Organic summer bulbs, tubers and perennials
From dahlias and gladioli to lilies, peonies and lucky clover: each brings colour at its own time. The range includes bulbs, tubers, rhizomes and perennials with different care needs. Some flower as spring turns to summer, others into autumn. Check each product's flowering time, height and position to suit your garden.
Which summer flower to choose?
Dahlias offer many flower shapes for borders and bouquets. Gladioli add vertical accents and make cut flowers. Lilies have large blooms, with scent varying by type. Peonies usually flower earlier and can stay in a suitable position for years. Canna combines striking foliage with summer flowers; Zantedeschia, or calla, has elegant spathes around its flower spike. Lucky clover, Oxalis tetraphylla ‘Iron Cross’, also suits pots. Not every product is available every season.
Spring planting and frost
Many summer bulbs and tubers are planted from March to June, but outdoor timing depends on the plant and temperature. Tender dahlias should go outside permanently only after night frost risk has passed, often around mid-May depending on location. Hardy lilies and perennials have different planting times. Follow product depth and spacing instructions: dahlia root tubers, lily bulbs and peony roots are planted differently.
Starting indoors in good light
Many tender tubers can be started in pots from March in a light, frost-free place. Use airy compost with good drainage. Water sparingly at first; dormant dahlia tubers must not remain wet. Water needs increase as roots and shoots develop. Acclimatise plants gradually to outdoor air and sun before planting out. Moisten a dry root ball if needed, but do not routinely soak every bulb or tuber for hours.
Sun, soil and containers
Many summer flowers prefer a sunny, sheltered position and fertile, freely draining soil. Some tolerate partial shade; check the chosen plant. Generous pots with drainage holes prevent standing water around roots. Pots dry faster than garden soil and need more frequent checks during growth. Install supports for tall dahlias or gladioli early to avoid damaging roots or tubers later.
Care for a long flowering season
Water adequately in dry spells according to the plant and soil. Apply organic feed as directed; more is not always better. Regular cutting and deadheading encourage further flowers in many dahlias, but not every summer plant responds the same way. Leave green foliage long enough for bulbs and tubers to replenish reserves. Do not automatically cut every plant to the ground in autumn: some stems and seed heads remain valuable through winter.
Hardy or tender?
Dahlias and many cannas and callas need protection from winter cold. For safe storage, lift tender tubers before severe frost and follow variety advice for cool, frost-free, ventilated storage, protected from drying and rot. Gladiolus hardiness varies by type too. Many lilies, peonies and other perennials can remain outdoors in suitable positions. Winter wet can matter as much as temperature; follow the specific overwintering advice.
Summer flowers for bees
An organically grown flower is not equally accessible to every insect. Open single dahlias generally give pollinators better access than densely double flowers. Combine flowering periods and suitable perennials to extend nectar or pollen availability. Each product describes its individual characteristics.
Organically grown by our growers
Bloemoloog sells only organically grown plants, bulbs and tubers from certified growers. Our summer-flower partners include growers in North Holland and Flevoland. Healthy soil, suitable varieties and careful cultivation form the basis. Explore our own Bio-Kultura range for potting compost and soil care through the link below.
Ordering from Bloemoloog
Summer bulbs and tubers are generally available from January to June, while stocks last. Deliveries for the planting season start from March. Availability of perennials and other products may differ; current product information takes precedence. In-stock items are dispatched within 1–3 working days unless another delivery arrangement is stated. See shipping terms below. Visit our markets and events in spring too. We are happy to help choose plants for borders, balconies and cutting gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Should all summer flowers be planted together?
No. Frost-sensitive species go outside later than some hardy plants. Follow product advice.
Are all summer flowers hardy?
No. Dahlias and many cannas and callas need protection or frost-free winter storage.
Can summer flowers grow in pots?
Many can. Provide enough space, drainage holes and care suited to the plant.