The value of summer bulbs in green cities

Summer bulbs deserve a place in planting plans for green cities. This investment will pay off in may ways. With their many months of exuberant flowering and distinct colours, summer bulbs contribute to an attractive habitat for people and animals alike.

Well-being and biodiversity

Whether they are used in planters, flower beds or lawns, summer bulbs make a real contribution to an attractive streetscape. If the varieties are chosen with care, they will add colour to public spaces from late May until well into autumn. Many summer bulbs are honey plants for butterflies, honeybees and wild bees (including bumblebees). As a result, they contribute to increasing biodiversity at the same time.

Successful for plantings in green cities

Perennial summer bulbs are hardy and will flower year after year. Examples include:

  • Liatris spicata (dense blazing star) – flowering period July – August
  • Crocosmia (previously known as Montbretia) – flowering period July – September, produces decorative berries after flowering
  • Anemone coronaria (anemone) – flowering period May – August;
  • Iris hollandica – flowering period May – June
  • Gladiolus (gladiolus) – flowering period July – September, especially dwarf gladiolus (Gladiolus nanus) and Abbysinian gladiolus (Gladiolus callianthus) will thrive in landscape.

Annual flower bulbs

Annual summer bulbs are removed from the soil after flowering to be replaced by spring-flowering bulbs. Dahlias with single and semi-double flowers (flowering period July – October) are irresistible to useful insects. The lesser-known Tigridia (tiger flower) is a lesser-known summer bulb that deserves a place in landscaping (flowering period July – September).

Practical

  • Planting time: from late April until late May.
  • Location: permeable soil, most are sun-loving.
  • Planting method: in single-species groups, mixed (there are special mixes for landscape) or in combination with perennials and shrubs.

Dahlia 'Labella Grande' Gladiolus Dahlia 'Bright Eyes'