Floriferous
Whether in flower beds, grass or containers: the effect of summer flowering bulbous and tuberous plants in public spaces is impressive. This is due to their abundance of flowers, often in bright colors. Planting time is in spring, after the last frost. They will bloom in the same year. If varieties are chosen cleverly, the flowers will brighten up public green spaces from the end of May until well into autumn. Most summer-flowering bulbous and tuberous plants are sun lovers. They do not demand much from the soil: preferably nutritious and permeable to water.
A selection of the varieties
Canna (Canna lily)
This tuberous plant has a tropical look. The flowering period is from July to November. The dwarf varieties grow to a height of 23 inches; tall varieties up to 62 inches. Thanks to the large variety in leaf colors, this flower also offers ornamental value, particularly in combination with the many flower colors.
Crocosmia (previously known as Montbretia)
This is a striking and richly flowering bulbous plant, with bright red, orange or yellow flower spikes. The flowering period runs from July to September and the plant grows 23 to 47 inches high. Many varieties produce decorative berries after flowering, which turn from green to red and offer ornamental value well into winter. It is also a gestation plant.
Dahlia
The Dahlia is one of the best-known summer-flowering tuberous plants, which, thanks to a comeback, has once again carved out its rightful place in landscaping. This summer flower comes in a variety of colors and shapes. The height varies from 11 to 59 inches. Dahlias with dark leaves and open flower hearts are especially popular. They flower until the first frost, and it is a gestation plant (with the exception of double-flowered varieties).
Gladiolus
Especially the small-flowered variety (Nanus, height 27 inches) and the Abyssinian Gladiolus (Callianthus, height 39 inches) are suitable for landscaping. The former is available in many colors; the flowers of the latter are white with a burgundy-colored heart, and fragrant. They are both gestation plants.
Lily (Lilium)
The lily is mainly known as a cut flower. All types of lily are suitable for planting in public spaces. Some of them are fragrant. Asiatic lilies, the best-known type, reach a height of 23 to 31 inches. They are sturdy, upright flowers with a wide color spectrum, including many bright colors.
Tigridia (tiger flower)
This is a lesser-known summer-flowering bulbous plant. The flowering period is from July to October and its height is 17 inches. A mix with different colors of Tigridia creates a colorful effect in public spaces.
Combination tips
Summer-flowering bulbous plants can be planted in clusters, mixtures or combined with perennials. Group similar color tones together, or choose contrasting colors. Examples of combinations include:
- Lily, Gladiolus and Canna
- Crocosmia, Dahlia, and Liatris Spicata (blazing star)
- Summer bulbs with perennials such as Pennisetum (fountaingrass), Verbena bonariensis (vervain) and/or Persicaria (knotweed).