nora darcy asked 16 years ago
Hi Gerry, I would like to know what are the best flowers to plants in a housing estate (general area) whcih look good, are inexpensive and need minimum care (if such a perfect plants exists!!). I love the spring bulbs of daffs and tulips but is there an equivalent for summer? Many Thanks
1 Answers
Gerry Daly Staff answered 7 years ago
Summer bulbs include lilies, dahlias, gladiolus, tigridia, begonia and galtonia. None of these is as accommodating as daffodils, which are robust, hardy and need little care. Dahlias, gladiolus and begonias are tender and can only be put out when frost is passed. The others needs good soil and weed-free conditions.
If you wanted a show of summer colour, dahlias are your best bet. They last longer than the others. The tubers can be planted directly in the soil in late April and you can risk them outdoors over winter. But they need to be kept weed-free and given some feeding. They do not persist very well in most soils and are best started off each year, or you could plant out bedding dahlias in May.
