Bulbous-rooted summer flowers Dahlias, begonias, gladioli and iris are among the most popular summer flowers that come from corms, tubers or rhizomes. But there are many lesser known species that will grace the garden in succession from June until the frosts.
Some of these are not hardy; the begonias and dahlias, for instance, have to be lifted and stored in frost-free places for the winter. Others are not so tender and, particularly in the warmer parts of the country, can be left in the ground and protected with a covering of leaves or peat a few inches thick; Gladiolus byzan sinus is a good example. And among many that can be left in the ground all winter with perfect safety are the large and varied family of lilies, montbretias, crocosmias, alliums, alstroemerias, camassias and many more. These will multiply if left undisturbed, though a danger is that their position may be forgotten in the winter and new shoots may be damaged by hoeing, etc. as they come through in the spring. For this reason it is always advisable to mark the spots where they are planted.
Begonias, dahlias and gladioli are much grown by amateur gardeners for exhibition. Various involved techniques of propagating, feeding and protecting them from weather damage are used to grow them without any blemish, and to their full potential, but they are also in great demand for ordinary garden decoration, where only the minimum of cultivation and attention is needed. Dahlias, gladioli and alstroemerias are especially good cut flowers, while begonias and Agapanthus are perfect in tubs and other outdoor containers.
Planting time for most of them is from March to May, according to subject. Broadly speaking, they are more responsive to good soil, good conditions and good cultivation than their spring- flowering counterparts.
