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Summer Bulbs

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African Lily Alstroemeria - Peruvian Lily Arum Canna Crocosmia - Montbretia Dahlias Eucomis Gladiolus Hedychium Lily Oxalis Tulbaghia

Our latest articles

How to force a tuberous begonia?
On page one
by Angélique
the Thursday, 22 May 2025
  1. How to take cuttings from tuberous begonias?
    the Thursday, 22 May 2025 2 min.
  2. How to make a hanging Begonia display?
    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 3 min.
  3. How to sow dahlias?
    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 4 min.
  4. Tacca: Planting, Growing and Care Discover our expert advice on how to plant, grow and care for your Tacca (Bat Flower or Devil Flower), an exotic and mysterious tropical plant prized for its unique dark blooms and whisker-like bracts. ### Planting Tacca - **When to plant**: Best planted in spring when temperatures remain consistently warm. - **Where to plant**: Thrives in warm, humid environments – ideal for greenhouses or as a houseplant in the UK. - **Soil requirements**: Requires rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. ### Growing Conditions - **Light**: Prefers bright, indirect light – avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. - **Temperature & Humidity**: Keep above 15°C with high humidity (mist regularly or use a pebble tray). - **Watering**: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. ### Ongoing Care - **Feeding**: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. - **Pruning**: Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. - **Repotting**: Repot every 2-3 years in fresh compost to maintain vigour. **Tip**: Tacca can be fussy – mimic its native tropical habitat for best results. Patience is key as young plants may take time to establish before flowering. *Note*: The striking black or purple flowers make Tacca a conversation piece, though it requires attentive care to thrive outside its natural habitat.

    Choosing

    Tacca: Planting, Growing and Care Discover our expert advice on how to plant, grow and care for your Tacca (Bat Flower or Devil Flower), an exotic and mysterious tropical plant prized for its unique dark blooms and whisker-like bracts. ### Planting Tacca - **When to plant**: Best planted in spring when temperatures remain consistently warm. - **Where to plant**: Thrives in warm, humid environments – ideal for greenhouses or as a houseplant in the UK. - **Soil requirements**: Requires rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. ### Growing Conditions - **Light**: Prefers bright, indirect light – avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves. - **Temperature & Humidity**: Keep above 15°C with high humidity (mist regularly or use a pebble tray). - **Watering**: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. ### Ongoing Care - **Feeding**: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly during the growing season. - **Pruning**: Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth. - **Repotting**: Repot every 2-3 years in fresh compost to maintain vigour. **Tip**: Tacca can be fussy – mimic its native tropical habitat for best results. Patience is key as young plants may take time to establish before flowering. *Note*: The striking black or purple flowers make Tacca a conversation piece, though it requires attentive care to thrive outside its natural habitat.

    by Arthur

    the Wednesday, 21 May 2025 6 min.
  5. Eremurus - Foxtail Lily: Planting and Growing
    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 10 min.
  6. # Tigridia: Planting, Growing and Caring ## Introduction The Tigridia, also known as the Mexican Shell Flower, is a stunning bulbous plant that produces vibrant, exotic-looking blooms. Native to Mexico and Central America, this eye-catching plant adds a tropical touch to British gardens during the summer months. ## Planting Tigridia ### When to Plant - **Best time**: Plant the bulbs in mid to late spring after the last frost - **Soil temperature**: Wait until soil reaches at least 15°C ### Where to Plant - **Sun exposure**: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) - **Soil type**: Well-draining, fertile soil - **Ideal locations**: Flower beds, borders, containers ### How to Plant 1. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure 2. Plant bulbs 10-15cm deep and 10-15cm apart 3. Position with the pointed end facing upwards 4. Water thoroughly after planting ## Growing Conditions ### Watering - Keep soil consistently moist during growth and flowering - Reduce watering after flowering when foliage begins to yellow ### Feeding - Apply balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during active growth - Stop feeding when flowers fade ### Temperature - Thrives in warm conditions (18-25°C) - Not frost hardy - lift bulbs in autumn in colder regions ## Care and Maintenance ### Deadheading - Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms - Leave some flowers if you want to collect seeds ### Overwintering In areas with cold winters: 1. Lift bulbs after first frost when foliage dies back 2. Clean and dry bulbs 3. Store in cool (10°C), dry place in peat or vermiculite 4. Replant following spring ### Pests and Diseases - Watch for slugs and snails on young growth - Bulb rot may occur in waterlogged soil ## Propagation - **Division**: Separate offsets from parent bulbs when dormant - **Seeds**: Sow fresh seeds in spring (flowers in 2-3 years) ## Design Tips - Plant in groups for dramatic effect - Combine with other summer-flowering bulbs - Excellent for cut flowers (each bloom lasts just one day but produces many flowers) With their spectacular, short-lived flowers that appear in succession, Tigridias bring an exotic flair to British gardens. Though each individual bloom lasts just a day, the plant produces many flowers over several weeks, creating a stunning display.

    Choosing

    # Tigridia: Planting, Growing and Caring ## Introduction The Tigridia, also known as the Mexican Shell Flower, is a stunning bulbous plant that produces vibrant, exotic-looking blooms. Native to Mexico and Central America, this eye-catching plant adds a tropical touch to British gardens during the summer months. ## Planting Tigridia ### When to Plant - **Best time**: Plant the bulbs in mid to late spring after the last frost - **Soil temperature**: Wait until soil reaches at least 15°C ### Where to Plant - **Sun exposure**: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily) - **Soil type**: Well-draining, fertile soil - **Ideal locations**: Flower beds, borders, containers ### How to Plant 1. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure 2. Plant bulbs 10-15cm deep and 10-15cm apart 3. Position with the pointed end facing upwards 4. Water thoroughly after planting ## Growing Conditions ### Watering - Keep soil consistently moist during growth and flowering - Reduce watering after flowering when foliage begins to yellow ### Feeding - Apply balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks during active growth - Stop feeding when flowers fade ### Temperature - Thrives in warm conditions (18-25°C) - Not frost hardy - lift bulbs in autumn in colder regions ## Care and Maintenance ### Deadheading - Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms - Leave some flowers if you want to collect seeds ### Overwintering In areas with cold winters: 1. Lift bulbs after first frost when foliage dies back 2. Clean and dry bulbs 3. Store in cool (10°C), dry place in peat or vermiculite 4. Replant following spring ### Pests and Diseases - Watch for slugs and snails on young growth - Bulb rot may occur in waterlogged soil ## Propagation - **Division**: Separate offsets from parent bulbs when dormant - **Seeds**: Sow fresh seeds in spring (flowers in 2-3 years) ## Design Tips - Plant in groups for dramatic effect - Combine with other summer-flowering bulbs - Excellent for cut flowers (each bloom lasts just one day but produces many flowers) With their spectacular, short-lived flowers that appear in succession, Tigridias bring an exotic flair to British gardens. Though each individual bloom lasts just a day, the plant produces many flowers over several weeks, creating a stunning display.

    by Alexandra

    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 13 min.
  7. Triteleia - Brodiaea: Planting, Growing and Caring
    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 6 min.
  8. Homeria, Cape Tulip: Planting, Growing, and Care
    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 9 min.
  9. Chasmanthe - Planting, Growing and Caring
    the Tuesday, 3 June 2025 7 min.

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