In the heart of summer, dahlias, gladioli and lilies are giving their very best in the garden. But July’s heat can quickly put them to the test. A few simple steps are all it takes to keep them beautiful and vigorous right through to autumn.
- Water at the right time.
Stick to early morning or evening, never in full sun. Generous but less frequent watering encourages roots to grow deep, making your bulbs more resistant to drought. - Mulch around the base of the plants.
A layer of mulch (straw, dried grass clippings or bark) keeps the soil moist and reduces heat stress. It’s also an excellent way to keep weeds down. - Deadhead faded flowers.
This small habit, known as deadheading, encourages further blooming and stops the plant from wasting energy producing seeds. - Stake tall stems.
Dahlias and gladioli can bend under their own weight or during a summer storm. A simple wooden stake is enough to keep them upright. - Watch for signs of stress.
Yellowing or falling leaves are often a sign that watering needs adjusting, not necessarily a disease.
With these few simple steps, your summer bulbs will sail through the heatwave without faltering, and you’ll enjoy their colours right up until the first days of September!