Tiptoeing past the tulips

The list of summer-blooming bulbs is extensive: dahlias, lilies, canna, caladium, gladiolus and many more.

Each spring I plant close to a dozen pots of summer bulbs, with my favorite being acidenthera, also known as the peacock orchid. From the folds of its sword-like foliage, beautiful star-shaped flowers with a purple centre emerge in late summer. They have a distinct perfume, which makes them very desirable as patio plants.

Whereas Acidenthera can be viewed as an elegant addition to your property, Tigridia, also called Mexican Shell flower, creates more of a party atmosphere with its jaunty triangular flowers that bloom in vivid-colors. They also come in two-tone combinations pairing white, pink, red, orchid, yellow or orange with contrasting center spots.

Tigridia is a sun-lover and keeps up its flower show for several weeks. Although each flower only blooms for one day, there is an abundance of stems. Plant them amongst a lush, thick groundcover for extra impact.

Pineapple lilies add an outrageous element to your garden with their 15-inch spire of tiny greenish-white or wine-colored flowers atop a base of broad strappy green leaves. After bloom, eucomis put on a stellar second show as their dried seed heads are considered by many to be even more gorgeous than the original blossoms.

Caladiums provide an exotic touch with their large heart-shaped leaves. We’re used to seeing these striking foliage plants in hues of pink, silver and red grown indoors, however they grow wonderfully in shady areas outside. Most caladiums grow one to three feet tall. They are particularly sensitive to cool soil, so only plant them outdoors once soil is warm to the hand. If sufficiently watered, count on caladiums to perform at full-tilt all season long, until frost.

Today, Florida is the heart of most field-grown caladium production. Nearly 95 per cent of the Florida crop comes from one town alone: Lake Placid, which dubs itself the Caladium Capitol of the World.

Totally-tropical-looking cannas are natural vertical accents. Tall and broad-leaved, cannas excel in the garden and as anchors in mixed container plantings where the interplay of heights, drape, flowers and foliage can be intricate. With leaves so dramatic, it’s easy to forget that cannas also produce flamboyant flowers. I’ve seen these used to great effect in the Annapolis Historic Gardens.

As with your spring-flowering bulbs, plant summer bloomers with a handful of bone meal, water well as required then sit back to enjoy the show.