It’s hard to believe that it’s already time to think about summer bulbs. Make sure that you choose some that appeal to you visually, but that also can withstand unpredictable temperatures in your region. If you are unsure of how to approach your summer landscape, you may choose to talk to a professional in your area for regular service provision throughout the season and enjoy beautiful curb appeal without the work.
Plant these bulbs now for a beautiful summer garden later:
Oriental Lilies
Oriental lilies are beautiful, large blooms that smell amazing. In fact, the fragrance is one of the reasons why so many gardeners choose these bold, show-piece types of flowers for their displays. You have a lot of options in terms of colors, sizes, and varieties- so there truly is something for everyone when it comes to Oriental lilies! Make sure to space and spread your bulbs- around a foot apart- and stake them for support and stabilization as they get bigger. These lilies can grow quite tall with large blooms.
Asiatic Lilies
If you are impatient for your lilies, you might try an early bloomer like Asiatic Lilies. These are bold and vibrant flowers without any scent. Plus, they don’t require stabilization like your Oriental lilies do as the blossoms do not grow as large.
Crocus
It likely comes as no surprise that Crocus is another popular choice. Similarly, Crocosmia is a cold-weather hardy perennial that grows from bulbs and that can extend to heights of around three feet. The bright green foliage is offset by the vibrant orange, red, and yellow blooms that attract hummingbirds. Even though Crocosmia is hardy, plant your bulbs in a spot that will get full sun.
Chinese Orchids
Another winter-tolerant and summer-blooming choice is the Chinese ground orchid. These do best when planted in a shady spot that typically grows to be around 18” tall with flowers in a range of purple shades.
Begonia
Begonias can stand up to the cold, hence the name ‘Hardy Begonia’. It is helpful to apply a nice layer of mulch to the top of your Begonia bulbs to keep them warm in winter and spring, especially since they like to be planted in shady spots that do not get a lot of warmth from the sun all year. When they do bloom in summer, they have distinctively shaped leaves and lovely pink or white flowers. Expect your Begonia to grow to a height of up to two feet tall.
Hire the professionals
The time to think about your summer bulbs and gardens is now; talk to the landscaping professionals at Carolina Services Grounds Division, a Commercial Landscaping and Ground Services Company in Charleston, SC. They know the region and can make informed suggestions for healthy, hardy, and beautiful results.
