Summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime….Summertime Bulbs! Now is the time to plant summer season bulbs for that Summertime Sizzle!

Tuberous Begonia (tuber)
There are many varieties of begonias from single or double flower, ruffled petal flowers, to camellia- or carnation-form flowers. Their colors are extremely vivid, from reds and red-orange to orange, yellow, white and hot pink; there are even bi-colored varieties. A highly versatile bulb, they are wonderful in flowerbeds, patio containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets.

Plant begonias in well-draining soil in an indirect light or dappled shade location. They also like regular watering and prefer to stay moist. Don't let them dry out. Begonias will bloom for you from summer into early fall.

Caladium (tuber)
These tropical plants are native to South America and are grown for their beautiful foliage. Caladiums are ideal border plants, lovely in window boxes and stunning when planted in a random mix in beds. The size of the heart-shaped leaves can be from 6 inches to 2 feet in length. The colors vary from green and white, green and red, white with red blotches or green veins - and some even have lavender spots.

Caladiums thrive in partial sun and shade; some varieties are more sun tolerant and can be planted in full sun or low shade conditions. They like a warm and moist atmosphere with a minimum summer temperature of 75 degrees and a minimum winter temperature of 55 degrees. If the bulbs are planted in deep shade, the green color will dominate. If planted in highly acidic soil, the darker colors will then dominate.

Crocosmia (corm)
Crocosmia, a corm from South Africa, has sword-shaped, arching foliage and red/red-orange, orange, or yellow tubular flowers in a raceme configuration. (Raceme: a long flower cluster on which individual flowers each bloom on small stalks from a common, larger, central stalk.)

Croscosmias love full sun and well-drained soil. These flowers look beautiful if clustered en masse toward the back of your perennial border, as the foliage can be as high as 5 feet. They are spreading, so from time to time, you may want to divide. This is best done immediately after flowering.

Dahlia (tuber)
This wonderful flower (a tuber) was discovered by the Spanish when they arrived in the mountains of Mexico. There are many, many flower forms, sizes and colors. Dahlias are divided into a number of types based upon the shape of the flower: cactus, decorative (large, medium, small and miniature), ball pompoms, anemone, collerettes and paeony flower shapes.

Dahlias should be planted in your garden beds and borders in rich, well-drained soil. They are heavy feeders and like to remain moist. Mulch your garden beds to hold in the moisture. Also, for best results, clip off dead flowers to encourage further blooming. By the way, the dahlia is a wonderful cut flower.

Gladiolus (corm)
Another bulb originating in South Africa, the hybrids of today offer a wide range of colors covering almost the entire color spectrum!
Most frequently grown to be a cut flower, they occupy any number of areas of our gardens. They might be given a spot in the perennial border, but often they are given their own little plot.

They require full sun and well-drained soil, and may need staking. Try staggering the bulb plantings over a period of time to give you blooms throughout the summer into the fall.

Japanese iris (bulb - Iris ensata)
The Japanese iris is of Asian origin. This sun- and water-loving plant is an excellent marginal plant for bog water features. Japanese irises are beautiful blue bloomers with sword-like (ensata means sword) foliage.

Plant your Japanese irises in a spot that gets at least six hours of full sun and has plenty of humus-rich soil. They are heavy feeders but water is their most important requirement. Also, the Japanese iris is a rapid spreader but easy to divide if it becomes too populated.

Peony (rhizomes - Paeonia)
Peonies can be herbaceous or perennial shrubs originally from China, Japan and Europe. Flower colors range from white to pink, purple, red, and more! Some peonies have single flower forms and others a double form, all extremely beautiful.

Plant your peonies in full sun to part shade. Plant the roots so the "eyes" (nubs where new growth emerges) are facing upward. If peonies are planted too deep, they will not flower. Peonies sometimes do not flower until their second or third year after planting, but they will greatly reward your patience when they do flower. Take care to leave plenty of space between your plantings to allow for air circulation. And be sure to mulch once they are planted.

Herbaceous peonies bloom well only where they experience extended winter chill - and we certainly can offer that to this beautiful plant. These will die to the ground in late fall, only to burst back in the spring, flowering in the summer.

Tree peonies can grow up to 6 feet tall. They are also deciduous, but maintain their woody form in winter, with annual pruning in fall to control plant size. The tree peony's woody branches will bear gorgeous flowers from spring into summer.

Ranunculus (tuber)
This bulb is from the Mediterranean and Middle East regions. The flower colors range from bright yellow with pink, orange and white.

Ranunculus love sun but need a sheltered area of your garden beds (among shrubs). They like well-drained soil and regular watering. They perform best from year to year if you dig up the claw-like tuber and store in a frost-free location.

Plant the bulb with the fingers of the claw pointing downward.

Canna (rhizome)
If you love bold flower and foliage colors, cannas are for you. They will bloom spring, summer, and fall. There are many varieties and can add color pizzazz to any flower border. Although they are native to tropical and subtropical regions, you can add this wonderful plant to any perennial flower bed or border. There are a large number of varieties to pick from, giving you many choices in size, flower color, and foliage color.

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil, after the last frost in the spring. Dig up the rhizome before winter frosts and store in a dry, frost-free location.

Corn Lily (corm - Ixia)

Another contribution from South Africa, Ixia blooms from spring through summer. Flower colors range from red, violet, pink, yellow, or white with dark colored centers.

Ixia likes full sun and regular watering until the end of their bloom time. Then withhold water.

Spider Lilies (bulb - Lycorus)
These are native of China and Japan and are perfect in your gardens to give you the late summer-early fall blooms. The flowers are beautiful, with petals that often 'recurve,' or curl open and back on themselves.

Plant in sun/part shade and give regular water. The flower stem will emerge first and the foliage will follow.

Aztec Lily (large bulb - Sprekelia)
Sprekelia is in the amaryllis family and is a native of Mexico. The red flowers are simply striking and last a long time. The Aztec lily is a must in any flower border!

Plant these with the bulb at soil level in a sunny location with well-drained soil.

Calla Lily (rhizome - Zantedeschia)
The calla lily is yet another native of South Africa. This flower has been popularized by florists, and it is a wonderful addition to any shade garden. There are many varieties of calla from the common white to green with white, yellow, and pink. By the way, the most attractive part of the calla is actually not a large petal - it is a spathe.

Callas like moist shady locations. They need to be removed before winter and overwintered in a dry, frost-free location.

Preparing your soil for bulb planting is simple. Use Gardener & Bloome Bulb Planting Mix at a 50/50 ratio in the areas that you intend to plant your bulbs. As you dig each hole for the bulbs, add Dr. Earth's Bone Meal Bulb Food. Following this preparation and giving your bulbs the sun/shade and watering that they require will bring you a vividly colorful impressionist summer garden. Just imagine, your gardens will have an unbelievable, sizzling 'WOW' factor.