Bring Your Garden to Life with These Summer-Blooming Bulbs

As the warmth of summer envelopes the garden, there's no better way to celebrate the season than by introducing the vibrant colors and diverse textures of summer-blooming bulbs. Let's look at a few of our most popular summer-blooming bulbs - you'll surely find a new favorite here!

Dahlias

Dahlias are the summer garden's showstoppers, offering various forms, sizes, and colors unmatched by any other flower. Originating from Mexico, these flowers can bloom from midsummer to the first frost, providing long-lasting beauty. When planting dahlias, choose a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. A tip for success is to plant the tubers after the threat of frost has passed, burying them about 4-6 inches deep. Dahlias thrive with regular watering and benefit from a low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Staking taller varieties helps prevent wind damage. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage continuous blooming.

Gladiolus

Gladiolus, known for its dramatic spikes of flowers, can add architectural elegance to any garden. These bulbs originate from tropical Africa and thrive in warm, sunny locations. Plant gladiolus corms in two-week intervals from early spring until midsummer for a continuous display. They require well-draining soil and moderate watering, especially once the flowers begin to form. Gladiolus are relatively low maintenance but do benefit from mulching to keep the roots cool and moist. After blooming, allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it, as this helps the corms store energy for the next season.

Colocasia (Elephant Ear)

With their gigantic leaves, Colocasia can turn any garden corner into a lush, tropical paradise. Native to Southeast Asia, these plants love warm, humid conditions and thrive in partial to full sunlight. They prefer rich, moist soil and can even be grown in shallow water. Planting Colocasia bulbs is straightforward—simply place them in the ground or a container with the pointed end up about 2-3 inches deep. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist. While Colocasia is generally pest-free, they can attract aphids and spider mites, so be vigilant and treat infestations promptly.

Caladiums

Caladiums, with their heart-shaped leaves painted in a palette of pink, white, red, and green, offer a splash of color to shaded garden spots. These tropical perennials are native to South and Central America and prefer warm temperatures and high humidity. For best results, plant caladium tubers in a shaded or semi-shaded area with well-draining soil, about 1-2 inches deep. They require minimal care, just consistent moisture and a monthly dose of fertilizer during the growing season. Caladiums are excellent for container gardening, allowing you to move them around as needed to achieve the perfect garden design.

Embrace the beauty of summer-blooming bulbs to turn your garden into a vibrant showcase of colors and textures. Each bulb offers something unique, whether it's the dramatic blooms of Gladiolus, the lush foliage of Colocasia, the dazzling variety of Dahlias, or the striking leaves of Caladiums. Take advantage of their easy planting and minimal care, and you will be well on your way to creating a garden that not only thrives in the summer sun but also provides a stunning visual retreat.