring vibrancy and variety to borders and beds. Plant them late April to early May, and expect them to bloom from mid-summer right through to autumn. They’re hard to beat for drama and personality.
Cannas and Calla Lilies
Dreaming of a tropical garden vibe? Cannas and Calla Lilies are your ticket to lush drama. Their bold flowers in reds, yellows, and oranges make them a striking addition to any garden. They love sunny, sheltered spots with moist soil. Plant them between April and May, once the soil is nice and warm.
Top tip: Most summer bulbs prefer full sun, but a few (like begonias and some lilies) will tolerate partial shade. Perfect if your garden has a mix of light and shadow.
How Late Can You Plant Summer Bulbs?
Fallen behind with your gardening plans? No problem. Hamid shares that summer bulbs can still be planted up until early June, depending on your location and the weather. Hardy bulbs like dahlias and gladioli are extra forgiving and can even be planted as late as mid-June. That said, blooms may arrive a little later, so just make sure the soil is warm and frost-free before planting.
Can Summer Bulbs Stay in the Ground Year-Round?
Here’s the deal. The UK’s cold, frosty winters can be brutal on most summer bulbs.
Some hardier types, like Crocosmia and certain varieties of dahlias, can survive in the ground if you give them a generous layer of mulch for insulation. However, tender bulbs like Cannas and Calla Lilies will need to be dug up and stored indoors over winter in a cool, frost-free area.
Sure, digging bulbs up might feel like a faff, but trust us – it’s a small effort now to protect your garden showstoppers for next year.
Final thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a garden that steals the spotlight this summer, now’s the time to get planting. Armed with the right mix of bulbs and Hamid’s expert advice, your garden could soon look like something straight out of Gardener’s World.
And if the whole thing feels like too much hassle? Remember, Airtasker has plenty of gardening pros who can help. Whether it’s planting, lifting, or just keeping everything watered, there’s someone out there who can lend a hand.
Pick your bulbs, put on your gardening gloves, and give your garden the makeover it deserves. You’ve got this!