In early August the garden seems to pause under the heat, but this is exactly the right moment to prepare surprise blooms for late summer and autumn. Several bulbs are planted now, dry, before the first rains arrive. Here are five reliable choices to plant without delay.
Choose the Amaryllis belladonna
This bulb produces a leafless pink flower stalk, sometimes blooming before it is even planted. Place it in full sun, in well-drained soil, with the neck barely showing. Amaryllis belladonna thrives on a dry summer followed by moderate watering once autumn arrives.
Add Nerine for Late-Season Colour
Nerines take over in September with their striking pink or red umbels. Plant them shallowly, in a sheltered, sunny spot, ideally against a south-facing wall.
Plant the Colchicum
The Colchicum, also known as autumn crocus, surprises everyone by flowering leafless just days after planting. Plant the bulbs now, 10 cm deep, in a lawn or light woodland edge.
Sow a Surprise with Crocus sativus
Crocus sativus, the saffron crocus, blooms in October before yielding its precious stigmas. Plant it in light, well-drained soil, 8-10 cm deep.
Carpet the Shade with Cyclamen
Autumn Cyclamens form a delicate carpet beneath trees. Plant the tubers shallowly, rounded side down, in draining soil enriched with leaf mould.
Water lightly after planting, then let nature take over: these hardy bulbs will return faithfully every year.