Summer Flowering Bulbs — Alliums and Freesias for Irish Gardens

5 products

Summer flowering bulbs carry colour on from the spring bulbs, with bee-friendly alliums and scented double freesias. Alliums thrive in sunny, well-drained Irish borders, and freesias do well in sheltered spots and pots. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Allium caeruleum in flower, tight spheres of true cornflower-blue florets, 160-bulb pack for Irish gardens

160x Allium caeruleum (Blue Globe Onion) Bulbs - Blue - Summer Flowering - Size 4/5

Freesia Double Mix in flower, scented double funnel flowers on arching stems, 160-bulb pack for Irish gardens

160x Double Freesia Mix Bulbs - Mixed - Cut Flower - Size 5/+

Allium sphaerocephalon in flower, small egg-shaped heads that ripen from green to claret, 800-bulb pack for Irish gardens

800x Allium sphaerocephalon (Drumstick Allium) Bulbs - Purple - Summer Flowering - Size 5/6

Allium caeruleum in flower, tight spheres of true cornflower-blue florets, 320-bulb pack for Irish gardens

320x Allium caeruleum (Blue Globe Onion) Bulbs - Blue - Summer Flowering - Size 4/5

Freesia Double Mix in flower, scented double funnel flowers on arching stems, 320-bulb pack for Irish gardens

320x Double Freesia Mix Bulbs - Mixed - Cut Flower - Size 5/+

When and how to plant summer bulbs in Ireland

Alliums are planted in autumn, from September to November, while freesias go in during spring (March–April) once the risk of frost has passed. Plant alliums at about three times the bulb's height, pointed end up, in free-draining soil.

Bulb When to plant Depth Spacing Light Flowers
Blue globe onion Allium caeruleum September–November About 3× bulb height 15 cm Full sun May–June
Drumstick allium Allium sphaerocephalon September–November About 3× bulb height 15 cm Full sun Summer
Allium 'Buzzing Beauties' mix September–November About 3× bulb height 15–30 cm Full sun May–June
Double freesia Freesia mix March–April About 5 cm In groups Full sun Summer

Getting the best from summer bulbs

Alliums need full sun and good drainage; wet, waterlogged ground rots bulbs more readily than cold. They are excellent for bees, and their seed heads stay decorative well into summer, so there is no need to cut them back straight away. Leave the foliage for about six weeks after flowering so the bulbs build up for next year.

Freesias suit a sunny patio pot as well as the border, and they make good cut flowers. If squirrels or mice are a problem, cover newly planted bulbs with chicken wire until shoots appear.

Frequently asked questions

When do you plant allium bulbs in Ireland?

Plant allium bulbs in autumn, from September to November, in full sun and well-drained soil. They flower the following summer.

Can I plant freesia bulbs in autumn?

Freesias are planted in spring, in March–April, once the risk of frost has passed. Plant them about 5 cm deep in full sun.

Are alliums good for bees?

Yes. Alliums are excellent for bees, and their flower heads are an easy way to add pollinator value to a sunny border.

See all allium bulbs, our pollinator garden plants and spring flowering bulbs.
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