Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty and bounty of your garden. For those living in central coastal California, the warm, sunny days and mild nights provide the perfect conditions for a variety of summer bulbs. These vibrant and versatile plants can add color, texture, and interest to your landscape throughout the season. Evergreen Landscaping has curated a list of the best summer bulbs to grow in your garden, ensuring a stunning display of flowers that will thrive in the unique coastal climate.
1. Dahlias: The Showstoppers
Dahlias are a favorite among gardeners for their dazzling array of colors, shapes, and sizes. These stunning flowers can range from small pom-poms to dinner-plate-sized blooms. Dahlias thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them perfect for central coastal California’s sunny conditions. Plant them in late spring to early summer for a spectacular display from mid-summer to the first frost.
- Planting Tips: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant dahlia tubers about 6 inches deep and 18-24 inches apart. Water regularly but avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
- Care Tips: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide support for taller varieties to prevent them from toppling over.
2. Gladiolus: Tall and Elegant
Gladiolus, with their tall spikes of colorful flowers, are perfect for adding height and drama to your garden. These bulbs are easy to grow and come in a wide range of colors, making them a versatile choice for any landscape design. Plant gladiolus bulbs in succession every two weeks from late spring to early summer for a continuous display of blooms throughout the summer.
- Planting Tips: Plant gladiolus bulbs in full sun, about 4 inches deep and 6 inches apart. Ensure the soil is well-drained.
- Care Tips: Stake taller varieties to keep them upright. Water regularly and apply mulch to retain soil moisture.
3. Lilies: Fragrant Beauties
Lilies are known for their large, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors and patterns. These perennials are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and fragrance to your summer garden. Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Planting Tips: Plant lily bulbs 6-8 inches deep and about 12 inches apart in a sunny to partially shaded spot.
- Care Tips: Water regularly but do not overwater. Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.
4. Canna Lilies: Tropical Flair
Canna lilies bring a tropical flair to your garden with their large, bold leaves and vibrant flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. These bulbs thrive in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, making them ideal for the coastal climate. Plant canna lilies in late spring for blooms that last from mid-summer until the first frost.
- Planting Tips: Plant canna rhizomes 4-6 inches deep and about 2 feet apart in a sunny location. Ensure the soil is rich and well-drained.
- Care Tips: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize monthly to promote vigorous growth and blooming.
5. Begonias: Shade-Loving Charmers
Begonias are a versatile choice for shady spots in your garden. With their colorful blooms and attractive foliage, they add charm and brightness to areas that receive partial to full shade. Begonias come in a variety of forms, including tuberous and fibrous-rooted types, and they thrive in the cooler, coastal climate.
- Planting Tips: Plant begonia tubers in well-drained soil with partial to full shade. Space them about 8-12 inches apart.
- Care Tips: Water regularly but avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases. Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
6. Caladiums: Foliage Finesse
Caladiums are grown for their stunning foliage rather than their flowers. With leaves in striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red, they add a burst of color to shady areas of your garden. Caladiums thrive in partial to full shade and well-drained soil.
- Planting Tips: Plant caladium bulbs about 2 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart in shaded areas with well-drained soil.
- Care Tips: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Incorporating summer bulbs into your garden is an excellent way to enjoy continuous blooms and vibrant colors throughout the season. Dahlias, gladiolus, lilies, canna lilies, begonias, and caladiums are all great choices for central coastal California’s unique climate. With proper planting and care, these bulbs will thrive and bring beauty and joy to your outdoor space.
Contact Evergreen Landscaping today to get help with your gardening and landscaping needs. Let us help you create the garden of your dreams.