Spring bulb flowers like tulips, daffodils and crocuses seem to steal all the limelight when it comes to bulbs, probably because their glorious appearance is such a welcome herald of warm weather and color after the cold climate and winter starkness.
Now that spring is in full throttle, it is time to consider planting summer bulbs that add their own unique beauty and drama to gardens in the summer. Let’s shine a bit of the spotlight on these more tender but equally amazing summer bulb flowers and foliage.
Casting Call: Spectacular Summer Color
Bulb flowers are just like Hans Christian Anderson’s Ugly Duckling. They start out as dreadful-looking, potato-like gray knobs that emerge to become some of the most beautiful, graceful stars of a garden “theater.” Make a scene with the huge blooms and bursts of almost every color in the rainbow offered by summer bulb flowers. Some of these beauties to audition for your “cast of characters” include:
Dahlias – These flowers receive top billing in my book. Their blooms are magnificent and varied; some look like luxurious carnations while others are more pointy and delicate. They come in many rich colors except blue: mixed, orange, pink, purple, red, white and yellow. Best of all, they grow in many sizes, ranging from petite pom-pom varieties to huge dinner plate-size blooms.
Gladiolas – The name “gladiolus” means “little sword” for its
sword-like leaves, and these color-filled stalks provide tall lines of color in your landscape. They also come in almost every color except blue. With more than 100 varieties, you can find them in all sizes, from miniatures (flowers 2 ½”) to giants (flowers 5 ½”). They make terrific cut flowers.
Cannas – The giant leaves of the canna flower are as beautiful as the blooms. The leaf foliage grows in green, bronze or purple. The Greek word “canna” means “reed” and describes the stem rising up out of the center of the foliage and bearing the large, ruffled flowers, which are most commonly seen in deep red but can also grow in pink, orange, yellow or white.
Crocosmia – Also known by its common name, Montbretia, this summer plant grows sprays of grass-like stems with small dabbles of orange or red impressionist painter-like flowers atop. The plant grows so vigorously in all conditions it is considered a weed to some.
Tuberous Begonias – This glamorous bulb is one of the few summer bulbs that grow well in shade. It produces rose-like flowers in many colors (white, pink, rose, red, orange or yellow) and sizes (from 3” to the size of a salad plate). These begonias offer a variety of flower types, from single and double flowered to frilly or plain petals.
Foliage – There are also some beautiful foliage options to include such as elephant ears and caladium. These two large-leafed plants in particular offer amazing texture and color options.
Setting the Stage: Selecting and Planting Summer Bulbs
Growing bulbs is relatively easy. Each type of flower has different planting and care needs so be sure to read the packaging and follow instructions for each type of bulb you purchase.
Bulb Selection – Select bulbs that are firm to touch and show no signs of mold or damage. The bigger the bulb, the bigger the bloom. You also want bulbs that are as fresh as possible.
When to Plant – Timing depends on your climate zone. Mild climates can plant bulbs in early spring while colder zones require planting in late spring or early summer.
Where to Plant – Generally speaking, summer bulb flowers love warm soil and lots of sun, though there are some exceptions (like tuberous begonias, for example). Be sure to note the particular needs of the flower you select.
Prepare the Soil – Different bulbs have different soil requirements, so check the instructions. Bulbs are prone to rotting so well-drained soil is important; amending your soil with organic matter can improve drainage. Use your Garden Weasel to cultivate the soil so it is loose and inviting to your bulbs. This is important for the roots to spread and get well established.
How to Plant –You can plant individual bulbs in their own holes, or create a trench for several bulbs. It is nice to plant bulb flowers in groups. Ideally, dig the hole larger than what you need and fill with loose dirt. The size of the bulb tells you how deep to plant the bulb: it should be two to three times the diameter of the bulb. Place the bulb in the hole, making sure the roots are facing downward and the growing point faces up. Cover with dirt, then pat it down. Bulbs have their own food supply but to maximize performance you can add high-phosphorus bulb food under the roots, and later when the plant starts to grow, fertilize with all-purpose fertilizer. There are special planting tips for each type of flower so do consult the instructions on this, too.
Take a Bow
When mid-summer comes and your gorgeous flowers grace the garden, bring some friends over for the colorful flower show – and enjoy the applause they’re sure to receive!
Mulch serves as insulation for winter, so it still needs airflow. Survey your trees, shrubs and beds to make sure you’ve got them covered. Be sure to fluff up what is there with an iron rake to prevent compaction over winter. Then assess what areas need more. Don’t mulch too early, rodents will make their winter home in your mulch if you do.
