Spring is usually the most popular time for planting out summer flowering bulbs. However! February is a great time to begin planting some of the hardier varieties, or for putting them out into pots and containers for a fabulous display. Generally, bulbs prefer a light, well-draining soil – so try to avoid wet and heavy soils. But don’t worry if your garden soil isn’t well-drained, as all the bulbs below are suitable for pots and containers.
LILIES
Lily bulbs can be planted any time from autumn to spring in a sunny spot, in rich well-drained soil, around 15-20cm deep. If your soil is heavy, wet or badly drained then you could plant in pots or containers for a lovely patio display.
This deep pink oriental Lily has a striking green centre and a wonderful fragrance. This unusual giant star-shaped flower is brilliant for a cut flower display.
A beautiful Lily with delicate golden flowers and small burgundy markings. This flower has unusual recurved petals, making it a lovely feature.
This bright and attractive mixture will produce upright flowers that will add a splash of colour to your garden in the summer. This selection is perfect for exotic-looking pots, containers and borders.
EUCOMIS
Eucomis bulbs are usually planted in spring, however February is not too early to plant them into pots and containers. If planted in well-drained soil the bulbs should be hardy to around -6 °C . Plant the bulbs 15cm deep in pots for a summer display, or out in the border once actively growing – but only after the last frosts.
This extraordinary Eucomis produces contrasting deep purple and delicate pink flowers. The star-shaped blooms are accompanied by bold green foliage.
Our Autumnalis Alba is a more elegant Eucomis, with a refreshing colourway of crisp white flowers and bright green foliage. It makes a beautiful patio plant.
LIATRIS
Liatris are tough herbaceous perennials originating from North America, and are great for attracting wildlife such as bees and butterflies. They produce large blooms which eventually form a clump and can be later divided in spring. Plant in light, well-draining soil around 5cm deep.
Our Liatris Spicata produces a mass of bright spike-shaped blooms in a bold purple-pink colour. The flowers stand tall at 80cm from July to September.
The Spicata Alba is a beautiful white variety of Liatris, which looks superb when complementing the pink. These blooms are wonderful for attracting bees and butterflies.
MISCELLANEOUS
Here are a few more summer-flowering beauties for you to plant NOW!
This stunning mixture of miniature Gladioli will add a splash of colour to your garden this summer. They produce delicate florets that are shaped like the wings of a butterfly.
This delightfully bright and huge blooms of our Decorative Dahlia mix will bring months of joy to the summer garden. Plant in a border for an eye-catching, rainbow display.
Quick Guide to Bulb Planting:
Generally bulbs need to be planted approximately three times the depth of the bulb itself, though if you’re unsure it’s better to dig a little deeper than not.
- Dig a hole deep and wide enough for the bulb size.
- Place the bulb with the shoot facing upwards into the hole. Space your bulbs at least twice their width apart.
- Fill the hole with soil and gently firm. Avoid stepping on the soil as this could cause damage.
- After planting, water bulbs once and then regularly once in active growth.
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Eucomis Autmnalis Alba