Summer-flowering bulbs begin to bloom when spring-flowering
bulbs begin to fade. Summer-flowering bulbs produce plants that generally
don't tolerate frosts well, but provide color and a long-lasting bloom
display. These plants prefer partial to full shade.
For best selection and optimum results, purchase bulbs, corms, tubers,
rhizomes and roots early in the spring. They're available through catalogues,
garden centers and nurseries. Purchase only bulbs that are large, firm
and free of defects. Some of the most popular summer-blooming bulbs include
caladium, calla lily, canna, dahlia, gladiolus and tuberous begonia.
Caladiums are often chosen for their foliage, which can be white, pink,
red or green. These plants do best in shady areas or containers and prefer
a highly organic, moist growing medium. After killing frost, dig up these
tubers and store them in a cool, dry place until next spring.
Cannas provide a lush, almost tropical look to flower borders, and are
available in many colors and heights. For best results, plant these rhizomes
six inches deep and approximately 18 inches apart. After killing frost,
dig up the rhizomes and store them in dry peat moss in a cool, dry, ventilated
place until the following spring.
Dahlias are a long-lasting flower with showy blooms that range in color
and size to fit most cutting gardens. Plant dahlias two to three inches
deep only after the last spring frost. In autumn, allow the roots to remain
in the ground for two weeks after a killing frost so they can thoroughly
ripen before you dig them up. Dig carefully so that the roots do not break
apart. Dry the roots, then pack them in perlite or vermiculite and store
in a cool, dry place until spring.
Gladiolus, which can be used for cut flowers, are available in many
colors and perform well in Colorado. For best results, plant these corms
three to six inches deep after the danger of frost has passed. Do not allow
them to go to seed, because it will adversely affect corm development.
When the tops die back, dig and sort the corms for storage.
Tuberous begonias may be single or double flowering, and are available
in white, pink, yellow, red and bicolor. To achieve optimum results, plant
these tubers one to two inches deep in a shady location that is high in
organic matter. Keep the site relatively moist, but not overly wet. After
the first frost, dig up the tubers and store them in sawdust in a cool
place until spring.
Calla lilies are best known as a cut flower. They are easy to grow in
partial shade or as a container plant. Handle these rhizomes much as you
would tuberous begonias.
See also:
Bulbs: alliums
Bulbs: bed preparation
Bulbs: colchicum
Bulbs: fall flowering crocus
Bulbs: fertilizing
Bulbs: maintaining
Bulbs: selecting
Bulbs: spring flowering