Hang Up the Hose
Invite Potted Plants Indoors
Yes! Fall is the time to plant bulbs if you want to see crocuses peeking through the snow or tulips dotting your garden next spring. Even though many of us are experiencing cool weather and thinking of bonfires not blooms, the little bit of effort it takes to put the bulbs in the ground now will be well worth later when those bright, colorful blossoms are the first to usher in the warmer seasons.
The process of planting spring bulbs is wonderfully simple; they are about the easiest thing to grow. You can literally dig a hole, sprinkle in some fertilizer, put them in the ground and forget about them. Here are a few other things to think about if you want:
Buy Healthy Bulbs - Since bulbs can be around for a long time, you’ll want to buy the best ones you can. Healthy bulbs are weighty, firm, mold-free. Don’t worry about small nicks or loose skins. Avoid dry, withered, spongy or moldy bulbs. Large bulbs will beget more flowers. Small economy bulbs are not really a good bargain because they produce smaller, less attractive flowers.
With the cold winter temperatures starting to close in, one of the easiest and cheapest ways to keep your lawn and garden healthy is by mulching. Applying mulch in the next few weeks will cut down on water loss in the soil, suppress weed growth and protect your plants from extreme temperatures.
As for weed control, you can cut weeding time by nearly 66% with mulch! First, make sure the mulch you are using is weed-free. All your good intentions can go for naught with one application of weed-infested mulch. That results in more weeds being introduced to your plantings than the mulch can control.
According to recent studies, mulched-up leaves are great for your lawn. Just mulch all your leaves with your lawnmower and feed your yard and gardens the results. You’ll save work, time and your aching back – while improving your soil and adding valuable nutrients.
Just because it’s nearly the end of summer doesn’t mean your gardens can’t still bloom into the fall. In fact, many plants actually thrive in colder weather. You can take advantage of more rain than summer, fewer insects and no worries about plants bolting to seed. Not to mention the fact that it’s more enjoyable to work in the garden without the oppressive heat of August.
in some slow-acting organic fertilizer as you loosen the soil. Have your planting layout done before you add the compost, so you add it where the plants grow – not on the paths. Remember, if you use manure, let it compost at least six months, as fresh manure compost can burn plant roots and pose a health risk. Rake the soil to create furrows that will catch and retain moisture
Be ready for winter. If you will be using frost protection, such as a cold frame or hoop cover, get the structures in place so they are where you need them and won’t hurt the plants and their growing roots.
people think of planting bulbs for spring. But in late August or early September, you can get good, cut-rate deals on flowers as well. Here are some of your best bets from now until the first frost of the year: chrysanthemums, pansies, asters and irises. Crocus and tulip bulbs are great to plant once the ground is about 50 degrees or so. (Plant with the bulbs pointing up!)
have to mean the end of beautiful blooms. These four tips can help you extend enjoyment of your home’s horticultural highlights.
This process is called “deadheading” and it also helps annuals continue to flourish because it interrupts the seed reproduction process. If the flower is removed before the seed drops from the plant, it will produce another flower. Deadheading is also recommended to do weekly. Simply pull down gently on the spent flower until it pops off. Some annuals will actually die if the dead blooms are not removed. Perennials benefit from deadheading, too.
Asters
Tall Garden Phlox
Perennial SageIf you have a large garden, make room for this stunning perennial. At three feet wide and five feet tall, you’ll love seeing the sage’s clouds of blue flowers in late summer. Give these beauties room and plant them in the sun, and don’t worry about drought or heat.
A popular perennial with fleshy leaves and bright flowers. This fool-proof bloomer offers spectacular colors when most others are fading. The 18-inch upright produces rosy, flat-topped flowers that persist into late fall, fading to a red brick color in cold temperatures.
Speedwell
Shady spaces can be challenging and discouraging, especially if you can’t get the vision of bright colorful annuals out of your mind. But there are actually some surprising benefits to shady places and lots of hope for creating beautiful gardens there. All it takes is an open mind and a little information.
what kind of shade you are dealing with before you purchase plants. The light requirements for full shade plants are different than partial shade plants. Make an assessment by observing your shady areas throughout the course of a sunny day, and take notes.
Brighten up dark spaces. Yellow, chartreuse and white leaves reflect light. They also stand out among darker greens and browns, adding interest.
options include: Astilbe, Coral Bells, Hellebor (Christmas Rose), Yellow Corydalis, Dead Nettle, Bigroot Geranium, Bergenia, Begonia, Impatiens, Polyanthus, Hosta, Foxglove, Epimedium, Old Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Gardenia, Honeysuckle and Lungwort.
Moss plants such as Sheet Moss and Cushion Moss are ideal for shade as they grow without roots and can survive in most all poor soil conditions.
