Any ideas for late-flowering bulbs?
Q I planted some spring bulbs for my elderly parents. What are the best varieties that flower later in the year?
Martin Haynes, Manchester
A I suggest that you plant the following summer-flowering bulbs now to follow your display of daffodils, crocuses and other early performers:
Gladiolus murielae (G. callianthus): Flowering from August to September, its gladiolus-like blooms are pure-white with a starry purple throat.
Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus): Flowering from August to October, flared pink flowers are followed by a spring emergence of wavy-edged glossy leaves.
Galtonia candicans (summer hyacinth): Spikes of flared trumpet-shaped flowers appear on sturdy spikes in August.
Roscoea cautleyoides: Flare, lipped and hooded yellow blooms cheer late summer.
Schizostylis coccinea (crimson flag lily): Starry gladiolus-like flowers enrich October and November.
Sternbergia lutea (autumn daffodil): Cup-shaped yellow blooms illuminate September and October.
Once the flowers have died back, always remember to leave the stems and foliage to die back naturally to ensure that the bulbs swell to a good flowering size for the following year.
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