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William's Plants - Summer Bulbs - Amaryllids and Aroids
Certain plant families are dominant players in a particular season. For instance the rose family is prevalent in spring with cherries, crabapples, almonds, hawthorns, peaches, spireas, and quinces blooming in whites, pinks, and reds throughout the entire season. In summer there are many bulbous families that put on a show; but for northern gardeners who want to grow tropical plants the amaryllis and arum families perform the best.
The charts below list some members of the families and their attributes.
Size category: S = small to 18", M = medium to 36", L = large over 36"
Amaryllidaceae - the daffodil or amaryllis family
These bulbs are found throughout the world. Their large, bright, sometimes fragrant flowers make them showy additions. The foliage is usually grass or strap like and blends unobtrusively into the garden. The daffodil family has chemicals in its leaves that deter most pests.
In cold climates these bulbs are best suited for container culture. The fleshy roots won't be disturbed during storage, and they can easily be moved to display areas when in bloom. Check out some Amaryllidaceae flowers.
Name |
Size |
Attribute |
Winter Culture |
|
|
|
|
Amaryllis |
M |
Large pink trumpets in late summer without foliage |
Treat as bright light houseplant while growing |
Chlidanthus |
S |
Yellow, fragrant trumpets in early summer |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Crinum |
L |
Colorful trumpet or spidery flowers mid to late summer |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Hippeastrum |
S |
Large, colorful bowl shaped flowers in early summer |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Hymenocallis |
M |
White, spidery flowers early to mid summer |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Lycoris |
M |
Colorful trumpets in late summer without foliage |
Treat as bright light houseplant while growing |
Scadoxus |
M |
Round, red umbels in early to mid summer |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Sprekelia |
M |
Red flower with twisted petals early summer |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Zephyranthes |
S |
Small colorful cups that often bloom continuously |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Araceae - the arum family
These tuberous plants excel in the warmer parts of the world. The arum family's large, decorative leaves bring a feel of the tropics to the garden. They are great for bringing interest to shady areas or woodlands, but also capable of growing in a sunny border, if they have enough moisture. In water gardens treat them as marginals or container plants. Their foliage comes in a dizzying variety or shapes, patterns, and colors. Fortunately, since the leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, few pests bother their lush summer display.
The flowers of Araceae are contained by an advanced spathe and spadix structure. Most of the plants listed here have insignificant summer flowers or dramatic flowers in other seasons. The exception is the calla lily, Zantedeschia , which adds creamy flowers and classic foliage to the summer garden. Check out some spathe and spadix structures.
Name |
Size |
Attribute |
Winter Culture |
|
|
|
|
Amorphophallus |
L |
Large decorative leaves |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Arum italicum |
S |
Decorative ground cover, red berries in August |
Hardy. Plant in well drained, shade garden |
Caladium |
S |
Decorative ground cover |
Very tender. Before frost store dark, dry, and warm |
Colocasia |
L |
Large decorative leaves |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Sauromatum |
M |
Decorative leaves |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Zantedeschia |
M |
Calla lily flowers, decorative leaves |
Before hard frost store dark, dry, and cool |
Other families with honorable mention include the Iridaceae, Alliaceae, Liliaceae, and Asphodelaceae. These are hardy to half-hardy plants that with some pampering can perennialize in the northern gardens.
Gladiolas are spectacular members of the iris family, whose flower spikes are familiar to all. Hardy European varieties bloom in early summer. The onion and lily family have striking, colorful members native to western America, such as: Brodiaea , Calochortus , Dichelostemma , and Tritelia . These early summer marvels require dry conditions during dormancy from autumn to spring. Asphodels, like Asphodeline and Asphodelus , add spikes of bright flowers in early summer. Both are from southern European mountains and need sharp drainage. For sources, check plant societies in their native areas.
Click here for more info on summer bulbs.
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