I get really excited this time of the year particularly when I walk through the bulb display at Powerscourt Garden Pavilion and all the amazing possibilities it features. Summer bulbs like Dahlias and Begonias, Lilies and Gladioli are long flowering and easy to grow.
When choosing your bulbs make sure they are firm and dry and with no sign of mould. It is too early to plant them out just yet but they can be started off in containers somewhere cool indoors. Use a multi-purpose compost and I normally mix in some slow release fertiliser to give them an extra boost. Use the bulb itself to guide you on planting depth, a general rule is you plant them twice their height. It is important particularly with Dahlias that you protect the new soft foliage from slug damage. Always take into account the eventual height and spread of the bulbs so you can plan your bed or container.
Dahlias are a particular favourite of mine. There is such a range of sizes and colour from mini dwarf varieties to massive dinnerplate varieties. Dahlias enjoy a sunny spot in the garden. Some of the taller varieties may need staking and should also be planted away from the wind. Dahlias make excellent cut-flowers as well as being a stunning addition to your border. Take a look at some of these varieties, Dahlia Blue Bell, Dahlia Babette, Tahiti Sunrise, Edge of Joy, Mr Optimist and Jowey Gipsey.
Last year my Begonia did really well. Begonias prefer a semi shade. They perform brilliantly in window boxes and hanging baskets. Again make sure the bulbs are firm and dry. With Begonias buy large bulbs this will give bigger blooms. The Non-Stop varieties of begonias will literally give you that, flowers that bloom and bloom.
Lilies are another reliable summer bulb, they love a sunny spot in the garden. This year I’m going to try the Skyscraper lilies, Lilium Anastasia and Lilium Big Brother both will get to over six feet in height and Big brother has massive blooms.
Gladioli make brilliant cut flowers and come in an extensive range of colours. They are quite tall so will need staking, this year I’m going to try Gladioli Jo Jo which has a beautiful cerise pink flowers with a cream throat.
Summer bulbs are generally speaking are not hardy so they will need to be lifted before the first frosts in the autumn and stored somewhere cool and dry over the winter. Call in and see our display we are always happy to help.
Marianne Caplice
Horticulturalist & General Manager, Powerscourt Garden Pavilion
When choosing your bulbs make sure they are firm and dry and with no sign of mould. It is too early to plant them out just yet but they can be started off in containers somewhere cool indoors. Use a multi-purpose compost and I normally mix in some slow release fertiliser to give them an extra boost. Use the bulb itself to guide you on planting depth, a general rule is you plant them twice their height. It is important particularly with Dahlias that you protect the new soft foliage from slug damage. Always take into account the eventual height and spread of the bulbs so you can plan your bed or container.
Dahlias are a particular favourite of mine. There is such a range of sizes and colour from mini dwarf varieties to massive dinnerplate varieties. Dahlias enjoy a sunny spot in the garden. Some of the taller varieties may need staking and should also be planted away from the wind. Dahlias make excellent cut-flowers as well as being a stunning addition to your border. Take a look at some of these varieties, Dahlia Blue Bell, Dahlia Babette, Tahiti Sunrise, Edge of Joy, Mr Optimist and Jowey Gipsey.
Last year my Begonia did really well. Begonias prefer a semi shade. They perform brilliantly in window boxes and hanging baskets. Again make sure the bulbs are firm and dry. With Begonias buy large bulbs this will give bigger blooms. The Non-Stop varieties of begonias will literally give you that, flowers that bloom and bloom.
Lilies are another reliable summer bulb, they love a sunny spot in the garden. This year I’m going to try the Skyscraper lilies, Lilium Anastasia and Lilium Big Brother both will get to over six feet in height and Big brother has massive blooms.
Gladioli make brilliant cut flowers and come in an extensive range of colours. They are quite tall so will need staking, this year I’m going to try Gladioli Jo Jo which has a beautiful cerise pink flowers with a cream throat.
Summer bulbs are generally speaking are not hardy so they will need to be lifted before the first frosts in the autumn and stored somewhere cool and dry over the winter. Call in and see our display we are always happy to help.
Marianne Caplice
Horticulturalist & General Manager, Powerscourt Garden Pavilion 
