Bulbs to Plant in July

Flowering Bulbs in July

July sits at a useful crossroads in the bulb calendar. Summer is in full swing, but the season is already starting to think ahead. There's still time to plant summer bulbs that will carry colour right through to the first frosts, and July is also when the first autumn-flowering bulbs arrive, ready to go straight in the ground for a September and October display.

Quick wins in July:

• Last opportunity to plant summer flowering bulbs for colour through August and September
• First chance to get autumn-flowering varieties like colchicums in the ground
• Ideal for topping up pots, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets that are starting to look thin
• Warm soil means fast establishment for anything you put in now

What Bulbs Can You Plant in July?

July suits two distinct groups. The first is summer bulbs that are still worth planting now because the soil is warm and they'll establish and flower before autumn arrives. The second is early autumn bulbs, particularly colchicum and Nerine, which need to go in during summer to produce their flowers in September and October.

In July, look out for bulbs that:

• Are listed as ready to plant now (check each product page)
• Either flower quickly in warm soil or are specifically autumn-flowering varieties
• Suit well drained soil or containers with good drainage
• Are matched to your light levels, whether full sun or partial shade

Top 5 Bulbs for July Planting

1. Mertensia virginica (Virginian Bluebells): July is the right time to plant these dormant rhizomes, as the plant rests completely in summer and establishes quietly before pushing up growth again in spring. Give them a shaded or partially shaded spot with reliably moist, fertile soil and they'll reward you with clusters of nodding, tubular blue flowers from mid spring. 
2. Gladiolus Corms: A succession planting of gladiolus in July will deliver tall, striking blooms in late summer and early autumn, extending the display well beyond earlier plantings. Plant in full sun in well drained soil, stake taller varieties in exposed spots, and you'll have good cut stems through into September. Hardy varieties can often be left in the ground over winter.
3. Amaryllis belladonna (Jersey Lily): This is the true outdoor amaryllis and July is exactly when the RHS recommends planting it. Put the bulbs in a warm, sheltered position with well drained soil, ideally against a south-facing wall, and they'll send up tall stems of sweet scented pink flowers before any foliage appears. Striking, low maintenance, and one of the most rewarding autumn bulbs you can plant at this time of year. It holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. 
4. Colchicum (Autumn Crocus): These autumn-flowering bulbs go in dry and dormant during summer, then push flowers up through bare soil without any foliage. Striking, low maintenance, and a genuinely useful way to extend colour into autumn. Plant in well drained soil in sun or light shade.
5. Nerine Bowdenii: A reliable autumn-flowering bulb that goes in during summer and rewards you with clusters of vivid pink flowers on tall stems. Plant the bulbs shallowly with the neck just at the soil surface, in a warm sheltered spot with full sun and good drainage. Once established, clumps spread steadily and improve year on year.

Planting Tips for July Bulbs

July planting is straightforward but dry weather adds one extra thing to watch.

Water well and keep moisture levels up: July can bring dry spells, and newly planted bulbs need consistent moisture to get roots established. This is especially true for containers, hanging baskets, and raised beds that dry out faster than open borders.

Good drainage is still essential: Even in warm, dry conditions, waterlogged soil will cause tubers and corms to rot. Work grit or organic matter into heavy soil, or plant in pots with proper drainage holes.

Plant colchicums shallowly: Unlike most summer bulbs, colchicum corms should be planted just below the surface rather than deep. Around 10cm is usually right, but check individual product guidance.

Give nerines a sheltered, sunny spot: Nerine bowdenii performs best against a warm wall or in a south-facing border. It's not fussy once established, but the initial planting position makes a real difference to how reliably it flowers each year.

Don't overcrowd containers: Summer bulbs in pots need room for active growth. Overcrowded containers struggle for moisture and nutrients and tend to produce weaker stems and fewer flowers.

Aftercare Made Simple

July-planted summer bulbs establish quickly in warm soil, so the main job is keeping moisture consistent through any dry spells. Water container plants regularly and feed every couple of weeks once growth is active. For autumn-flowering bulbs like colchicums and nerines, aftercare at planting time is minimal. Foliage appears after flowering in the case of colchicums, and should be left to die back naturally so bulbs can build energy for the following spring.

Deadhead spent flowers on summer varieties to keep displays looking fresh and encourage more blooms through the rest of the season. As temperatures drop in autumn, ease off watering gradually. Tender tubers should be lifted before the first frosts, dried, and stored somewhere cool and frost-free over winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is July too late to plant summer bulbs? 

Not entirely. Gladiolus corms and Amaryllis belladonna planted in July will establish quickly in warm soil and perform well before the first frosts arrive. It's on the later side for the widest range of options, but there's still a good selection worth planting. 

What autumn-flowering bulbs can I plant in July? 

July is the ideal time to plant colchicums (autumn crocus) and nerine bowdenii. Both go in during summer as dormant bulbs and produce flowers in September and October. Colchicums are particularly striking because the flowers appear before any foliage, pushing straight through bare soil in early autumn.

What's the best soil for July-planted bulbs? 

Most summer and autumn-flowering bulbs need well drained soil enriched with a little organic matter or compost. Heavy, waterlogged ground is the most common cause of failure. If your garden soil is dense or slow to drain, containers and raised beds give you more control and tend to produce better results.

Do colchicums need to be lifted in late winter? 

Generally no. Colchicums are reasonably hardy and can stay in the ground year round in most UK gardens. They'll naturalise over time, with clumps gradually spreading and improving year on year. In very heavy, wet soil, lifting and replanting every few years can help maintain good flowering.