Bulbs for summer and autumn
Bulbs for summer and autumn colour. When we talk about bulbs for the garden, my first thoughts are usually of crocus, tulips, daffodils, and flowers that provide so much colour during spring. However, there are other bulbs and corms that we can plant in containers and in our garden beds that provide colour during summer and autumn. Some of these plants are tender and need to be kept in a frost-free environment during the coldest months of the year. But if you can provide the right conditions, you will be rewarded with a spectacular display of colour.
For these bulbs and corms, the display looks best when grouped together to look like a clump. While you could dot them around the garden, they will have more impact in company. One of the advantages of growing them in containers, is that you can move them or even swap out filled containers to keep your garden display looking its best.
I have grown a couple of these before and the rest are on my wish list for the next year or two.
Allium sphaerocephalon
I grew Allium sphaerocephalon throughout my garden last year and they looked equally good in the wilder, grassy areas as they did in the more cultivated beds. Although they are hardy throughout the UK, it is worth growing them in full sun in a sheltered spot. The flower heads are about the size of a small egg and the slender stems reach 50cm height. Grow in groups for best visual impact, they are good for attracting pollinators. They flower in June to August depending on location.
Amaryllis Sonatini White Rascal
For late spring and early summer, this outdoor Amaryllis usually produces two stems, each with four white flowers. It requires full sun in a sheltered spot. Height 50cm and spread 30cm. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and can be removed. Avoid overwatering during the dormant period. Mulch during winter to protect from frost. Grow in large pots to allow it to be moved undercover if you are in the north of UK, or in a cold microclimate.
Nerine bowdenii
When I was looking for bulbs for summer and autumn colour, I was delighted to see these Nerines. I spotted this group of Nerine bowdenii at a garden I visited last autumn and they made me determined to grow some this year. Commonly called a Guernsey Lily, they grow to 50cm height and 10cm spread. The flowers are held on stiff stems and the mid-pink petals are curled. They make a good splash of colour as many other plants are fading. Nerines are not completely hardy, so need either a sheltered spot or in cooler gardens, grow in pots that can be moved under cover, in either case, a protective mulch over the winter is a good idea. They require full sun and well-draining soil.
Crinum ‘Cintho Alpha’
The eye-catching flowers of bulb are white with a red stripe down the centre of each petal. It flowers from July to August. Crinum ‘Cintho Alpha’ do not like to be disturbed and prefer a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade with well-draining, light soil. They may fail to thrive in clay soils. Height 50cm and spread 30cm.
Polianthes tuberosa ‘The Pearl’
For a fragrant flower, try Polianthes tuberosa ‘The Pearl’. It has sweetly fragrant, waxy, double flowers that have pink-tinged buds opening to white petals. Height 120cm and spread 20cm. Grow in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. They flower from June to August. As they die down in autumn, either lift the clump or move the pot to a frost-free environment as they are not tolerant of frost.
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ grows from a corm and is a dependable producer of striking flowers. They produce flowers from June to September on upright colourful stems, growing to 160cm height. It is relatively unfussy about soil, as long as it is not waterlogged. Crocosmia is hardy throughout the UK, even in severe winters. It has the potential become a bit of a thug if not maintained. Strong winds knocked over the plants in our garden last year, so from now on, I’m providing some support by planting lower growing shrubs around them.
Scadoxus multiflorus
If you want something a bit different and eye-catching, try a pot filled with Fireball Lily. Scadoxus multiflorus is not hardy, but can be taken outside during the summer to add pizzazz to your flowering display. The flower heads are 10cm to 25cm across and contain as many as 200 flowers. Each red flower has very thin petals and long stamens giving the look of a firework. Grow is a south- or west-facing sheltered position in loamy soil or compost. Height 45cm.
Ixia
Available in a wide range of single and multi-colour flowers, Ixia are tender perennials that grow from a corm to 40cm height. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer. Grow in well-drained sandy or loamy soil, in full sun in a south- or west-facing sheltered spot. They will tolerate low temperatures, but not being frozen, so move to a frost-free environment before the first frosts of the year.
Canna
Ideal for tropical style gardens and anywhere you want to make a bold statement. Canna lily grow to 180cm height with large leaves and attractive flower spikes that appear from June to October. They will grow in all most soil types as long as it is moist, but well-drained. Position in full sun or partial shade in a sheltered spot. They can be hardy in coastal and mild areas of UK. Outside these areas, lift or move them to a frost-free environment for the winter. If you prefer a shorter variety, try some Dwarf Canna that grow to only 60cm height.
More information
The article about bulbs for summer and autumn was written for Amateur Gardening magazine in late spring 2025. However, I may have updated some of the specific varieties and images. Additionally, links are included to help you find the suggested plants. You can also look at some great ornamental plants for summer or the best flowers for autumn colour.
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