If you're looking to add vibrant color and lush blooms to your patio, balcony, or garden beds, summer bulbs planted in containers are a fantastic solution. Easy to grow and incredibly rewarding, these bulbs can turn even the smallest spaces into a show-stopping floral display.

Why Choose Summer Bulbs for Containers?

• Versatility: Containers let you place your blooms anywhere – sunny patios, shaded porches, or alongside seating areas.
• Mobility: Move your containers around to follow the sun or rearrange them to refresh your outdoor decor.
• Extended Bloom Time: With smart selection and succession planting, summer bulbs can provide continuous color from late spring to fall.

Top Summer Bulbs to Try in Containers

Here are some excellent choices that thrive in pots:

Begonias – Ideal for shady spots, begonias offer constant color and perform beautifully in containers.

Caladiums – While not grown for flowers, their vibrant foliage brings a splash of color and texture to any container display.

Calla Lilies – Elegant and sculptural, callas add a modern touch to containers and do well in partial shade.

Cannas – Add a tropical feel with their large, striking leaves and dramatic flowers.

Dahlias – These bold, colorful blooms come in many shapes and sizes. Dwarf and compact varieties are especially suited to containers.

Gladioli – Plant in succession for an extended show of tall, spiky blooms in midsummer.

Container Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Pot: Ensure good drainage with holes at the bottom. Larger pots retain moisture better and accommodate multiple bulbs.
• Use Quality Potting Mix: A light, well-draining mix is ideal. Avoid using garden soil, which can compact and retain too much water.
• Fertilize Regularly: Most summer bulbs are heavy feeders. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or feed every 2-4 weeks with a liquid fertilizer.
• Water Wisely: Containers dry out faster than garden beds. Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot spells.
• Deadhead for More Blooms: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and keep the container looking tidy.

Design Ideas for Container Arrangements

• Thriller, Filler, Spiller: Use tall bulbs like cannas or dahlias as “thrillers,” surround them with shorter plants like begonias or caladiums as “fillers,” and let trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine “spill” over the edge.
• Color Themes: Create a cohesive look with color schemes – bold brights, soft pastels, or monochromatic elegance.
• Mix and Match: Combine bulbs with annuals or perennials for texture and variety. Try pairing caladiums with impatiens or cannas with trailing petunias.

With a little planning and care, summer bulbs in containers can deliver a season-long floral show that enhances any outdoor space. Whether you're working with a compact patio or a large deck, containers offer a flexible and beautiful way to enjoy these stunning blooms.

Caladium and Canna photographs courtesy of Proven Winners

All other photographs courtesy of iBulb.org