Spring Bulbs for Summer Blooming

The sight of tulip and daffodil buds peaking above ground is the tell-tale sign of spring’s arrival.  Whether you planted your bulbs last fall or have been enjoying them for years, you can count on their blooms to brighten your yard throughout the spring.  While many people are familiar with planting fall bulbs for spring blooming, there is a simple yet little known secret to keeping your flower beds blooming all summer long. 

The secret lies in planting spring bulbs for summer blooming.  These lesser known, non-hardy bulbs are easy-to-grow and are known for their vibrant blooming flowers, delightful fragrances and interesting textures.  Commonly referred to as “bulbs,” many of these varieties are technically called corms, rhizomes or tuberous stems.  Regardless of nomenclature, these exotic beauties will add a burst of color to existing flower beds and planters.  Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular, easy-to-grow spring bulbs for summer blooming: 

Caladiums - Intensely colored green, pink, red, white or speckled plants perfect for brightening shady to partly shady areas.  These exotic plants create the most impact when planted in large groupings in garden beds or patio pots.   

Cannas – Large-leaved green, bronze or striped plants featuring orange, yellow, white, red or pink flowers that bloom mid-summer through the first frost.  With flowers that can reach up to five feet tall, Cannas are the perfect backdrop for your flower beds.  Once the danger of frost has passed, plant in well-drained soil in full sun.    

Calla Lilies – Elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers blooming in white, yellow, pink or red.  Known for their delightful fragrance and modern look, these distinct flowers bloom all summer long.  Plant in moist soil in part to full shade. 

Colocasias –  Leaves measuring up to three feet across have earned this plant the nickname “Elephant’s Ear.”  These large-leaved plants add a tropical look to your garden and pair beautifully with tall, wispy ornamental grasses along streams and ponds.  Make sure to plant this bulb right-side up (identified by a bull’s eye mark on one side of the bulb).  Plant two inches deep in rich, moist soil in full sun to part shade.      

Dahlias – These easy-to-grow garden beauties bloom all summer long in vibrant white, pink, red, orange or yellow, and are known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.  Choose from a wide variety of flower sizes and types including single daisy, double flowering, cacti flowers with twisted petals, pom pons and even water lily look-a-likes.  Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. 

Gladiolas or “Glads” - These tall, stately flowers with white, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, blue, or green blooms are also known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.  With flowers reaching up to four and a half feet tall, these plants require staking and are well-suited for the back row of your flower beds.    Begin planting mid-May and continue planting every two weeks through mid-June to keep the flowers blooming July through August.  Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. 

Tuberous Begonias or Begonias - Boasting large flowers in bright colors such as orange, red, yellow and pink, Begonias are the perfect addition to garden containers and hanging baskets. Plant in well-drained soil in part sun to part shade.    Make sure to plant these tubers or “bulbs” hollow side up. 

Once you’ve selected the bulbs that are right for you, get a head start on the blooming season by starting your bulbs indoors.  Simply pot the bulbs in containers of well-drained potting mix in mid-March.  When soil temperatures reach approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the danger of frost has subsided, move the containers outside and allow the bulbs to acclimate.  When you are ready to transplant your bulbs, prepare the soil by mixing several inches of peat moss, compost or other organic matter into the top twelve inches of soil.  Bulbs thrive when planted close to the surface in well-drained soil.  For best results, fertilize your bulbs with Holland Beauty’s Slow Release Bulb Booster™.

Spring is right around the corner and the time to start planning is now.  Visit your local Stein Gardens & Gifts today to choose from a wide selection of bulbs. 

Source: “How To Plant Spring Flowering Bulbs,” http://gardening.about.com/od/floweringbulbs/ht/PlantBulbs.htm